American residents spent a staggering $119.84 billion on gambling platforms in 2023. This represents a 27.5% increase from 2022.
William Hill has emerged as one of the giants in the booming sports betting market. This betting powerhouse earned around £1.3 billion in revenue during 2021. The company controls over 14% of the UK sports betting market. Building an app similar to William Hill means targeting a global market worth $76 billion in 2022. Experts project this market to grow to $140 billion by 2028.
Building your own app similar to William Hill requires an investment between $8,000 and $40,000. The final cost depends on your chosen features. William Hill's story began in 1934 during a time when gambling was illegal. The company has transformed into a digital betting powerhouse that dominates the UK market and has expanded into parts of the USA.
This piece provides a detailed walkthrough to create your own app similar to William Hill. You'll learn about crucial features, legal compliance, development expenses, and revenue models. Let's begin a journey to build your competitive sports betting platform!
Understanding the William Hill Model
William Hill has been a giant in the betting industry for almost 90 years. Starting in 1934, this gambling powerhouse has become a household name across many countries. Let's get into why so many bettors pick this platform and what makes its model worth copying when you develop an app like William Hill.
What makes William Hill a market leader
William Hill employs over 12,500 people worldwide and runs 1,414 betting shops. This huge physical presence adds to their digital operations, giving them an advantage in both worlds. The company's London headquarters guides its business with a customer-first approach that goes back to their foundation.
Their market position comes from a powerful mix of reliability, adaptability, and state-of-the-art solutions. Many betting platforms appear and disappear, but William Hill has managed to keep customer trust by paying out winnings quickly and creating a secure betting environment. This trust turns casual bettors into loyal users, a vital factor in an industry where security concerns can make or break a business.
William Hill has shown remarkable flexibility in responding to market moves. They invested heavily in app development as mobile betting grew popular. They knew early on that on-the-go betting would become essential. This foresight has helped them stay relevant despite tough competition.
Key features that drive user engagement
One impressive stat shows William Hill's popularity: over ONE MILLION bets happen through their platform daily. This amazing number reflects several key engagement features you should add to your betting app.
Their interface puts simplicity first without losing functionality. Users find their desired bets easily without complex navigation, a significant point to remember for your app development.
William Hill offers more in-play betting markets than any other mobile bookmaker. Users can place bets during live events. This up-to-the-minute involvement keeps users on the platform longer and increases betting frequency.
The app delivers:
- Up-to-the-minute results across numerous sports categories
- Expert insights through their Racing Post partnership
- Virtual sports betting options for 24/7 involvement
- Mobile-exclusive promotions and bonuses
Their wide range of betting options works for both new and experienced gamblers. Simple match-winner bets to complex accumulators help keep a diverse user base, something you should think about as you build an app like William Hill.
Revenue and user base statistics
William Hill generated about £1.3 billion in revenue in 2023, showing a slight drop from the previous year. Their US operations stand out, handling a record $2.50 billion in stakes during fiscal year 2019.
They process one in every four bets placed in the US, with different market shares across regions:
- 32% market share across Nevada
- 20% market share in US expansion business
- 9% share of US online and mobile betting
About 60% of their Nevada handle happened online. This shows how important digital platforms are in their business model. Their UK retail business saw an 8% revenue drop over six months to June (compared to the previous year), but their parent company Evoke reported a 5% revenue increase to £435 million in Q3 2025.
These numbers show that despite some ups and downs, William Hill's model stays profitable and worth copying for those who want to create an app like William Hill.
Launch a World-Class Betting Experience
Integrate reliable features and a customer-first interface to create a competitive sports betting app tailored to your vision.
Market Potential for Sports Betting Apps
The sports betting industry grows explosively worldwide. Recent figures show exciting possibilities for entrepreneurs who want to develop an app like William Hill. Let's look at the numbers, trends, and possibilities in this booming market.
Global market size and growth rate
The global sports betting market reached $100.9 billion in 2024 and continues to expand. Market analyzes project this figure to surge to $187.39 billion by 2030, with a remarkable CAGR of 11% from 2025 to 2030. Some projections suggest a slightly conservative yet impressive growth rate, estimating $108.92 billion in 2024 to $198.53 billion by 2030.
