Mobile Gambling Responsible For Rise In Revenue

Mobile phones can be used to view odds and visit casinos.

People visiting online casinos and betting portals are largely responsible for a predicted surge in the number of wagers placed through remote outlets each year.

New findings by Juniper Research show the total amount gambled annually is set to top $48 billion (£31.1 billion) within five years.

As well as the rise in the number of bets being placed through mobile devices, the liberalisation of gambling rules in the US and Europe will play a key part in the increase.

It means a passion for lotteries and casino games, such as roulette, poker and blackjack, is behind the higher reliance on remote portals when it comes to betting.

"Several lotteries are in the latter stages of discussion with mobile technology providers with a view to launching mobile lottery services in 2011," adds report author Dr Windsor Holden.

One handset that could be perfect for those looking to gamble on the go is the BlackBerry Curve 9300, which Three this week announced it is to start offering to customers.