According to the even newer report on mobile betting from Juniper Research, consumer smartphone adoption has been a major driver in a resurgent European mobile gambling sector. The research company forecasts that the user numbers are expected to rise by more than 60% in 2010, with more than 2 million sports book customers in Europe now using the mobile to place their bets.
Unsurprisingly, leading betting firms have reported dramatic increases in mobile bets placed following the launch of browser-based apps optimized for the iPhone and Android smartphones. Furthermore, Apple’s decision to allow selected native apps like those from BetFair and Paddy Power to be offered on the AppStore has provided service providers with a new, potentially lucrative delivery channel.
Meanwhile, Juniper noted that World Cup have driven both adoption and usage levels, with Ladbrokes taking more than 100,000 bets via the mobile on the tournament.
Other findings from the “Mobile Gambling Markets” report include:
- Mobile betting accounted for more than 70% of total global mobile gambling wagers in 2009, with the vast majority coming from the well-established iPAT service in Japan
- The US is likely to become a key market in the medium term with the launch of mobile lottery services from 2011 onwards
As usual, you can get more information about the report from Juniper’s website.