The event we have all been waiting for is finally here! FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia is just round the corner now with only a month to go! All 32 nations and millions of fans are ready for a football filled summer, ready to place their bet on their favourite teams. But how are people betting nowadays?
Betting in the UK – the numbers say it all
Whether it’s on horses or football, as a nation, we love to bet. In fact, the most popular sports UK residents like to bet on include:
• Football
• Horse racing
• Dog racing
• Cricket
• Tennis
• Golf
However, it comes as no surprise that in the UK, football is the sport that the majority of people bet on. The Premier League, for instance helps bookmakers draw in the crowds every single year without failure. According to the BBC, in 2017 football betting was worth £1.4 billion pounds! This is despite strong criticism over the FA’s relationship with bookmakers following the Joey Barton scandal. In case you were living under a rock this past year, here’s what went down. Basically, midfielder Joey Barton was caught placing bets on matches in spite of a blanket ban. During this time the FA was promoting gambling via a sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes. Following public and media outrage, in June 2017, the FA terminated their Ladbrokes sponsorship. Joey Barton received an 18-month ban for breaking the rules.
The Popularity of Bookies
For years, bookmakers have been a staple of all UK. Ladbrokes, for instance, are one of the most prolific bookmakers in the UK, together with Paddy Power, Coral and William Hill. For years and years, betting via bookmaker shops was the norm. Kitted out with multiple screens, punters would even usually watch matches at their bookies. Whilst bookies are still around for people to place bets, in recent years, they have become less popular among punters. Why? Because mobile betting has overtaken high street bookies.
Mobile betting on the rise
A survey carried out by the UK’s gambling watchdog (UKGC) shows that mobile betting is on the rise. In 2017, 51% of UK punters made bets on their mobile phones, meaning that over half of all bets placed are done via mobile phones. This is an increase of 8% from 43% of punters in 2016.
Today, UK punters can place a bet in under 1 minute thanks to mobile betting. Not only can users place bets on the website, but they can also download the app on their phones. Apps are the latest trend in mobile gaming. Many of the UK’s top bookmakers have their own downloadable app. This means there is now more choice than ever when it comes to placing a bet. And this not only applies to sportsbooks, but also other gambling options like online casinos, (of which many even have their own sportsbook). In fact, Casinos.co say “With mobile handsets, a new era was born, and mobile casinos have since taken the online gambling world by storm.”
Football betting has also been transformed thanks to mobile betting. Punters now have access to more betting options. Many UK bookmakers even allow for betting on foreign football leagues and matches. Meaning that footie fans can bet on La Liga (Spanish) and Gareth Bale (Real Madrid). Interest in in-play betting is also on the rise. It is estimated that over 20% football bets are now in-play bets. For those who don’t know in-play bets are bets placed during a live game. Popular in-play bets include who will score next?
Mobile betting for FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia
What’s better than a football world cup year? Filling up the summer gap is more football. This means that betting operators stand to make a killing. More football, means more bets and more money. This summer’s World Cup will see millions of footie fans tune in to catch all the action. Over 50% of UK fans will place a bet.
Mobile betting gives fans the most choice offering convenience, a wider selection of bets and in-play betting. As June 14th draws closer, fans will be looking to sniff out the best odds via mobile betting.
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