What do college sports fans really want from a betting app?

June 6, 2025 by Staff

With the betting industry becoming more competitive, bookmakers are working hard to appeal to diverse audiences. And one of the audiences you can actually target is college sports fans. Surprisingly, studies suggest that they account for a third of America’s population. This makes them more than 100 million individuals.

The beauty of college sports fans is their loyalty and passion. During game days, you’ll not fail to see thousands upon thousands of can’t-miss crowds flocking into stadiums while others log in to streaming platforms to catch the action live. Consider the match between Georgia and Texas, which happened in December 2024. Statista suggests that it welcomed about 16.6 million viewers on ABC and ESPN.

But this fan support does not just end on the field. It extends to wagering platforms where loyal supporters always log in to bet on different outcomes. But what exactly do they consider before selecting a betting platform? Well, keep reading to find answers.

Trustworthy security to safeguard their information

The more popular sports betting becomes, the more cybercriminals target it. Just recently, Enzoic released a report claiming that 40% of online sports bettors have encountered attacks affecting their wagering accounts. The study also added that more than half of betting sites reported security incidents in 2023 alone.

Given that threat actors are advancing, these numbers could actually increase in the coming days. And since no one, including college sports fans, wants to interact in an insecure environment, paying attention to online safety has become a non-negotiable. This is why implementing infrastructures like 2FA and SSL encryption can be a distinguishing characteristic.

2FA works by requiring two separate pieces of information to verify a user’s identity, adding extra security beyond just a username and password. Instead of only relying on something you know, like a password, 2FA requires something you have, like an app or security token. According to Effsure, adopting this seemingly simple strategy can stop up to 100% of all automated attacks and 96% of bulk phishing attacks.

SSL encryption secures internet connections by encrypting data transfer between a website and a browser. It combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms and digital certificates that make it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information. If college sports fans spot these features on your platform, they can easily trust you and become loyal customers.

Mobile-friendliness is not debatable

A website that frustrates users just because they used a device with a smaller screen to access it can discourage exploration. According to Buzzboard, 61% of users will be less likely to return to such websites. This is why you can’t afford to ignore your website’s mobile-friendliness if you’re targeting a discerning audience like college sports fans.

Besides visiting online platforms to bet, punters want the experience to be smooth. And this expectation is valid even when they are using their mobile devices. That’s why many bookmakers have implemented responsive web designs. Remember, a good number of college fans actually own smartphones, and they may want to use them to bet.

You don’t want to send them straight to a competitor just because your mobile interface is clunky and has slow-loading live odds. With responsive designs, you can ensure your website renders well on multiple screen sizes, allowing punters to enjoy consistent experiences, whether browsing on a desktop or smartphone. This improves the betting experience, which may lead to higher retention rates.

Bonus features to improve engagement

Almost everyone loves bonuses, and college sports are no exception. These features can make or break a betting app’s appeal. Looking at the broader e-commerce sector, Embryo suggests that three-quarters of consumers can shift brands for a better loyalty program, further highlighting the undeniable importance of these features.

For example, you may want to use welcome bonuses to encourage new users to sign up on your website. No-deposit offers are also handy because they encourage risk-free exploration and can be a great marketing strategy. To further your appeal, consider adopting free bet and reload bonuses, especially if you want to keep existing punters returning.

But remember, the bonus structures should not be confusing. The fine print and rollover requirements can turn an exciting $200 ‘free bet’ into a frustrating maze. Offering bonuses that these fans can understand without being skeptical can help encourage exploration.

Simple and easy payment methods

You don’t want to have payment methods that feel like doing taxes. For such an audience, speed and simplicity are everything when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. Testlio released a study along these lines, suggesting that more than six in ten customers leave their carts when they encounter problems during checkout.

This statistic shows why you must ensure minimal or zero friction with your payment methods. A good place to get started would be adopting familiar options like digital wallets. Of course, a good number of fans no longer carry around a bunch of credit cards. They tend to be more inclined to the likes of PayPal, Apple Pay and Cash App. If a betting app doesn’t support these modern options, that’s an immediate turn-off.

Considering all these elements, it’s right to conclude that college sports fans are seeking betting apps offering great experiences. And if you want them to bet using your platform, you can’t ignore online security and mobile-friendliness. Adopting flexible payment methods and bonuses can also help improve the betting experience and encourage return visits.