With the number of active mobile internet users worldwide reaching 4.67 billion in 2021, it is clear that mobile browsing is taking over the world. Nowadays, we are used to handling our payments, savings and even entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. With mobile technologies becoming more advanced, handheld devices offer top-level security to their users, making many aspects of their lives more secure. Like many other industries, the gambling sector has also integrated mobile devices into its operations.
While some players contemplate whether they should switch to mobile gambling, others are placing wagers exclusively on their smartphones. The truth is that there are various advantages to playing your favourite casino games on a mobile device. From convenience to exclusive casino incentives, mobile casinos have a lot to offer.
Often, players are given the chance to choose between casino apps and browser-based mobile casinos. Each variant of mobile gambling has its strong points, with every option appealing to different players. If you are wondering which option is better and whether you should play on the go, we will make sure to cover all the information you need to learn more about mobile gambling and its perks.
How Mobile Gambling Has Been Developing
The first mobile casino apps were available on Nokia devices that supported the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology. However, back then, there was no way to use real money on the casino app. Instead, players were simply paying for the app. With iOS and Android stepping onto the mobile operating-system scene in 2007 and 2008, a lot changed, including mobile gambling.
Players were able to download various casino gaming apps from the respective app stores of their mobile devices and wager real money directly on the apps. Soon, virtual casinos started developing their dedicated mobile apps to reach even more casino enthusiasts.
While casino apps became popular after Android and iOS launched their app stores, mobile gambling had been introduced a few years prior to these events. The UK was the first country to introduce mobile gambling in 2003, with Mobile Lottery allowing British people to participate in the lottery using their mobile devices. Meanwhile, in 2006, the Nevada Gaming Control Board allowed gambling establishments to offer wireless gambling.
A lot has changed since mobile gambling was first introduced. The sector has grown exponentially in the last few years, with the gross gambling yield (GGY) for real-event online betting in the UK reaching £141.99 million in December 2021.
We cannot ignore mobile gambling as a contributor to the growth of online gaming and betting. With the introduction of mobile apps, players have been able to enjoy the same smooth gambling experience even while on the move. Even when there are no dedicated apps, gaming and betting sites are often optimised to run easily on almost any handheld device.
Due to its accessibility, in some countries – such as Kenya, for example – mobile gambling is the most popular form of gambling participation. As smartphones are so prevalent in such regions, players can easily wager money at mobile casinos and sportsbooks. This further proves the huge impact mobile gambling has on the global gambling industry.
Expectations For the Growth of Mobile Gambling
The saying “one man’s misfortune is another’s fortune” applies in the case of mobile gambling’s growth. Unfortunately, as land-based casinos were forced to halt their operations for months during the global pandemic, gaming and betting sites attracted more users, further contributing to the growth of the industry.
Even before the lockdowns, there were already signs of significant expansion in the online gambling sector. As brick-and-mortar casinos and betting facilities experienced heavy losses during the global pandemic, some countries saw almost a 100% increase in online gambling participation in 2021.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has completely changed the way many businesses operate, players now have to follow stricter rules when they want to play at land-based casinos. This is another reason for mobile gambling to grow further, sparing players the discomfort of adhering to harsher measures at brick-and-mortar venues.
Crypto gambling also started gaining popularity over the last year, further contributing to the growth of virtual gambling. In 2021, NFTs took centre stage, introducing players to a new way to engage in interactive gambling. These trends go hand in hand with the latest innovations in mobile devices, ensuring even greater potential for the growth of mobile gambling in the coming years.
We can conclude that there are several factors that indicate the future growth of the mobile gambling industry:
- A new set of gamblers who have switched to online gambling
- Innovations in crypto and NFT gambling
- Improvements in gambling apps
- Growth of new markets
Of course, just because the mobile gambling sector is expanding, that alone may not convince you to switch to gambling on the go. However, there are several reasons why this field continues to grow exponentially, and we will try to cover everything you need to know about the industry.
Reasons Why Mobile Gambling is Increasing in Popularity
There are many factors that play a major role in the rising popularity of mobile gambling. To help you decide whether mobile gambling is the right experience for you, we will cover the main reasons why so many players choose to play on the go.
Variety of supported gaming and betting options
Virtual casinos constantly optimise their mobile versions and dedicated apps to ensure that mobile players will have access to the same variety of games as desktop users. Moreover, software developers ensure that their games run smoothly on different devices, including smartphones and tablets operating on various systems.
Thanks to HTML5 technology, players can easily enjoy slots, table games and any other type of casino game they prefer. In addition to RNG titles, live-casino options are also widely available at mobile casinos. As long as your Internet connection is stable, you can stream games in high-quality resolution and see how the action unfolds before your eyes in real time.
We should not forget those who enjoy sports betting, as this type of entertainment is also readily available on the go. If you are betting on your phone, you will be able to see the best odds on various major sporting events, with different mobile sportsbooks also offering exciting betting markets to explore.
