Gambling has been growing in popularity for decades, but, gone are the days when you were restricted to sitting at a desktop PC to enjoy a flutter. Online betting has evolved tremendously, with advanced technology being used to make your gambling experience even better.
These days, a mobile app allows you to follow updates on your favourite team’s next big game and gamble anytime, no matter where you are in the world. With that said, there are still many gamblers who prefer a desktop platform over mobile betting. So, despite both methods having their pros and cons, are mobile apps outshining desktop platforms?
Whether you’re commuting, browsing Netflix at home, or chilling in your favourite coffee shop, this is the kind of convenience you won’t get with a desktop platform. Not only that, but some sportsbooks offer exclusive bonuses if you use a mobile app, which you won’t get on a desktop platform. This boosts the number of mobile players, meaning both the player and the gambling platform get something out of it.
According to bettingsites, betting apps should be available across the two main software types that power smartphones, Apple’s iOS and the Android operating system, meaning you’ll be able to access the app from almost any device. These apps should also create a streamlined gambling experience where getting a bet on is just a matter of a few simple taps.
Another negative is that you’ll only be able to play one game at a time when using a mobile device. However, when you take into account the convenience they offer, this may be an easy sacrifice to make.
Lastly, the small size of your mobile means you won’t be able to immerse yourself in the game as you would with a desktop. If this is important to you, then you may not find mobile apps to be the best choice, but if convenience is a priority, then an app is the way forward.
Additionally, with a powerful enough computer, or multiple screens, a desktop platform allows you to gamble whilst carrying out other tasks. If all of that wasn’t enough, using a PC means you can install software to track your gambling progress.
For many bettors, keeping track of their results is crucial for levelling up their game or for professional players to maintain their high levels of expertise. This means it comes as no surprise why many people still prefer using desktop platforms.
Not only that, but your internet connection and your computer’s age will affect how good your gambling experience is.
In 2020, 50% of gamblers used a mobile device, with three-quarters being people aged 18-34. This data also showed that bettors in this age group frequently used multiple devices for betting - 1.7 with an average of 1.4. On the other hand, only 14% of players aged over 65 used their mobiles, with desktop platforms being the preferred choice for this age group.
Although mobile apps remained the most popular device for online gambling, the use of desktop platforms stabilised in 2020, after a decline in use over the years. Laptops were the second most popular method for online betting, being the preferred choice for players aged over 55. In third place was the desktop PC, being used by one in four gamblers.
These days, a mobile app allows you to follow updates on your favourite team’s next big game and gamble anytime, no matter where you are in the world. With that said, there are still many gamblers who prefer a desktop platform over mobile betting. So, despite both methods having their pros and cons, are mobile apps outshining desktop platforms?
Benefits of mobile apps
Over the years, people have started to use mobile devices to search the internet more and more, and online gambling is no different. The most obvious reason for this is the convenience that mobiles offer. The small and travel-friendly size of mobile phones means you can enjoy a spot of gambling wherever you are.Whether you’re commuting, browsing Netflix at home, or chilling in your favourite coffee shop, this is the kind of convenience you won’t get with a desktop platform. Not only that, but some sportsbooks offer exclusive bonuses if you use a mobile app, which you won’t get on a desktop platform. This boosts the number of mobile players, meaning both the player and the gambling platform get something out of it.
According to bettingsites, betting apps should be available across the two main software types that power smartphones, Apple’s iOS and the Android operating system, meaning you’ll be able to access the app from almost any device. These apps should also create a streamlined gambling experience where getting a bet on is just a matter of a few simple taps.
Downsides of mobile apps
As wonderfully convenient as mobile apps are, they have a few downsides. The first is that your mobile battery will get drained pretty quickly, so you’ll need to make sure you have access to a charging station or plug socket. Don’t forget your charger too!Another negative is that you’ll only be able to play one game at a time when using a mobile device. However, when you take into account the convenience they offer, this may be an easy sacrifice to make.
Lastly, the small size of your mobile means you won’t be able to immerse yourself in the game as you would with a desktop. If this is important to you, then you may not find mobile apps to be the best choice, but if convenience is a priority, then an app is the way forward.
Benefits of desktop platforms
One of the most significant benefits of gambling on a desktop platform is the bigger screen. When you use a bigger screen you can completely immerse yourself in online gambling, and navigating the site is a breeze since the controls are all on the main screen.Additionally, with a powerful enough computer, or multiple screens, a desktop platform allows you to gamble whilst carrying out other tasks. If all of that wasn’t enough, using a PC means you can install software to track your gambling progress.
For many bettors, keeping track of their results is crucial for levelling up their game or for professional players to maintain their high levels of expertise. This means it comes as no surprise why many people still prefer using desktop platforms.
Downsides of desktop platforms
Unfortunately, despite the many benefits of using desktop platforms to gamble, they’re not without their disadvantages. The biggest downside is that they’re not very portable - even laptops can be inconvenient to haul around, especially if you’re a frequent traveller.Not only that, but your internet connection and your computer’s age will affect how good your gambling experience is.
Are mobile apps being used more than desktop platforms?
Estimated to be worth more than £14.3 billion in 2023, the gambling industry is booming, with online gambling being mainly responsible for its growth. Online gamblers numbered over 95 million users in 2019, but now there are 176 million. And the most popular way to play? Mobile devices!In 2020, 50% of gamblers used a mobile device, with three-quarters being people aged 18-34. This data also showed that bettors in this age group frequently used multiple devices for betting - 1.7 with an average of 1.4. On the other hand, only 14% of players aged over 65 used their mobiles, with desktop platforms being the preferred choice for this age group.
Although mobile apps remained the most popular device for online gambling, the use of desktop platforms stabilised in 2020, after a decline in use over the years. Laptops were the second most popular method for online betting, being the preferred choice for players aged over 55. In third place was the desktop PC, being used by one in four gamblers.