How to Build a Sports Betting App Like BetMGM in 2027: Features, Costs and Revenue Models

Key Takeaways:

• Developing a sports betting app like BetMGM may cost $8,000 to $90,000+, excluding major licensing and operating expenses.
• Core features include live odds, bet slips, secure payments, identity checks, bet history, and responsible gambling tools.
• U.S. sportsbook licensing varies by state, so confirm legal requirements before development begins.
• White-label platforms can speed up launch, while custom development offers greater control over features and technology.
• Budget for sports data, security, compliance, vendor fees, testing, and ongoing maintenance not just app development.

Ever wondered how much it takes to build a sports betting app like BetMGM?

A great idea can turn into an expensive headache if you overlook real-time odds, secure payments, or state gambling laws. Miss these details, and your app could face costly delays before launch.

The good news? A clear plan can help you avoid common mistakes and control your budget. 

In this guide, we’ll cover essential features, development steps, estimated costs, licensing, security, and the business model behind a sportsbook app in the U.S.

What Is the BetMGM App, and How Does It Work

The BetMGM app is a mobile sports betting platform that lets eligible users in supported U.S. states wager on sports events, check live odds, and track bets from their phones.

How does it work?

• Account setup: Users register and complete age and identity checks.
• Location checks: Geolocation confirms they are in a permitted area.
• Browse markets: Users explore sports, fixtures, live scores, and betting odds.
• Place bets: They fund their account, select odds, and submit a bet slip.
• Track results: The app settles bets and updates balances and bet history.

BetMGM App: Market Overview & Statistics

Explore BetMGM’s market position, app performance, revenue growth, user trends, and key sports betting statistics.

• BetMGM reported Q3 2026 revenue of $710 million, up 7% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $86 million. iGaming revenue rose 6% to $483 million, driving growth.
• The U.S. sports betting market reached $17.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $33.18 billion by 2030, growing at a 10.9% CAGR, driven by online betting and mobile access.

What Are the Benefits of Sports Betting App Development like BetMGM?

Sports betting app development like BetMGM can help businesses reach mobile users, improve betting experiences, and build new revenue streams in regulated U.S. markets.

1. Reach More Mobile Users

A mobile sportsbook lets eligible users explore betting markets, check live odds, and place wagers on the go. This can expand access across supported states.

2. Build Trust With Secure Payments

Fast deposits, clear withdrawals, and accurate transaction records reduce payment friction. Ewallet App Development Services can support wallet integration, payment tracking, and secure money movement.

3. Create New Revenue Opportunities

A sportsbook can earn revenue from betting activity, subject to licensing, operating costs, and market rules. Strong risk management helps businesses track wagers and manage liabilities.

4. Improve User Engagement

Live scores, in-play betting, bet history, and timely notifications give users reasons to return. Personalized features can make the experience more relevant without encouraging harmful gambling.

5. Make Smarter Business Decisions

Analytics can reveal popular sports, user activity, and betting trends. These insights help teams improve app performance, plan promotions, and monitor sportsbook operations.

6. Scale With the Right Development Partner

A reliable sports betting app development company can help plan APIs, odds feeds, account systems, security controls, and scalable infrastructure for a growing sportsbook.

Must-Have Features of a Sports Betting App Like BetMGM

A sportsbook needs more than a clean design. It must support secure accounts, accurate odds, smooth payments, and reliable bet settlement to serve users in regulated U.S. markets.

1. User Registration, Age Verification, and Identity Checks

Users create accounts with basic details and verify their identity before betting. Age checks, KYC procedures, and location rules help meet state-specific gambling requirements.

2. User Profile and Account Management

A user dashboard lets players update personal details, manage account settings, review verification status, and set security preferences. Clear account controls make everyday tasks easier.

3. Sports Catalogue, Fixtures, Odds, and Live Scores

Display sports, upcoming fixtures, live scores, betting markets, and current odds in one place. Reliable sports data feeds help keep event details and odds updates accurate.

4. Admin Dashboard, Market Management, and Reporting

An admin panel helps authorized teams manage events, betting markets, odds, user accounts, and reports. Many sports betting app development companies build role-based access and audit logs into this system.

5. Bet Slip, Single Bets, and Supported Parlays

A bet slip shows selected markets, stake amounts, and potential returns before submission. Support single bets and permitted parlays, with clear odds and confirmation messages.

6. Wallet, Deposits, Withdrawals, and Transaction History

Users need a clear view of available balances, deposits, withdrawals, and past transactions. Secure payment gateways, fraud checks, and accurate reconciliation help protect financial records.

