According to Statista, in 2021, the number of mobile devices in use across the planet was almost 15 billion – more than the number of people on earth. In o
According to Statista, in 2021, the number of mobile devices in use across the planet was almost 15 billion – more than the number of people on earth. In other words, mobile use has exploded almost everywhere, and the numbers are predicted to grow. It’s no surprise then that mobile betting is also hugely popular, leading some to wonder whether betting apps will destroy classic offline betting activities. Here we’ll look at some reasons why it may or may not do so.
The reasons why gamblers are betting online largely mirror why people are turning to their mobiles in the first place. One of the big reasons is convenience. Gambling through apps can be done at any time, anywhere there is internet coverage. There’s no need to call anyone, visit a betting shop or casino, or even leave the couch if you so choose. In moments, players can flick to their favourite online casino or sportsbook and place a bet.
Another draw card about gambling on an app is the enormous range of betting options. Let’s take online casinos as an example. A popular online casino may offer hundreds if not thousands of online slots as well as table games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and a whole lot more. This doesn’t just mean many games to choose from, but it also means gamblers of just about every type are catered for. Whether users like less volatile slots to something more volatile, for example, they can be found quickly and easily on a mobile device.
Another thing about mobile gambling which may surprise some is the option of live gambling. No longer do users have to rely on playing RNG-driven games against a computer. Now, it is possible to join live rooms where real dealers run the show. Live casino gambling is available on any device and is similar to having a real-life experience, but with all the conveniences of using a mobile.
Despite all of the benefits of gambling via apps on a mobile device, gambling offline remains an attraction for many keen punters. For one, staring at a small screen while playing roulette, as an example, is quite different to being in a busy gaming hall with crowds of enthusiastic gamblers. For some, experiencing a night out at the casino or a day at the horse racing track is just as important, if not more so, than the actual gambling. There’s a certain atmosphere at a live event that is tough to completely replicate in the online world.
To wrap up, while online betting might be hugely popular, it’s unlikely to completely destroy offline betting activities in the foreseeable future. Mobile devices offer a huge level of convenience, yet they can’t replace everything that physical gambling has to offer. Who knows, though, perhaps if VR becomes indistinguishable from real life, that situation could possibly change, but until then, gambling IRL retains a certain level of allure.
