Most websites will cite IBM’s Simon Personal Communicator as the original smartphone designed by Frank Canova. Nevertheless, the truth is that the BlackBerry and the Palm Treo were the devices that revolutionized the phone industry and set the stage for the iPhone, which entirely changed the communication industry.
Since the debut of this Apple product, which is now about to launch its 15th iteration, things were never the same, as remote device technology began rapidly evolving in every sphere imaginable. Hardware breakthroughs happened at impressive speeds, connectivity improved sizably and quickly, and software development took on a life of its own.
However, when it comes to gambling, the first mobile wager got placed seven years before the public could purchase an iPhone. That happened in 2000 on the Internet sportsbook Intertops, the gambling site also responsible for accepting the world’s first online bet in January 1996 by a Finnish punter on a fourth-round game of the FA Cup.
Today, virtually all Web sportsbook brands have a mobile version, and thanks to advancements in HTML5, they do not even need to offer dedicated software or apps for smooth remote gambling enjoyment. In-browser betting works fine nowadays, as many of these platforms’ users bet on their phones. That should hardly surprise anyone, seeing as, at the moment, remote devices generate 55% of the Internet’s traffic.
Smartphones Deliver an Enhanced Experience
According to a UK Gambling Commission report on industry statistics, one in four Brits gamble online, and using their smartphones is the most popular way to access Internet bookmakers and casinos. One must assume that the overwhelming acceptance of mobile betting stems from the fact that it is a super convenient method to wager on sporting events, allowing punters to bet from anywhere at any desired time.
Moreover, most operators now feature live streams of matches, combat sports events, tennis, and even horse races. On top of this, they even allow in-play wagering or betting on outcomes as contests transpire. That adds to their excitement and boosts engagement levels.
The wide range of bet types and sheer number of events that brands ranked among the top 10 betting sites on the market is staggering, as various props get offered on hand from live betting. Plus, they list outright wagers on political elections and TV reality shows.
Chat rooms, promotional competitions, and giveaways only further magnify the immersion level that mobile sportsbooks deliver. So, it is easy to see why more and more punters are gravitating towards them.
Novel Features & Payment Security
Offshore sites and crypto betting platforms have allowed mobile wagering to transcend geographical boundaries. These sportsbook options accept users from a wide range of countries to join their ranks, even those residing in ones that have their government-issued regulators. So, mobile betting is a global pastime regardless of the laws in a specific territory.
Punters also cannot resist these hubs because they not only implement features that make gambling more enjoyable. But some of these improve their winning odds. One such thing is cash-out, a function that many smartphone sportsbooks allow. It gives bettors the choice to settle their bets before events’ final outcomes. That helps them minimize their losses or locks their profit. Also, these sites have robust amounts of data fed to them from services like Betradar, which facilitates informed decision-making when they make single wagers or complex accumulators utilizing fancy bet-builder tools.
Regarding payments, premium brands incorporate state-of-the-art SSL and TSL encryption protocols, feature multiple fraud detection systems that notice suspicious login activity, and feature 2FA or an extra layer of account security. Additionally, they only work with tried-and-tested payment processors, guaranteeing everyone’s payment processing gets conducted safely.