Mobile gambling a safe bet in 2009

Mobile betting is expected to continue to perform strongly next year, despite global economic concerns, according to a study from Juniper Research.
The market is expected to reach $3.6 billion in 2009, more than double 2008 levels, while other segments like mobile TV and mobile games likely will suffer in the global economic downturn, said Juniper. The growth will be led by the U.K. market, said the firm.
“Gambling is essentially a recession-proof industry, as while there may be marginal reductions in the level of stakes amongst casual users, the overall appetite for gambling per se will be unaffected,” said Windsor Holden, author of the report. “Furthermore, with the growing availability of betting services on-portal, the mobile is an increasingly convenient and user-friendly means of placing a bet.”
The report noted most leading European bookmakers now offer some for of mobile betting, and several have partnered with leading operators.
Regulatory restrictions could restrict mass adoption, however, even in countries where mobile betting is allowed, said the report.