Mobile sports betting expected to hit us$ 45 billion by 2017

The Juniper Research report finds more than us$ 13 billion in bets, including more than us$ 3 billion in the United Kingdom, were placed via mobile devices worldwide in 2011, a figure expected to reach us$ 45 billion by 2017.

The report, "Mobile Gaming: Casinos, Lotteries & Betting 2012-2017," notes that most leading sports books last year experienced a dramatic increase in the volume of bets from European, primarily U.K. customers. Nevada is the only state in the United States with legalized mobile and tablet sports wagering.

"Companies such as Ladbrokes, William Hill and Paddy Power are all seeing 40 percent or more of online sports book customers placing bets via a mobile or tablet, with the result that those devices already account for around 20 percent of bets placed," said Windsor Holden, the report's author.  All three bookmakers are expanding into Nevada.

Last month, William Hill's us$ 55 million acquisition of three sports book operators was approved by Nevada gaming regulators. The company acquired American Wagering, Brandywine Bookmaking and Club Cal Neva.

Ladbrokes awaits gaming regulators' approval of its us$ 3 million purchase of 65 percent of Stadium Technology Group, a Las Vegas-based supplier of software and betting apps to sports book operators. A state Gaming Control Board hearing to determine Paddy Power's suitability to do business in Nevada is scheduled for Wednesday.