Several factors drive this rapid expansion:
- Increased internet and mobile phone access
- Growing legalization in regions of all sizes
- Rising consumer confidence in online betting platforms
- Technological advancements in digital betting systems
The online segment of sports betting outpaces traditional channels and should grow at a faster CAGR of nearly 12.9% through 2030. This digital platform shift opens up possibilities for those who want to build an app like William Hill.
Legalization trends in the US and Europe
America's sports betting landscape has changed since the 2018 repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act). Today, 38 states plus Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting in some form. However, only 24 jurisdictions offer full online sports betting with multiple operators.
State-by-state adoption has produced remarkable results. The US sports betting industry generated a record $13.71 billion in revenue in 2024, up from $11.04 billion in 2023. American bettors placed nearly $150 billion worth of bets during this period.
New York leads as the country's largest sports betting market with $2.10 billion in revenue for 2024. Illinois and New Jersey follow closely, each exceeding $1 billion in annual sports betting revenue.
Europe takes a different path. The European Union lets member states organize their gambling services independently. This creates a diverse regulatory landscape where:
- Some countries permit all forms of online gambling
- Others restrict offerings to specific types like betting or poker
- Many have established licensing systems allowing multiple operators
This regulatory flexibility makes Europe a gold standard in online gambling. Gross revenue should exceed €27 billion in 2025.
Opportunities in emerging markets
New growth opportunities exist beyond established markets. The Asia Pacific region shows the most promise with the fastest expected CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Key growth drivers include:
- Rising smartphone usage and expanding internet access
- Growing interest in sports like cricket, basketball, and esports
- Regulatory shifts in countries like India and the Philippines
Prediction markets offer another exciting development. These markets work like traditional sports betting but operate under different regulatory frameworks. They could account for $435 billion of a $1 trillion prediction markets industry and provide access where traditional mobile sports betting remains illegal.
The sports betting app market offers extraordinary possibilities for forward-thinking developers and investors as state-level legalization continues and consumer acceptance grows.
Essential Features to Build an App Like William Hill
Building a successful sports betting app demands specific features that users look for in market-leading platforms. A William Hill-like app needs these key elements to improve engagement and revenue.
User registration and profile
The first impression makes a difference in betting apps. Users should have a smooth onboarding process to register through email, phone, or social media accounts. The app needs a Know Your Customer (KYC) process to verify age and identity for legal compliance.
The platform should store betting history, transaction records, and account settings in user profiles. Advanced betting platforms track performance metrics like win/loss ratios and betting patterns that help users analyze and make smarter betting decisions. Personal dashboards show balances and past bets, giving users a reason to return to the platform.
Live betting and real-time odds
Live betting stands out as the most compelling feature in successful betting apps. Players can place bets during games instead of just before they start. Industry reports show that in-play betting generates about 70% of total sports betting revenues.
The app should deliver odds updates in milliseconds. Leading platforms process and display updates within 100-500 milliseconds after receiving data from providers. This needs caching layers, optimized database operations, and content delivery networks to reduce latency.
Users get a better experience with "Touch-to-Bet" functionality. They can tap individual players in the live stream to see relevant statistics and player prop betting markets. This feature boosts betting activity and user involvement.
In-app wallet and secure payments
Betting apps need secure and convenient payment processing. Payment options should include:
- Credit/debit cards
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Cryptocurrencies
- Bank transfers
Digital wallets keep growing in popularity. 37% of global online sports bettors list them as their payment priority. VIP bettors show even stronger preference, with 46% of those betting 5-7 times weekly choosing wallet payments.
End-to-end encryption for transactions and AI-based fraud detection protect users. These security measures build trust, a vital factor in an industry where financial security concerns can determine an app's success.
Push notifications and match alerts
Push notifications create a direct line between your platform and users. Yes, it is a powerful tool to boost engagement, as 93% of notifications from major betting companies contain advertising material.
Successful push notification strategies cover:
- Live score updates and match results
- Odds changes for favorite teams or events
- Promotional offers and bonuses
- Reminders for upcoming games
Alerts should match user priorities and betting patterns. Well-timed notifications bring users back to your app regularly.
