The United Kingdom, comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, has one of the most liberal gambling policies in the world. As such, thousands of licensed mobile casino gaming operators compete to dominate this lucrative market.
To give you an idea of how profitable the market is, the gross gambling yield from online betting, bingo, and casino games alone reached GBP£3.1 billion from April 2020 to September 2020.
Such figures may explain why mobile casino gaming is becoming a significant income-generating industry catering to British, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh players. And this trend isn’t going to go away.
Other businesses related to gambling have been flourishing thanks to this trend. This guide prepared by Wageringadvisors is proof, as one of many resources players can use for their gambling endeavours.
But what potential does it have?
If you’re curious about the growth of mobile casino gaming in the country, here’s what you need to know.
How Mobile Casino Gaming Started In The UK
The first online casino game was introduced in the UK in the late 1990s, which can only be played on a home and portable computer.
Everything changed in 1999 when a former mobile phone giant introduced a revolutionary Internet-enabled device. From primarily being communication tools, mobile phones doubled as entertainment devices when manufacturers introduced casino game applications.
This brilliant marketing idea soon gained traction, with hundreds of online gaming companies popping up in just a few years until it reached the thriving market we now see today.
UK’s Gambling Act of 2005
This legislation was said to have caused the explosion of online gambling and casinos. It has three aims: to keep gambling safe, to ensure that gambling activities are fair, and to protect children and vulnerable adults.
The UK Gambling Commission was formed as the primary regulator of online and offline gambling products to enforce it. Soon after the law was passed, thousands of gambling operators were registered.
From then on, UK’s mobile casino gaming industry began growing at unprecedented levels. However, it wasn’t until the Android and iOS operating systems entered the market that phones became the major channels for online gaming.
UK’s Online Gambling Sector In Recent Years
The global mobile casino gaming sector exploded in 2020 as global movement restrictions were imposed to prevent further infections. While online sports betting took a hit, mobile casino games flourished.
As of 2021, more than 2,400 online gambling operators were registered in the UK, most of which had online and mobile casinos.
The UK’s Gambling Commission also reported that the gross gambling yield from online gambling rose to 61% from 2021-2022, compared to 42% six years earlier.
During the same period, revenues from online slot games almost doubled, from nearly GBP£ 1.6 billion in 2015-2016, to almost GBP£ 3 billion in 2021-2022.
The agency’s 2022 report likewise noted that approximately 15 million people participated in various gambling activities, including lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and online gambling, of which mobile casino gaming is a subsector.
Why UK’s Mobile Casino Gaming Sector Is Expanding
The country’s online gaming sector is expected to grow steadily, owing to robust demand for entertainment and gaming.
That said, below are the common reasons why people love to play mobile casino games:
- Accessibility
Smartphones have become a necessity in the digital age. People all over the globe can now communicate, get information, and access entertainment on their devices. Widespread smartphone use and internet coverage are keys to the online gambling industry’s growth because they’re responsible for making mobile casino games more accessible.
- Variety
Gaming operators ensure variety to attract new players and keep their current clients. As such, it’s unsurprising to learn that online casino games are highly popular in Wales and other regions.
You don’t have to worry about whether you prefer slot games over card games. Thousands of game titles are available on every site, each with unique playing terms and features. There’s always something for everyone.
- Bonuses, Free Spins, and Other Perks
Besides variety, free spins, bonuses, and other benefits are majors draw for online casino players. Because the sector is highly competitive, and providers want to keep their players, new bettors can expect to benefit from multiple free offers after their registration. Meanwhile, regular players receive exclusive perks and VIP passes to increase their winning chances.
- Convenience
By accessing mobile casino gaming, players don’t need to go out to place bets. They can save time and fuel costs by staying in the comfort of their homes while playing.
- Security
When players are lucky enough to win a game or two, they don’t have to risk security, as they can remain anonymous. Pay-outs are often sent directly to their bank accounts, as well. Placing bets is also safer, as debit and debit cards or electronic wallets are used in the transaction.
Thinking About Joining?
The UK has the world’s largest regulated online gambling market, with a record number of players, gaming operators, and gross gambling revenues.
Because of fierce competition, mobile casino gaming operators ensure clients have a positive and seamless gaming experience they can’t find anywhere else. With regulatory agencies looking after them, operators integrate various technologies that make online gaming more fun, convenient, and safe.
Would you like to be part of it? Talk to the experts to learn more.