Ladbrokes set to beat rivals with Apple Watch launch

Ladbrokes is set to be the first egaming operator to release a product designed specifically for the Apple Watch when it launches an app for the newly launched wearable device on Friday.

The Ladbrokes app, which was developed in four weeks and received approval from Apple’s app store, will allow users to place bets directly from their wrist and will link directly with Ladbrokes’ main iOS app.

It will only be available in the Australian market at the time of launch, although eGaming Review has learned that similar apps should reach the UK and Europe later this year.

Damian Cope, Ladbrokes’ international and group strategy director, said it was important for the operator to keep ahead of competition when it came to fast-changing technology.

“We see it as a natural evolution driven by the rapid advances in technology developed by the major handset manufacturers,” Cope said.

“Mobile betting is still in its infancy and we intend to continue our leadership as this market develops in the future,” he added.

Cope said Australia will see the app first because it was developed by a separate technology platform which allows for faster delivery, but he expects to see equivalent products released in other markets in 2015.

“It is most important that we provide high-quality products for our customers promptly. The quick turnaround also provides us with some competitive advantages but ultimately our priority is always to meet, and indeed beat, the expectations of our customers,” he said.

The firm’s headstart is not expected to last long, however, with rival operators believed to be working on similar products.