Juniper Research Predicts Mobile Casino Wagers to Hit $5bn by 2012, as Major Players Move Into the Sector

Market Wire, November, 2007

Total annual wager on mobile casino services is expected to pass $5bn by 2012, according to a new report by Juniper Research.

The report predicts strong growth in usage levels of both single-user games such as slot machines, and of multiplayer gambling tournaments, fuelled by a raft of drivers including: market deregulation, greater 3G coverage and adoption, and -- crucially -- a greater availability of simple, intuitive mobile gambling products.

According to report author Dr. Windsor Holden, "Many online casinos are now moving into the mobile environment, while bookmakers such as Ladbrokes and Coral have partnered with leading applications providers to launch own brand mobile casinos. Furthermore, the recent success of casino products from mobile-focused companies such as Probability demonstrates the latent demand for these kind of services."

However, the report cautions against over-optimism, observing that, recent deregulation notwithstanding, in many markets, including the US, remote casinos are prohibited.

"While it is possible -- even probable -- that we will see some form of regulatory reform that will permit location-based, mobile casino services in the US by the end of the decade, casino services -- mobile, online or otherwise -- are illegal in a number of territories and are likely to remain so for some time," said Holden. "Given the stringent penalties which can be imposed on unlicensed service providers, those wishing to deploy casino-based or other gambling services must ensure strict compliance with local legislation."

Other findings from the report include:

--  Global gross win from mobile casino services will rise from less than
    $5m in 2007 to $133m in 2012
--  The UK currently accounts for more than 60% of total wager on mobile
    casino services, although this proportion is likely to fall to less 20% by
    2012 as adoption accelerates elsewhere
--  While adoption of multiplayer casino services is relatively low,
    average monthly wager levels have already exceeded $100 in several markets
    

Juniper Research assesses the current and future status of mobile gambling market based on interviews, case studies and analysis from representatives of some of the leading organisations in the growing mobile gambling industry.

White papers and further details of the study 'Mobile Gambling: Casinos, Lotteries and Betting Delivery (4th edition)' can be freely downloaded from http://www.juniperresearch.com . Alternatively please contact John Levett at john.levett@juniperresearch.com , telephone 44(0)1256 830002.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

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Contact: John Levett john.levett@juniperresearch.com 44(0)1256 830002