Online betting apps in the UK are continuously gaining in popularity. This is no surprise considering mobile phones are ubiquitous today. Real-time communications with friends, family, and businesses via these handheld portable devices is no longer a mere convenience. Our ever-evolving global digital society demands it and more and more mobile users depend on it.
Over 70% of online sports bettors use mobile bookies. With such an high percentage, there’s no mystery why online sportsbooks operating in the UK regulated market are stepping up to meet and exceed the demands of mobile punters. Bookies want to ensure that their customers can enjoy all their favourite sports betting action at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere.
With that said, due to advancing mobile technology, an ever-changing gambling industry, and with Brexit looming, you might be wondering what some of the future trends are for online betting apps in the UK. Here’s a look.
Brexit isn’t like to effect UK punters at home
UK gaming companies make more money than gaming companies anywhere else in the world. As such, many UK mobile punters are worried about what impact Brexit may have on their betting activities. The good news is that whether or not a Brexit deal is reached, the UK gambling industry is heading into Brexit in a very robust position.
Worth over approximately £15 billion annually, the UK gambling industry is one of the biggest in the world and also leads markets abroad. Since this is the case, the EU isn’t likely to turn their back on the market. Moreover, the UK is also heavily regulated and its online gambling rules are separate from those of other countries in Europe. Ultimately, Brexit isn’t likely to effect UK app punters who bet with homegrown UK-licensed bookies. It is more likely that the companies and punters from abroad will feel the effects due to new taxations and regulations.
More mergers between major bookies is likely
One of the ways in which the sports betting apps industry in the UK remains dynamic is with major powerhouses combining with newer brands all the time. Some of these major mergers have included Ladbrokes-Coral, PaddyPower-Betfair, and 32Red-Kindred-Unibet. There have also been mergers abroad between GVC and MGM, with the UK entering into the US sports betting market.
What these mergers will mean for future app betting punters is a great variety of markets and good deals. Mergers will raise the bar of competition. To attract customers, they’ll not only make sure that their sites are mobile compatible, but that they are offering the best iOS and Android apps that deliver a seamless real-time experience. Mobile-friendly features and even exclusive mobile offers are likely to become trendier.
Blockchain to become a more common payment method
Among the various easy money transfer options likely to take off in the online betting app world are cryptocurrencies. Today, the most popular banking methods are debit cards, credit cards and eWallets. However, using the newer blockchain technology as a payment option offers players certain perks because it is decentralized system.
Blockchain offers greater transparency and anonymity. Moreover, transactions made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, etc. are often faster, cheaper and more secure compared to traditional banking solutions. In the future, as blockchain technology is more widely adopted, the online sports betting industry will be able to provide mobile players with a super-fast payment option that delivers the highest quality, privacy and security.
Future odds betting likely to pick up steam
More and more sportsbooks are starting to offer future odds bets. Future bets are wagers that are made on an event, series or award that has not yet reached completion. For instance, a future bet could be betting that Liverpool will win the European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
That said, future odds tend to change often as wins, losses, trades, injuries, etc. occur throughout the season. As such, future odds are not specifically meant as a prediction of what will happen. Due to this fact, future odds tend to vary from one sportsbook to the next and they don’t always have the same house edge.
In spite of this, there’s no denying that these types of odds are gaining in popularity. Future odds are no longer reserved only on teams to win a championship. Sportsbooks are establishing new features betting options so that punters can wager on awards and even proposition-style bets on whether or not a certain event will even take place (e.g. will a team make the playoffs – Yes or No). Greater diversity means more betting options, happier punters and happier bookies.
Improved security, speed and convenience
Ultimately, the top future trends for online betting apps will focus on improved app security, an array of faster digital payments, and a seamless experience that gives punters the convenience of accessing their account, all betting markets, and promotions with quick ease via a user-friendly interface.