7. Bet History, Settlement, and Notifications

Users can review open bets, settled wagers, and past results. Timely alerts share important updates, while a reliable settlement engine calculates outcomes and adjusts account balances.

8. Responsible Gambling Controls

Give users tools to set deposit limits, take time-outs, or self-exclude where required. Strong cybersecurity software development practices also help protect account data and support safer platform operations.

Advanced Features That Can Differentiate Your Sports Betting App in 2027

Advanced sportsbook features can improve speed, personalization, and user experience. The right mix helps your app stand out while supporting safer, more reliable betting operations.

1. Real-Time In-Play Betting and Odds Updates

Let users place eligible bets while games are underway. Live data feeds and fast odds updates keep markets current, while automated suspension rules help manage sudden changes.

2. Bet Builder and Same-Game Parlays

Allow users to combine compatible selections from one game into a single wager. The pricing engine must calculate combined odds correctly and reject selections that cannot be combined.

3. Cash-Out Eligibility and Pricing Engine

Give users the option to settle eligible bets before an event ends. A pricing engine checks live odds, market status, and risk rules to calculate available cash-out offers.

4. AI-Powered Recommendations and Fraud Signals

AI can analyze user activity to personalize app content and flag unusual transactions. Test models carefully, protect personal data, and use fraud alerts to support human review.

5. Personalised Promotions and Loyalty Rewards

Offer relevant promotions and rewards based on eligible activity and clear terms. Loyalty tools can support retention, but campaigns should follow local rules and responsible gambling safeguards.

6. Advanced Analytics and Performance Monitoring

Track betting activity, app response times, failed transactions, and market performance through analytics dashboards. Real-time monitoring helps teams spot issues and respond before they disrupt major games.

Step-by-Step BetMGM-Like Sports Betting App Development Process

Building a sportsbook takes more than coding. You need a clear plan for features, payments, sports data, security, and U.S. gambling laws before launch.

Step 1: Research the Market and Legal Rules

Choose your target states and learn their sports betting laws. Check licensing needs, local competitors, user demand, and age restrictions before investing in development.

• Define your target users and sports.
• Review state licensing rules with legal experts.
• Decide whether to partner with a licensed operator.

Step 2: Plan Features and Design the App

Map the user journey, from account signup to bet settlement. Start with core features such as KYC checks, sports markets, bet slips, wallet access, and account history. Add advanced tools later.

• Create wireframes and clickable prototypes.
• Plan the admin dashboard and user roles.
• Set an MVP budget and delivery timeline.

Step 3: Choose the Technology Stack

Pick tools that can handle live odds, secure payments, and busy game-day traffic. Your stack should support fast updates, reliable APIs, data security, and future growth.

Step 4: Build Core Features and Integrate Vendors

Develop account management, sports markets, bet slips, wallet services, and bet settlement. Connect trusted sports data feeds, payment gateways, identity checks, and geolocation tools. Test each integration before launch.

Step 5: Test Security, Bets, and Performance

Test the app across devices and under heavy traffic. Check that odds update correctly, bets settle properly, and wallet balances match transaction records.

• Run security and penetration tests.
• Test deposits, withdrawals, and failed payments.
• Check geolocation and identity verification.
• Load-test major game-day traffic.
• Review responsible gambling tools and audit logs.

Step 6: Launch, Monitor, and Improve

Launch only after required approvals and checks are complete. Monitor app crashes, payment failures, bet settlement, response times, and user feedback. Fix urgent issues first, then improve features based on real usage.

Keep tracking operating costs, sports data fees, cloud use, fraud signals, and support requests. A sportsbook needs ongoing care after launch, not just a big release day.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sports Betting App Like BetMGM?

Building a sports betting app like BetMGM can cost $8,000 to $90,000+, depending on features, complexity, integrations, and development time.

Legal, Licensing, Security, and Responsible Gambling Requirements 

Launching a U.S. sportsbook takes more than building an app. You need the right licences, strong security, legal payment systems, and tools that help users gamble responsibly.

1. U.S. State Licensing and International Options

Each U.S. state sets its own sports betting rules. Before launch, check the target state's licensing process, approved markets, and operator requirements. 

International markets have separate rules. 

For example, businesses serving Great Britain may need a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. Your location and business model will shape the legal steps.

2. KYC/AML, Geolocation, and Responsible Gambling Compliance

Your app needs identity checks, age verification, and location tools to block unauthorized betting. 

KYC and anti-money laundering controls help detect suspicious activity. Add deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, and clear support information. Exact requirements depend on the state and your licence.

