Mobile Gambling Controlled By Technology, Says GC

Availability of high-end handsets to determine mobile gambling growth.

The expansion of the mobile gambling market is largely dependent on the availability of the latest technology, according to the Gambling Commission (GC).

John Travers, corporate affairs manager at the organisation, said that access to advanced mobile devices will be the main factor in determining the future prospects for remote gambling operators.

He claimed that the future of mobile gambling is "difficult to predict" at the moment, although some experts have claimed that the increased availability of handsets such as the iPhone will usher in a boom period for the industry.

"Certainly the growth in gambling via the internet has happened alongside an increase in the number of households having internet access," Mr Travers explained.

"The growth of mobile phone gambling is partly controlled by the availability of fast internet-enabled mobile phones with an acceptable user interface."

According to a report published by Juniper Research in November 2008, the UK currently accounts for 52 per cent of all mobile betting wagers.