Live streaming and match schedules
Live streaming of sporting events should be part of your betting platform. Users can watch and bet at the same time, creating an immersive experience. Low-latency streaming matters, even a few seconds delay between the live feed and viewer's reaction can affect odds and outcomes.
Multi-language and accessibility support
Global platforms need multi-language functionality. Studies show over 70% of customers want support in their preferred language. Languages should cover interface elements, betting terminology and customer support.
The app should be available to users with disabilities. Screen reader compatibility, color contrast options, and alternative text for images are essential. Meeting accessibility standards grows your potential user base and shows social responsibility.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Your sports betting app development needs a solid foundation in regulatory compliance. Even the best betting platform risks immediate shutdown and heavy penalties without proper licensing. Let's get into the legal requirements you need for your betting app project.
Licensing by region or country
Sports betting rules vary dramatically by location. The United States regulates betting at the state level instead of federally. Right now, 38 states plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico allow legal sports betting in some form. Among these, 30 states let users bet online through apps or websites.
Each state has its own licensing rules:
- Application fees range from $10,000 to $1 million (non-refundable)
- Annual licensing fees can reach $10 million in states like Pennsylvania
- Processing takes about 6-18 months
Most areas offer two main license types:
- Operator License: Lets you run a sportsbook (online or retail)
- Vendor/Supplier License: Required when you provide software, odds, or related services
App store compliance rules
The major app marketplaces enforce strict rules for gambling applications. Apple's App Store has some of the toughest requirements:
Your app must follow all local regulations in your service areas. Apple requires gambling apps to:
- Have proper licenses for each operating location
- Limit access to licensed areas only
- Be free to download in the App Store
Apple also requires native iOS coding for real-money gambling apps. Their 2019 guideline update states that "HTML5 games distributed in apps may not provide access to real money gaming". The binary must contain all functions for Apple's review.
Google Play has similar location and licensing rules but differs in implementation timing and technical specs. Both platforms can remove non-compliant apps right away.
Age verification and responsible gambling
Keeping underage users away from gambling is both legally required and ethically necessary. Most U.S. states set the betting age at 21, except Oregon which allows betting at 18.
Good age verification systems must:
- Verify user identity through detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) steps
- Check personal details against public records
- Request government ID or partial SSN when needed
- Use location tracking to confirm where users are
Advanced checks might use facial recognition to match ID documents with live selfies. AI and machine learning help catch fake verification attempts.
Responsible gambling features must be part of your app. Many areas require operators to provide:
- Deposit and time limits for players
- Self-exclusion options that users can't cancel during the chosen period
- Easy ways to ask questions or file complaints
- Problem gambling helpline numbers and resources
Missing proper age checks or responsible gambling tools can lead to big problems. Penalties include fines up to $500,000, criminal charges, and permanent state bans.
Building an app like William Hill requires detailed verification systems and responsible gambling features from the start. This approach saves time and helps avoid expensive regulatory issues later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Sports Betting App
You need a step-by-step plan to build a sports betting app. The process starts with core features and ends with product testing. Here's how to create an app like William Hill that can compete in today's market.
Define your business model
Your betting platform needs a clear revenue strategy. Most sports betting apps make money through these models:
- Transaction Fee Model: The margin built into odds (also called vig or juice) guarantees profits whatever the betting outcomes
- Subscription Model: Premium content or exclusive odds through monthly subscriptions
- Virtual Currency: Token systems paired with loyalty programs
- Advertising: Extra revenue through sponsored content and ad placements
Your revenue model shapes everything from interface design to backend setup. To cite an instance, transaction-fee apps must have advanced odds adjustment systems. Subscription platforms must offer compelling premium features so users keep paying monthly.
Choose your betting types and sports
The betting markets you offer will shape how users participate:
- Moneyline: Simple wagers on which team wins (ideal for beginners)
- Handicap/Point Spread: Bets on whether a team covers a point difference
- Live/In-Play Betting: Wagers placed during events (brings in about 70% of betting revenue)
- Prop Bets: Wagers on specific game events rather than final results
- Over/Under: Bets on total points/goals scored
After picking betting types, choose your sports lineup. NFL football, basketball, soccer, and baseball attract most users. Adding niche sports helps your platform stand out.
