Mobile gambling – be it betting on sports, using online casinos or playing online poker or bingo – has been “the next big thing” for a long time now but there are signs that it may be beginning to deliver on its early promise.

Ever since phones were able to access the internet with any speed and reliability the potential was obvious, but for many years relatively little money was wagered via mobile devices. However, as the technology has improved and more and more people own smartphones (penetration in the UK market is now over 60%) there has been a rise in the number of people placing bets via their phones.

This growth was slow at first but has rapidly picked up pace during 2013, with some leading bookmakers (including Betfred) and online casinos saying they expect mobile wagering to outstrip desktop in 2013 or 2014.

Super fast mobile broadband is moving ever closer and as the phones themselves become increasingly capable the limitations of the past are quickly being eroded. In an age where boredom thresholds are lower than ever before, gaming giants have been quick to spot an opportunity and have invested heavily in their mobile platforms.

Increasingly they have dedicated mobile gambling offers, free bets and promotions to encourage customers to try out their “on-the-go” betting facilities and the technology is only going to make this easier and better.

If you haven’t already tried using your mobile to place a bet or play a few hands of blackjack why not give it a try? It’s a great way to pass some time whilst you’re waiting for (or indeed traveling on) a bus, on your lunch hour at work (or even when not on your lunch hour at work!) or just have a few moments spare.

Mobile slots certainly looks to be here to stay and with ever-improving graphics, sound and functionality we can only look forward to whatever is next.

By Bob Cohen, Chief Sportswriter at Free Bets Free Tips