The igaming industry is split almost perfectly between mobile gambling and desktop gambling. There seems to be an unending debate about which platform is better or more popular.
While there is no question that more people use their phones than their desktops to gamble online, the differences between the two mediums extend beyond popularity.
Let’s take a closer look at mobile and desktop gambling in 2024 and what the numbers mean:
How Popular Is Mobile Gambling?
Over 80% of all online gamblers use their mobile phones to access online casinos. This number has risen steadily over the past decade, at only 50% in 2019.
But why are so many people using their phones to gamble?
It all comes down to accessibility and convenience.
As mobile technology advances, players can access platforms like betway casino zambia on their phones and play their favorite casino games on the go. Whether on the bus or at a boring brunch, accessing online casino websites and apps is as easy as tapping a few buttons on your screen.
Who Uses Their Phones to Gamble More?
Younger players.
Lest these numbers convince you that everyone has moved to mobile gambling, data shows that mobile adoption is more prominent among younger demographics.
In a 2020 survey, the UK Gambling Commission found that 76% of players aged 18 to 24 and 72% of those between 25 and 34 had used their mobile phones for gambling. This is significantly lower than the 14% reported for players aged 65 and above.
According to Research and Market, more men than women also use their phones to gamble, at 56% and 44%, respectively.
Is Desktop Gambling Becoming Obsolete?
No.
Desktop gambling is losing the popularity contest to mobile gambling. There is no doubt about that.
However, despite their flexibility, mobile phones remain more vulnerable to cybercrime. They are also smaller, have limited processing power, and limit multitasking.
These factors are why desktop gambling maintains a respectable share in the igaming market. This portion, shared with laptop, TV, and console gambling, accounts for players who enjoy more immersive gambling experiences.
In fact, desktop gambling is still the preferred method of play for 1 in 4 online gamblers, with many older players showing a clear preference for the medium.
From Where Do People Gamble the Most?
The home.
Another way to look at the mobile vs desktop debate is location. Although 20% of online gamblers access gambling platforms like Betway on the go, most gambling still occurs at home.
These numbers are another reason desktop gambling remains a viable market.
With portability no longer a concern, a desktop computer’s advanced processing power, larger screen, and multitasking abilities offer a more immersive gambling experience than mobile phones.
This may be why only 2% of players aged 65 and above have gambled outside their home.
What is the Future Outlook?
The number of online gamblers is expected to surpass 352 million by 2028. This increased user penetration (and the resulting market growth) is driven by increased internet proliferation, technological advancements like 5G Internet, and growing access to mobile phones.
In other words, the future of online gambling is mobile.
However, this does not mean that desktop gambling is becoming obsolete. Despite clear drops, the sector seems to be holding steady at around 20%
Moving forward, mobile gambling will continue to dominate the igaming market, even as desktop gambling remains a critical access point for some players.