The latest research into mobile gambling confirms what everyone pretty much knew already.  Betting on smartphones has gone through the roof in the United Kingdom, with the mobile gambling market doubling in size in only 12 months.

The latest mobile betting research commissioned by ISH Screen Digest shows that the mobile gambling sector has experienced massive growth over the last 2 years, jumping from just under £20 million in 2009 to over £40 million in 2010.

This phenomenal growth has been attributed mainly to the growing popularity of iPhone and Android smartphones, as well as the every increasing range of betting apps being developed by online gambling companies such as William Hill, Paddy Power and Betfair. 

These online betting companies also dramatically increased their mobile advertising spend during the same period, as they all compete to get a slice of the booming mobile betting market.  Mobile gambling apps are marketed as being cool and hip, and are seen as an attractive alternative to the nicotine stained betting shops of old.  Online gambling companies have also cleverly and effectively used sporting stars to endorse their iPhone and Android betting apps, further enhancing the image mobile gambling.

The most astounding statistic is that nearly 14% of the United Kingdom population participated in mobile gambling in 2010, up 4% on the previous year.  This trend is sure to continue in 2011 with the arrival of cheaper Android smartphones and the release of the iPhone 5. 

The range of mobile gambling apps also continues to grow, with new sports betting apps, horse racing apps, casino apps, poker apps and bingo apps becoming available on an almost weekly basis.