by Renee Israel
A new report released this week by Juniper Research highlights the incredible
growth of mobile betting around the world.
The report shows that over $13 billion in bets were placed last year via
mobile devices, and this number is expected to reach a whopping $45 billion by
2017.
Of the $13 billion in bets placed last year, $3 billion of global mobile
betting growth was contributed by UK gamblers, indicating a significant
proportion of the market is dominated by the United Kingdom.
The Juniper Research report shows that due to the rise in popularity of smart
phones and mobile tablets, online bookies and betting exchanges have benefitted
enormously from mobile betting in the UK.
The Juniper Research report, entitled "Mobile Gaming: Casinos, Lotteries and
Betting 2012 - 2017" said that the European mobile betting market was especially
active last year, with large numbers coming from the UK.
UK Bookies See Mobile Numbers Increase
The author of the new mobile gambling report, Windsor Holden explained how UK
bookies have been impacted by the rise in popularity of smart phones.
"Companies such as Ladbrokes, William Hill and Paddy Power are all seeing 40%
or more of online sportsbook customers placing bets via a mobile or table, with
the result that those devices already account for around 20% of bets placed," he
said.
The report cites a number of bookmakers who predict that mobile devices will
be used to make 40% of all sports bets within only two years. In addition, many
pointed out that more and more of their customers were 'solus', ie. sportsbook
customers who only use their mobile devices to place bets on sporting events.
UK Bookies Expand into Nevada
As a result of strong growth, especially in their mobile sports betting
sectors, UK bookies are now in a better position to expand their platforms, with
the result that many are seeking entry into the US gambling market.
Nevada is the only state so far where mobile betting is set to become a
reality in the coming months, and the top three bookies - William Hill,
Ladbrokes and Paddy Power - have all taken steps to expand into the US state.
William Hill, for instance, has acquired three Nevada-based sportsbook
operations for $55 million, which were approved by the local Nevada gaming
authorities last month.
Paddy Power and Ladbrokes are still waiting to receive approval for their
entry into the Nevada gambling market, although it seems that they will have no
problem doing so.
