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Worldpay expects Grand National surge for online bookies

Payment processing firm Worldpay is predicting a bumper weekend for online bookmakers, as Britain welcomes the 2018 Grand National.

With internal research revealing that 45% of over-65s prefer placing bets on a mobile device as opposed to in-store, Worldpay is expected this to be the year that numbers for mobile gaming surpass its counterpart for punting pensioners.

Data also shows online betting for the Grand National rising 20% year-on-year, and James McGurn, VP of Digital Content and Gaming at Worldpay, stated: “The Grand National is the biggest betting day of the year, bringing an entire nation to a standstill as horseracing fans up and down the country tune in to watch.

“Though steeped in tradition, the Grand National has jumped into the 21st century, with a later start time and Snapchat coverage all designed to cater to the modern audience.

“As the way in which we watch the race evolves, so does the way we choose to gamble. And mobile is at the heart of the new racing experience.

“We are seeing a growing trend towards app betting, which is more convenient and user-friendly for sports fans of all generations.  

“Whether placing a bet at the racecourse, down the local pub, or from the comfort of your own sofa, your smartphone could be the quickest and easiest way to win big.”

In its analysis of punters wagering habits during last year’s event, Worldpay has revealed a spike of 65% in betting activities on race day.

In addition it would seem a large proportion of consumers leave it until the last minute to place their stakes, with betting peaking seven minutes before the start of the race, and 118 deposits a second being made to online accounts.  

However, despite almost half of the UK adult population having a flutter on the world-famous steeplechase, for many it will be their only bet of the year.

As a result of this, the average spend per betting deposit drops by almost £3 over the course of the Grand National weekend.

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