With over 1.2 billion smartphones sold globally in 2024 — the biggest annual surge in mobile sales since 2021 — the impact of mobile technology on everyday life is more profound than ever.
From online banking and shopping to fitness tracking and streaming, mobile devices have redefined how consumers engage with the world around them. Nowhere is this shift more pronounced than in the online gambling sector, where mobile gaming is radically reshaping how online casinos operate, compete and grow.
Sites like the 7bet online casino are constantly seeking new ways to attract and retain customers. Traditionally, this involved strategic marketing campaigns, user offers, and player loyalty schemes. But in today’s digital economy, user expectations are evolving — especially as more players access games on their phones rather than through traditional desktops or laptops.
Back in 1996, just 16% of UK households owned a mobile phone. Fast-forward to today, and more than 90% do, with one in five households owning four or more. As phone ownership exploded, so too did mobile connectivity — and with it, the rise of mobile gambling. While the online casino market was initially web-first, research shows a clear migration to handheld platforms. In 2015, just 23% of gamblers used mobile to access games. By 2020, that figure had more than doubled to over 50%.
Why mobile matters
For online casino operators, this isn’t just about offering games via a smaller screen — it’s about completely rethinking platform design, game format, payment options and user engagement.
Convenience as king
While many imagine mobile gaming happening on the go — on trains, in cafes, or during a commute — studies show most gambling actually takes place at home. Whether it’s on the sofa or in bed, the ease of pulling out a mobile device trumps the effort of powering up a PC. This convenience factor has become central to user experience design, influencing how platforms are built and marketed.
Demographic shift
Younger audiences are mobile-first by nature. Raised on apps and social platforms, they expect frictionless interfaces, personalised experiences, and rapid access. As a result, casinos must market differently — using social media, influencer partnerships, and gamified incentives that appeal to shorter attention spans and a preference for microtransactions.
Conversely, older players still favour longer, more deliberate sessions, highlighting the need for casino brands to straddle multiple user behaviours and preferences. Push notifications, responsive interfaces, and smart targeting have become essential tools in engaging a broader audience.
Payment preferences
The rise of e-wallets like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay — all optimised for mobile — has transformed how players manage deposits and withdrawals. For many, traditional banking options are too slow or clunky. Casinos that don’t offer quick, mobile-friendly payment options risk losing customers at the final hurdle.
Smarter interfaces and stronger security
Mobile optimisation has required casinos to rethink everything from game design to site navigation. Responsive web design ensures compatibility across devices, while dedicated apps offer deeper functionality, storing user preferences and offering enhanced security through encryption, two-factor authentication and biometric login.
These added layers of security are especially crucial in a sector where consumer trust and data protection are paramount — particularly in the wake of tighter regulation and heightened public scrutiny.
A mobile-first future
With the UK Gambling Commission reporting £4.4 billion in gross gambling yield from online casino games in 2024 — 75% of which came from slots — it’s clear that the sector remains robust. But the shift to mobile is not without its challenges. Legacy systems, desktop-heavy games, and outdated marketing tactics must be overhauled to cater for the always-on, mobile-first user.
The future will be shaped by innovations like augmented reality (AR), blockchain integration and AI-powered personalisation — all of which favour mobile platforms. The gambling experience is no longer just about gameplay, but about seamless interaction, accessibility, and a personalised digital journey.
As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, so too must the online casino business model. For operators willing to adapt, the payoff isn’t just greater reach — it’s long-term resilience in an increasingly competitive, tech-driven industry.
