Ladbrokes pioneers wristwatch gambling

Wearable mobile gambling technology, a development much in evidence at this years’ ICE show (see previous reports) has already debuted in the industry in the form of a new Ladbrokes app, according to a report in the Australian publication Horseracing.com.au this week.

Planned well in advance of the release of the actual Apple iWatch later this month, the Ladbrokes app was developed in Australia and has already been approved by Apple, according to the Horseracing report.

“Our new app is in the app store – ready and approved for the launch of the Apple Watch,” Ladbrokes Australia CIO Scott Hutchens told the publication.

“Our technology focus at Ladbrokes is on innovation for our punters.

“We have seen the rise of mobile to the point where it is now more than 50 percent of total turnover – with the phone the primary device.

“The Apple Watch becomes another device to engage with our customers for more than just novelty.

“The Apple Watch extension communicates with the main Ladbrokes iOS App and will enable customers to actually bet directly from their wrist. It is unprecedented design and the simplest betting interface in the world.”

Ladbrokes Australia CMO James Burnett told Horseracing.com.au the efficient way Ladbrokes has developed the Apple Watch app shows that the company can deliver for punters in a timely manner.

“We were first with the Ladbrokes Payment Card, which has made every ATM in Australia a Ladbrokes payout machine, and now we’re first with the app ready for Apple Watch,” he boasted.