Transition from desktop to smartphones and tablets

1) Main trend

The Australian online gambling market is showing a steady shift, with smartphones and tablets emerging as the dominant slot gaming devices. If in 2018-2020 the desktop occupied up to 60% of activity, then by 2025 its share dropped below 25%, giving way to mobile devices.

2) Reasons for transition

Technological

The spread of 5G and the growth of the quality of mobile Internet.
The power of modern smartphones is full support for 3D animation and live slots.
The development of HTML5 technologies is the same quality on all devices.

Social habits

Game sessions have become shorter, but more often (2-10 minutes).
Mobile devices are available "always at hand," which encourages frequent login.
Convenience of multitasking: playing in parallel with instant messengers or videos.

Financial factors

Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID) simplify deposits.
Instant conclusions through mobile wallets increase trust.

3) Impact on players

Convenience of entry: registration in 2-3 steps through a smartphone.
Support for touch interfaces: swipes, gestures, vibration feedback.
Easy access to Responsible Gambling (RG) tools: limits, pauses, self-exclusion.
Flexibility: You can play on the go, at home or on vacation without using a PC.

4) Impact on operators

Mobile-first design has become the standard: vertical interface, large buttons, fast onboarding.
Marketing is shifting towards ASO, TikTok, Instagram Reels, push notifications.
Infrastructure - Increasing mobile bandwidth requires CDN and server optimization.
RG requirements: the mobile interface must contain quick access to limits and notifications about the duration of the session.

5) Statistics 2025

75-80% of active players use smartphones.
10-15% - tablets.
Less than 25% remains with the desktop, mainly high-rollers and long sessions.
On average, a player from a mobile device logs into the application/browser 3-5 times a day, versus 1-2 times on a desktop.

6) Forecast 2026-2027

The share of mobile players will grow to 85-90%.
Tablets will occupy the niche of "home game" thanks to the larger screen.
The desktop will retain value for analytical players, long-session games and streamers, but as a niche (<10%).

7) Metrics and KPIs for transition assessment

CR Mobile vs Desktop - conversion of registrations by device.
Session Frequency - the number of entries per day.
ARPU Mobile - income per smartphone/tablet user.
RG Uptake Mobile - using limits and pauses in the mobile interface.
Support Load - share of tickets from mobile users (comparison before/after optimization).

8) Risks and challenges

UX problems: small text, overloaded interfaces on small screens.
Security: the growth of mobile fraud and multi-accounts.
Regulatory: mandatory availability of RG tools and notifications.
ASO competition: getting into the top App Store/Google Play becomes expensive.

9) Withdrawal

The transition from desktop to smartphones and tablets in 2025 is an irreversible trend. Mobile UX, instant payments and the adaptation of RG tools are shaping the future of online casinos in Australia. Operators who rely on a mobile-first strategy gain an advantage in player retention and trust.