More and more players are choosing the convenience of iGaming on their smartphones as a flexible extension of the full experience. This shift reflects changing preferences among users, especially younger audiences who value accessibility.

In mid-2024, it was estimated that 96% of the digital population used a mobile device to access the Internet. We know that’s close to accurate, as the majority of the Atlaslive platform users access it via smartphones.

But why? Let’s explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of mobile iGaming.

This is not a trend anymore. It’s a fundamental shift in how operators can engage users.

5 Main Reasons for Mobile iGaming Growth

There are several key reasons why players use mobile platforms:

Smartphone Access and 5G Connectivity

Widespread smartphone use and the rollout of 5G networks are making mobile iGaming more accessible than ever. Faster mobile internet means games load quickly, streams run smoothly, and in-play bets can be placed without delay (unless you set a custom delay as a security measure).

In many regions, mobile is now a solid extension of the desktop platforms, not a secondary option. Combined with more affordable devices and mobile-friendly platforms, users can play comfortably on the go, during breaks, or at home without switching to a desktop.

Mobile-first UX and App Convenience

Mobile iGaming apps and web versions are built to minimize friction in sportsbook and casino experiences:

• Mobile-optimized interfaces support scrollable lobbies, fast-loading game tiles, and quick access to live betting or featured tables.
• Casino platforms often include in-game wallets, fast-loading live dealer content, and session-resume functionality for players returning mid-game.
• Biometric login via fingerprint or face recognition allows secure, instant access.
• Push notifications keep users updated on new games, bonus rounds, jackpot drops, or changes in odds and live scores.

These features combine to support faster play sessions, better retention, and stronger engagement across both verticals.

Legalization and Expansion into New Markets

The regulated licensing of markets like Brazil has accelerated mobile iGaming growth. Operators now launch with a mobile approach in mind from day one, recognizing that players increasingly expect apps and mobile access as a standard entry point.

In Brazil specifically, Google Play had previously blocked betting and casino apps, limiting availability to state lottery and horse racing only. That ban was lifted in June 2025, and now licensed operators with federal SPA approval can list gambling apps directly on Google Play and advertise via Google Ads, provided they meet specific linking and compliance requirements.

This change makes it easier for users to find legitimate apps and offers operators a direct route to Android audiences in a rapidly regulated market.

Flexible Payments and Mobile Security

Mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly integrated into iGaming apps, offering quick, secure payment options using tokenization and biometric authentication like Face ID or fingerprint recognition. These methods protect sensitive data while ensuring fast transactions.

In Brazil, Biometric Pix, a solution developed by the Central Bank and implemented using Belvo’s infrastructure, allows users to authorize Pix payments with their biometrics, eliminating the need for passwords and streamlining deposits and withdrawals. This capability is particularly well-suited for iGaming platforms operating within regulated environments.

Shifts in User Behavior and Demographics

Consumers aged 18–34 show a clear preference for mobile iGaming. Smartphones are their primary access point for both sports betting and casino games, aligning with on-the-go lifestyles.

Device portability encourages quick, impulsive betting, especially during live events. Players take advantage of privacy, instant access, and real-time promotions to engage in brief but frequent sessions.

Millennials (25–40 years) account for over half of online gambling revenue and show high engagement with live betting and integrated fantasy formats. Gen Z, meanwhile, is the fastest-growing segment, driven by streaming trends, social interactivity, and mobile-native platforms.

How Mobile iGaming Apps Can Increase Engagement and Revenue

Mobile iGaming apps are built for quick interactions and repeated check-ins. The unified experience of desktop and mobile platforms means more chances to engage users in the moment and more ways to earn from every session.

Here’s how mobile apps can drive additional revenue:

• Push notifications: Quick alerts about game updates, bonus offers, or reminders to bet keep users coming back, especially during live events when timing matters.
• Live betting opportunities: Mobile makes it easy to place in-play bets as the action unfolds. The easier the process, the more likely users are to keep placing small, fast wagers throughout a game.
• Personalized offers: Apps can track user preferences and behavior, then serve custom promotions, like free spins or boosted odds, designed to hit the right audience at the right time.
• Frictionless payments: One-tap deposits via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or e-wallets reduce the effort it takes to fund an account, removing one of the biggest blockers to conversion.
• Biometric login and security: Unlocking using Face ID and fingerprint makes logging in instant, which helps reduce drop-off and keeps users in the flow of play.
• Habit-building design: The daily check-ins, streak rewards, and gamified challenges common in mobile apps create routines. And routines turn into revenue over time.

Atlaslive: A Setup Ready to Engage

At Atlaslive, we offer solutions for a unified experience, both desktop and mobile.

Talking about the latter, our platform gives operators full control over their mobile presence, with  apps for the platform.

All solutions are built to perform in real-world conditions.

What you get with Atlaslive:

• Apps that run fast and feel intuitive: We develop native apps with UX that makes sense on the move — quick taps, fast loads, and minimal friction.
• Cross-platform development: Want to reach everyone without doubling development time? We’ve got frameworks that balance consistency with flexibility, so you can serve both platforms without rebuilding from scratch.
• Launch timelines that don’t drag: Operators don’t have time for bloated roadmaps, that’s why we spend no more than 1-2 weeks on development of an app for any platform. Our setup gets you to market fast, both when you’re entering a new region and when adding mobile to your stack.

What will keep your users coming back:

• Live betting that actually feels live: The app handles real-time odds and game-state updates without freezing or lag. That means players can react, place bets, and stay engaged from kickoff to final whistle.
• Personalized experiences: Betting history, behavior, preferences. We use real data to surface the right offers and games at the right moment for higher retention and stronger LTV.
• Social play, built in: Our tools support user interaction, community events, and tournaments to keep users active and connected.
• Payment flows that don’t interrupt: Mobile wallets, card payments, and local methods. All tools are built-in and tested for speed, because if topping up takes too long, your player’s already gone.

Conclusion

Mobile iGaming isn’t a passing trend anymore. Real-time engagement, custom user experiences, rapid launches, and flexible scaling — the future of betting and casino play is being shaped in the palms of users’ hands.

At Atlaslive, we’re always ready to help operators navigate that shift with confidence and without losses. Whether you're building from scratch or optimizing an existing setup, our team is ready to support your next move.

Contact us and let’s prepare for a level up together!

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This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

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