Casinos first became an option online back in the 1990s. Casino operators learned that online game play could be beneficial and quickly got started offering online gaming sites. These sites opened their virtual doors and players simply could not get enough. However, back then, players were limited to gaming from one space. Players had to be a desktop computer to be able to play and the internet speeds were nothing like they are today.
By the 2000s, mobile phones began to advance and by 2011, players were enjoying their online casino gaming via a mobile device. Gaming was up to 7% on mobile devices which was a small portion when you consider just two years later almost 20% of gamers took to a mobile to enjoy casino games. This number is sure to continue to rise as individuals rely more on their mobile phones today than ever before.
It seems we always have our mobiles with us, for telephone calls, texting, email, social media and more. Online casino operators know the power of the mobile device, so they create gaming options that will entice members to play via mobile. All players need is the mobile device and Wi-Fi to be able to play. In 2016, Wi-Fi spots are more prevalent than ever. In the past, you had to search to find spots that offered the internet service. Now, venues such as restaurants and shops offer free Wi-Fi as a way to bring in customers. Players can easily enjoy a meal and play a few rounds on their favorite slot game, all in one place.
It seems that mobile players will increase to almost 50% for 2016, with the majority or at least close to half using mobile devices for casino game play. Annual revenues across mobile gaming could reach as much as $100 billion this year, if estimates are correct. Screen sizes are becoming larger to accommodate gaming which makes mobile options even more enticing for players. Figures show that most individuals own some form of mobile device. This means that most anyone can access mobile gaming.
Even in the United States, players have options for mobile gaming. In Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada, online casino gaming can be enjoyed via mobile. These states are the only ones that currently offer the option but additional states such as California and Pennsylvania are considering becoming involved in online casino and poker gaming and would most certainly take advantage of mobile options.
In the United Kingdom, players often use a mobile for casino gaming. Just over 30% will use their mobile during the work commute to access casino games. Some even playing their favorite games while at work! Others also log on while using the bathroom.
Online gaming providers recognize the mobile usage and now offer their services via mobile and include the same features as the desktop platform. In some instances, players can pay via the phone bill, making it easy to deposit funds.
For 2016, we should see a rise in mobile gaming and it will be interesting to see if the option actually takes over as the top format rather than desktop gaming. It seems that is the way trends are heading at this point in the industry.