US Mobile Betting on the Horizon

Major Vegas casinos are shifting towards mobile sports betting apps.

New Entrants

With casino operator MGM Resorts confirming the availability of its new mobile sports betting product to Nevada bettors this November, a national trend may be afoot.

The mobile availability of games is key to reaching out to more users and expanding online gambling, as the mobile becomes an increasingly popular platform for betting and online usage in general. A huge facilitator in this transition is International Game Technology (IGT), which is providing the platform for the majority of online games.

Mobile Betting Landscape

Mobile betting will be available to anyone within the borders of Nevada who has signed up for a local sportsbook. MGM race and sports VP Jay Rood envisions a scenario where people are “handing out cards with our phone wagering information as guests enter any of our three arenas and then have a kiosk right near where they can sign up and deposit money into their account.”

Miomni Gaming currently powers The North Vegas Aliante Casino's mobile betting app, now available for Android and iPhone devices. The app works anywhere in Nevada, while player account sign-ups are available only in person. Miomni also powers the mobile betting apps of casinos Boyd Gaming and Atlantis Casino.

Sports Bet Revenues

Sports betting revenues in Nevada are rising steadily and rapidly. Last year, revenues reached $227 million, a jump of nearly 35% since the pre-recession wagering peak of 2007. That figure stands in strong contrast to the 14% drop-off in total gaming revenues over the same period: in these financially challenged times sports betting offers prefered user engagement.

The Mobile Trend

Outside the US millions of punters from all around the world are already placing sports bets via mobile around the clock at major online sportsbooks like 888 Sport and Winner Sports. Look for the mobile betting trend on sports to continue to spread, both globally and in the US.