Mobile gambling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mobile gambling refers to gambling done on a remote wirelessly connected device. These devices can include wireless tablet PC's, mobile phones and other non traditional mid-level networked computing devices. Some online casinos and online poker cardrooms offer mobile options.

Most mobile gambling services require a data connection to operate. The data connection is provided by the telecom provider for the region or country and may use data layer technologies such as GPRS, GSM Data, UMTS, and I-MODE. However, some services are available through an SMS text messaging interface.

While still relatively underdeveloped, analysts place the value of the market space at US$20 billion by 2010. Juniper, Gartner and Seymour Pierce all project rapid growth in the sector through to 2010.^[1]

The market is still at a nascent stage at the moment, as mobile operators and brands/ media owners are currently not in a position to create this market due to the potential reputational risk. This is mainly because of the uncertain nature of most countries' in-decision towards regulation of remote gambling and online gambling.

Some companies however have begun developing and testing mobile platforms to position themselves early in the anticipated growth of the market.

The remote gaming market has been growing at a rate of 35% over the past 4 years and was estimated to be worth over $7 billion in 2004, the vast majority of which was internet-based. The mobile section of the gaming market only accounted for $5 million in 2004. However, industry analysts such as CCA, Juniper Research and Screen Digest estimate this grew to $1 billion in 2006.

Projected Market Value Stats:

Asia-Pacific region is expected to contribute the largest share of total gross revenues with 39% of the market
Europe follows closely behind with a 37% market share, with the US making up the majority of the remainder
Telecoms analysts Juniper Research reveals that mobile lotteries will be the largest money-spinners, with gross revenues of nearly US$7.9bn worldwide by 2009, followed by sports betting (US$6.9bn) and casino-style gaming (US$4.5bn).^[2]