Convenient gambling on the go
One of the main reasons why mobile gambling is so popular is the convenience it offers players. Whether the casino of your choice provides a dedicated app or has been optimised to run in the browser of your handheld device, you will be able to enjoy your favourite casino games no matter where you are. What is more, the mobile versions of casinos are easy to navigate, providing everything you need with just a few taps on the screen.
That convenience also comes from the fact that you can play or place bets while commuting, relaxing at home or anywhere else you happen to have spare time. As long as you have a stable internet connection, your favourite type of gambling will be at your disposal at any time and place.
Safe gambling experience
Another reason to give mobile gambling a try is the security it provides, which in many cases can even surpass that offered by your desktop computer. With sophisticated operating systems and advanced technology, most mobile devices allow users to protect their finances and personal information from unauthorised third parties.
Just like the web-based versions of casinos and sportsbooks, their mobile counterparts often utilise SSL encryption to protect any sensitive information players might share while playing or betting on the go. Thanks to the advanced features of most mobile devices, players can now activate facial recognition, fingerprint scans, special codes and other measures to ensure that no one else can access their mobile casino or sportsbook accounts.
Mobile exclusive promotions
Not only is mobile gambling very convenient, it is also often promoted by casinos. To entice more players to switch to mobile gambling, many virtual casinos have promotional deals exclusively available to mobile players. Often, such casino incentives can be redeemed only by downloading the dedicated app of the respective casino.
Mobile-exclusive promotions may be one-off deposit bonuses for new players or regularly redeemable bonuses that encourage players to wager on the go. As usual, players are advised always to read the full terms and conditions of a bonus before redeeming it.
Browser-Based Mobile Gambling vs Gambling Apps
Even if you decide to switch to mobile gambling, you may still be wondering whether it is better to simply play/bet via the browser app of your device or download a dedicated casino or sportsbook app. Both types of mobile wagering have their strong and weak points, which is why we will try to draw a comparison between the two. That way you can decide which option is best for you.
There are certain things to consider when choosing whether an app is suitable or whether you are better off sticking to a browser-based mobile gambling experience.
Compatibility with mobile devices
One of the first factors that will help you decide which option is better is the compatibility of your mobile device with casino and sportsbook apps. As software developers use HTML5 technology to create their games, slots, blackjack, roulette and many more titles can easily run on almost any modern smart device. As most tablets and phones support HTML5, you should not have any issues running mobile casino games through the browser app on your device.
Operating system
For some casino players and sports-betting fans, the choice of whether to play or bet in the browser app of their device or download a dedicated app comes down to the type of device they are using. While Android apps tend to be more numerous than those for iOS devices, there are certain app restrictions for Android users. For instance, in most countries, the Google Play Store is not permitted to list any casino apps that provide real-money gambling.
In 2019, Apple changed its policy on publishing gambling apps in its App Store. That means software companies must use both HTML5 technology and unique iOS code to develop games that can run on iOS devices. Since Android and iOS apps are now developed using different techniques, creating dedicated casino and sportsbook apps for the two operating systems may be somewhat burdensome.
Convenience
Whenever you want to play your favourite casino games or place sports bets on the go, you might look for the most convenient option to access your gambling account quickly. Using a dedicated app will allow you to load your casino or sportsbook account in just a few taps. Meanwhile, if you opt to play via the browser app, you will need to go through a few extra steps to access your gaming or betting profile.
Despite gambling apps being the more convenient option, many players still prefer to use their browser apps when they feel like gambling instead of installing dedicated apps on their devices.
Exclusive bonuses
Another thing to consider when choosing between a browser-based mobile casino/sportsbook and a gambling app is the availability of bonuses. In some cases, exclusive mobile casino/sportsbook bonuses are available only to users who have installed the operator’s dedicated gambling app. Naturally, that would suggest that installing the app will be the better option for you if you want to use exclusive bonus offers.
While some gaming and betting operators have exclusive offers only for app users, others make their mobile-only promotions available to all members, including those who simply play or bet through the browser on their mobile devices. To ensure you can redeem certain promotions, make sure to read their terms and conditions before claiming them.
Conclusion
Mobile gambling has plenty of perks to offer players and punters around the world. With many considering this option more convenient, secure and easily accessible, it is no surprise that mobile gaming and betting continue to expand. With land-based gambling being put on hold for several months during the global pandemic, online casinos and sportsbooks increased their revenue significantly in 2020 and 2021. Of course, mobile gambling also played a major role in the development of online gambling.
The virtual gambling sector is expected to continue expanding over the next few years, especially as mobile gaming and betting become increasingly popular. Thanks to the latest innovations introduced by mobile-device manufacturers, players and punters can easily bet on their favourite games and sports at any time and place.
Even if you are willing to switch to mobile gambling, you may be uncertain whether installing an app or using your mobile device’s browser will be the better option. The truth is that every player or punter may prefer something different. Consider the factors discussed above and choose the option—browser-based or in-app—that is most suitable for your style of gaming or betting.
