Poll: Will smartwatches prove a game-changer for mobile egaming?

Friday will see the much-anticipated launch of the Apple Watch and already Ladbrokes has announced that it would be first-to-market with an Apple Watch app, available, at least initially, only in Australia.

A similar app is expected to arrive in other markets by the end of the year, and rival operators, particularly the likes of Paddy Power and Betfair, are believed to be working on similar offerings.

But how big an impact will smartwatches have on mobile egaming? Initial reports that the watches would serve as little more than user alert devices appear to be unfounded as while the Ladbrokes app will sync with its main iOS app, it will be possible for users to place bets directly from their wrist.

However, the launch of the Apple Watch may not mark the paradigm shift in mobile egaming some are hoping for as converting a sportsbook product to work on a 38mm display provides a big challenge.

And with the Apple Watch working in tandem with the iPhone, it is yet to be seen whether smartwatch apps merely direct users away from operators’ main iOS apps or completely change the way users interact with gaming sites.

But it takes a brave man to bet against Apple when it comes to leading user behaviour on mobile devices and the market will be watched with interest by the sector.

So do you think the Apple Watch is a game-changer for the mobile betting market, or do you believe all the hype won’t deliver any real results.

Have your say on the right-hand side of the page.