Poll results: Mobile will continue to set the agenda in 2014

The growing importance and development of mobile devices will have the greatest influence on the online gaming industry in 2014, according to eGaming Review readers.

A conclusive 43% of respondents to this week’s poll felt the continual growth and usage of mobile devices would have the greatest bearing on egaming companies next year with operators working to provide the complete functionality of desktop via smartphones and tablets.

Electronics company Currys & PC World has predicted it will shift as many as one million tablet devices in the UK during December giving consumers greater scope to bet-on-the-move in 2014.

As a result of this growing channel, eGR recently launched sister publication eGR Mobile Intelligence, focusing on all things mobile and tablet. You can find out more about the publication here.

Meanwhile, almost a third of readers (31%) said the implementation of a Point of Consumption (PoC) regime in the UK will have the biggest impact next year.

Although the expected 15% levy on gross gaming revenues is not due to come into force until December, new licensing regulation should be implemented by early summer, bringing with it associated costs and logistical headaches.

There is also a feeling within the industry the introduction of PoC will lead to a spate of consolidation, with a number of smaller operators set to struggle to compete due to the increased tax burden.

In addition, 16% of respondents felt the continual shift to dot.country regulation will dominate the landscape in 2014 while just 9% stated the expected betting boon brought by next summer’s football World Cup will have the biggest bearing on the year.