Select a reliable data provider
Quality data feeds make or break your app's success. A good provider gives you live odds, scores, and statistics from trusted sources. Modern APIs are the backbone of any competitive online sports betting provider.
A provider review should check:
- Data accuracy and update speed (subsecond updates work best)
- Sports and leagues covered
- API documentation quality
- Integration capabilities
- Pricing structure
LSports covers over 100 sports and 15,000 leagues with almost zero delay. This service level keeps you competitive when betting moves fast.
Design the UI/UX for ease of use
User interface quality drives engagement and keeps players coming back. Each dollar spent on UX design returns $100.
Your betting app should:
- Make content match user priorities
- Look and work the same across all devices
- Let users bet with one tap
- Support many ways to pay
- Show odds and stats clearly
Develop backend and integrate APIs
The backend powers your app's data processing, bet placements, and payments. A solid architecture provides:
- Scalability: Microservices break down your backend into parts that grow independently
- Real-time performance: WebSocket connections enable live data flows
- Payment processing: Multiple payment gateways with PCI-DSS compliance
- Security measures: SSL encryption and two-factor authentication
API integration works best with these steps to avoid downtime and security risks:
- List what your business just needs
- Pick the right API providers
- Study the documentation
- Create test environments
- Work together with development teams
Test for performance and security
A full picture prevents problems from getting pricey after launch. Key areas include:
- Performance testing: Check how the app handles peak traffic
- Security audits: Meet regulations and find weak points
- User acceptance testing: Real users give feedback on usability
- Load testing: See how the app handles major sporting events
Geolocation, payments, and user experience need extra attention. Betting platforms must meet strict rules and handle money safely.
Simplify Your App Development Journey
From selecting reliable data providers to designing an intuitive UI, let our experts guide you through every technical step.
Cost Breakdown of Developing a Betting App
Sports betting platform development costs can vary based on several factors. You need to understand the financial aspects to plan your budget when you want to build an app like William Hill.
Simple vs advanced feature sets
Your budget depends on the features you choose. A simple betting app with core functionality costs between $30,000 and $50,000. Apps with live betting can get pricey at $50,000-$200,000, while AI-powered options start at $200,000+.
Simple apps come with these features:
- User registration and profiles
- Odds display
- Standard payment options
Platform choice: iOS, Android, or both
Your choice of platform shapes your budget. iOS development averages $50,000, while Android costs about $23,000. Android development ends up 20-30% more expensive despite lower rates. Here's why:
Android needs 40% more code to achieve similar functionality. Testing takes 30% longer because of device fragmentation with 24,000+ possible variations. iOS testing cycles are 15-20% shorter thanks to its controlled ecosystem.
You can save 30-50% by using cross-platform frameworks instead of building separate native apps. This lets you enter the market faster with one codebase.
Backend infrastructure and data integration
Backend development takes up much of your budget. Server setup costs range from $5,000 to $20,000 at first, and monthly hosting starts at $25, scaling with user traffic.
Data integration adds another big expense. Adding live sports data from leagues and tournaments costs between $10,000 and $50,000. This covers APIs for odds, scores, and betting markets.
Security, compliance, and testing costs
Security is crucial for betting apps. Strong security measures like encryption, fraud detection, and KYC verification add $5,000-$30,000 to your budget.
License fees change by region, ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. Regular compliance audits cost $5,000-$20,000 yearly.
Testing takes up 10-15% of total development costs. This investment helps avoid problems after launch, especially with payments and location tracking.
Your yearly maintenance will be 15-25% of your original development cost. This covers updates, fixes, and support needs.
How Betting Apps Like William Hill Make Money
Sports betting apps make huge profits through several money-making strategies. Building an app like William Hill requires a deep understanding of these revenue models to succeed.