3. Partnering With a Licensed Operator vs. Getting Your Own License

Partnering with a licensed operator may provide a faster route to market, but approval is not automatic. 

Your agreement and platform must meet the regulator’s rules. Getting your own licence gives you more control but brings application costs, compliance duties, and ongoing oversight.

White Label vs Custom Development 

White-label development helps you launch faster with ready-made sportsbook technology, while custom development gives you more control over features, design, and future growth.

BetMGM Style Sports Betting App Business Model: How Does an App Like BetMGM Make Money?

A sports betting app earns money through sportsbook margins, licensed casino games, and customer loyalty programs. Its real profit depends on betting activity, operating costs, promotions, and state regulations.

1. Sportsbook Gross Gaming Revenue

Sportsbooks earn revenue from bets placed on games, minus winnings paid to players. This is called gross gaming revenue (GGR), not net profit. Data fees, taxes, bonuses, and operating costs reduce the amount left over.

2. Casino Revenue, If Licensed

If the app also offers licensed online casino games, it may earn revenue from slots, blackjack, and other approved games. 

Casino gaming requires separate legal checks and may not be allowed in every state.

3. Cross-Product Loyalty and Retention Strategy

Sportsbook apps use loyalty points, eligible promotions, and personalized offers to encourage repeat visits. 

Cross-product rewards can connect sports betting and casino gaming where permitted, helping improve retention without relying only on costly sign-up bonuses.

4. Partnerships and Permitted Sponsorship Opportunities

Sports betting apps may earn money through approved brand deals, sports sponsorships, and affiliate partnerships. These deals can build visibility, but advertising must follow state rules and avoid misleading claims.

5. Customer Acquisition, Promotions, and Operating Costs

Getting new users can be expensive. Apps spend on advertising, welcome offers, sports data, compliance, and customer support. 

Payment fees also matter, so review mobile payment app development cost when budgeting deposits, withdrawals, and wallet features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a BetMGM Clone Sports Betting App

Small planning mistakes can lead to costly delays, failed bets, and unhappy users. Spot these risks early to build a safer, more reliable sportsbook.

1. Building Before Validating the Legal Market

Mistake: Launching before checking state gambling laws can lead to licensing delays, legal costs, or blocked operations.

Solution: Review target-state rules, licensing needs, and approved operating models before development.

2. Underestimating Data-Feed and Vendor Costs

Mistake: Budgeting only for coding can leave you short on live odds feeds, sports data APIs, geolocation, KYC checks, and payment provider fees.

Solution: Request vendor quotes early. Before choosing a provider, check API limits, data rights, support, uptime terms, and scaling fees.

3. Launching Too Many Features in the MVP

Mistake: Adding cash-out, bet builders, live stats, and complex promotions at launch can stretch the budget and delay testing.

Solution: Start with core features: registration, identity checks, odds, bet slips, payments, and bet history. Add advanced features after user feedback, and performance data supports them.

4. Treating Wallet Balances and Bet Settlement as Simple CRUD Operations

Mistake: Basic database updates can cause duplicate bets, incorrect balances, or payment and settlement errors when requests overlap or fail.

Solution: Use transaction-safe ledgers, unique bet IDs, idempotent payment handling, audit logs, and clear settlement rules. Test retries, refunds, voided bets, and disputed transactions.

5. Ignoring Peak-Event Traffic and Failure Recovery

Mistake: An app that works during quiet hours may slow down or fail during major NFL games, playoffs, or other high-traffic events.

Solution: Run load and stress tests before launch. Add monitoring, autoscaling, backup services, and recovery plans. Test how the app handles stale odds, dropped connections, and provider outages.

6. Using AI Without Testing, Monitoring, or Clear Safeguards

Mistake: Unchecked AI models can produce weak recommendations, flag genuine users by mistake, or create unfair customer experiences.

Solution: Test models with real-world scenarios, monitor accuracy and bias, and keep human review for high-impact decisions. Include privacy controls and responsible-gambling safeguards, and estimate the AI app development cost for testing, monitoring, and ongoing updates not just model creation.

Conclusion

Building a sports betting app like BetMGM in 2027 takes more than great design and live odds. 

You need a clear business model, reliable payment systems, strong security, and a plan for state-by-state licensing. 

Start with essential features, test every bet and transaction, and add advanced tools as your platform grows. 

Most importantly, budget for ongoing costs like sports data, compliance, customer support, and responsible gambling controls. A well-planned sportsbook can create lasting value while putting user trust first.