Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity over the last decade. Once considered a niche pastime, playing games on smartphones and tablets has become a mainstream form of entertainment embraced by over 2.6 billion people worldwide. This meteoric rise of mobile gaming has significantly disrupted the broader video game industry – and its ripple effects now reach far beyond.
One sphere experiencing profound impact is the iGaming world of real money online casinos like Just Casino, sportsbooks, poker sites and more. While not yet a direct threat, mobile gaming has emerged as both a complement and a competitor to iGaming. Let’s explore the complex dynamic between these overlapping industries.
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The Mobile Gaming Revolution
Mobile games earned an estimated $93.2 billion in global revenue last year, making up over 50% of the total $178.7 billion market. For perspective, mobile gaming revenue totaled just $13.3 billion in 2014.
Driving this rapid ascent is the ubiquity of smartphones, expanding mobile internet access, and smash hit games like Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans and PUBG Mobile.
Improved smartphone hardware has also enabled more complex, console-quality games. The typical mobile gamer spends 4.4 hours per week playing across 10 sessions – and they aren’t just kids. Nearly half of mobile gamers are aged 25 to 44.
How Mobile Gaming Complements iGaming
At first glance, mobile gaming appears to draw users and attention away from iGaming. But the reality is more nuanced. Mobile gaming can actually serve as an onboarding tool and complementary activity rather than just a competitor.
Here are some of the key ways mobile gaming complements and crosses over with iGaming:
- Gets new users comfortable with apps and digital play in general
- Provides a social, interactive experience that can precede iGaming
- Features casino-style games that introduce real-money concepts
- Encourages development of mobile iGaming apps and sites
- Allows cross-promotion between game publishers and iGaming operators
This complementary dynamic is evidenced by the fact that mobile gaming revenue has soared alongside iGaming revenue amid the pandemic. The accessibility of mobile games can bring new demographics into the fold and get people engaged with interactive entertainment.
Overlap Between Mobile Gaming and iGaming Genres
Another area where mobile gaming and iGaming converge is the crossover seen in popular genres and mechanics. Casino-style games make up a sizable portion of the mobile market:
- Slots – Mobile slot titles mimic the look and feel of real money slot machines. Popular examples include DoubleU Casino and Slotomania.
- Poker – Apps like Zynga Poker let users play Texas hold ‘em with friends or random opponents, minus the real stakes.
- Bingo – Bingo games with colorful graphics and power-up twists are thriving, such as Bingo Blitz.
- Blackjack – Classic blackjack with a digital makeover is widely available, including offerings by DoubleDown Casino.
While these lack financial risk, they introduce newcomers to common iGaming activities in a casual format. The genres align, even if the payment methods differ.
Sports gaming is seeing overlap as well. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps offer a middle ground between mobile gaming and sports betting. Popular examples include DraftKings and FanDuel, where users build teams of real athletes and win cash prizes based on performance.
Emerging Threats from Mobile Gaming
Make no mistake, however – mobile gaming also presents a long-term threat to the iGaming industry if user attention and spending continues shifting in its direction. Two emerging genres are especially concerning:
Hypercasual Games
Hypercasual games feature simple mechanics and quick play sessions tailored to mobile devices. Titles like High Heels and Dune! dominate the app charts. While not direct casino simulations, their snackable nature could divert gamers.
Blockchain Games
A new wave of blockchain games allows users to earn and trade crypto just by playing. The “play to earn” model lures gamers with financial rewards the way iGaming does. Step Hero and Splinterlands lead this niche.
If these genres gain steam, iGaming operators will need to step up their mobile product game to retain users through this new competition.
Key Takeaways on the Mobile Gaming and iGaming Dynamic
In summary, the meteoric rise of mobile gaming does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. For iGaming companies, the ideal strategy is to embrace it rather than just compete.
Mobile gaming brings new users into online entertainment, complements existing iGaming activities, and inspires innovation for operators. But companies must also keep an eye on emerging competitive threats as user behavior evolves.
The future will likely see even deeper convergence between these sectors as smartphones become the dominant gaming platform. iGaming operators should see mobile as an opportunity to capture growth, rather than just a disruptor to be wary of.
With creative product development and marketing, mobile gaming can actually fast-track iGaming’s expansion as part of an integrated digital entertainment experience.