Transaction fees and juice (vigorish)
Betting platforms mainly earn from vigorish or "juice" - a commission built into betting odds. This fee works like a tax on wagers and guarantees profit no matter who wins. A typical point spread bet with -110 odds on both sides creates about 4.76% vig.
The math is simple. Bettors must wager $110 to win $100 at -110 odds. Two bettors placing opposing $110 bets total $220. The sportsbook pays $210 to the winner and keeps $10 as profit.
In-app purchases and premium features
Betting platforms boost revenue through premium services:
- Virtual chips and coins for casino-style games
- Boosters and power-ups that increase odds or provide higher payouts
- Exclusive game modes and VIP tables requiring entry fees
- Customized betting advice and analytics
William Hill makes extra money from premium features like early cash-outs, enhanced odds, and customized match recommendations.
Affiliate marketing and partnerships
User acquisition grows through affiliate marketing with performance-based payments. Partners earn commissions by promoting betting apps via referral links, bringing in new sign-ups and deposits. This helps reach users interested in specific betting types like soccer or poker.
Sports sponsorships create visibility and open new revenue streams. William Hill works together with sports leagues and teams to boost brand exposure while generating income.
Data licensing and analytics tools
Betting platforms gather massive user data about betting priorities and behavior trends. Sports leagues, media organizations, and other businesses find this anonymized information valuable.
Apps also charge fees on deposits and withdrawals. This creates steady income and encourages users to participate more often on the platform.
Choosing the Right Development Partner
A great development team can make all the difference in your sports betting application's success. Here's how to choose the right partner to build an app like William Hill.
Why work with a mobile app development company like CISIN
CISIN creates sports-specific software solutions that match betting platforms' exact requirements. The company runs thorough security and functionality tests to ensure your betting app works smoothly. CISIN's mobile application development team provides continuous support after the app goes live and releases regular updates. Their sports software helps build stronger fan relationships through customized, interactive features.
What to look for in a development partner
Your development team selection should focus on these key factors:
- Industry experience: Look for teams that have built sports betting apps before
- Technology expertise: The team should excel at Flutter and native technologies like Swift and Kotlin
- Security focus: Strong data protection and secure payment gateways are crucial
- Client feedback: Past client testimonials reveal the company's reputation and service quality
Importance of post-launch support and updates
Your app needs consistent support to run smoothly after launch. The right partner will watch performance metrics, resolve bugs, and roll out timely updates. They should gather user feedback that helps improve the app. Scand suggests that long-term technical support helps betting platforms stay current and avoid technical issues. This ongoing partnership keeps users engaged well beyond the app's original release.
Secure Your App's Long-Term Success
Get a custom solution with continuous post-launch support and regular updates to keep your platform competitive.
Conclusion
The digital gambling landscape offers a perfect chance to build a sports betting app like William Hill. Market projections show the global industry will grow faster and reach $140 billion by 2028. New entrepreneurs can grab a substantial market share by jumping in now.
Your app's success depends on solid planning and execution. You need to pick a business model that lines up with your revenue goals through transaction fees, premium features, or affiliate partnerships. The next step involves picking your target sports markets and betting types. You'll also need reliable data providers to power your platform with accurate, live information.
A betting app lives or dies by its user experience. Users stay longer when they find clean interfaces, easy navigation, and quick bet placement. Live betting, instant odds updates, and secure payment processing have become basic requirements that users expect.
The legal side needs careful attention. Each region has its own rules, and licensing costs run from $10,000 to $500,000. Working with gambling law experts early helps you dodge major problems later.
Building costs range from $30,000 to $200,000, based on your features and platform choices. These numbers might look big, but William Hill's billion-dollar revenue shows the potential payoff.
Your work doesn't stop at launch. The app needs regular updates based on user feedback, market shifts, and new technology. This keeps you competitive in this ever-changing industry.
The right development partner plays a crucial role in your success. Mobile app development company CISIN builds betting platforms that include essential features and follow regulations. Their expertise helps bring your ideas to life while avoiding common industry pitfalls.
Success in sports betting comes to those who mix breakthroughs with dependability. Your app can compete with giants like William Hill by focusing on what users need, following laws, and building strong technical foundations. The market is ready - are you game to take this bet?
