Bookmaker devices amongst first published Apple Watch apps

The general release of the Apple Watch on Friday 24 April, saw some 3000 dedicated Apple Watch apps published to the public. Bookmakers, William Hill, Coral, Unibet, and Ladbrokes Australia were the first industry operators to release customised apps into the Apple Watch eco-system.

The industry bragging rights for first publicised release were shared by Ladbrokes Australia and William Hill, who on Monday 20 April announced that their apps had been approved for publication by Apple. Further Apple Watch app release announcements were followed as Unibet and Coral Interactive via igaming technology developer Playtech publicised releases on Friday 24 April.

The launch of four dedicated Apple Watch apps by the top-tier bookmakers has seen different strategies applied to the new technology by the operators who have all outlined further mobile development as a key dynamic for future growth.

Ladbrokes and William Hill have fused their mobile betting markets into their new apps allowing for customers to place bets directly on the Apple Watch. Further mechanisms will allow customers to set their betting preferences and keep up with match and market alerts.

European operator Unibet, has designed its watch app to offer customer’s in-depth information on football matches and horse racing through the app interface. At present the Unibet app aims to support the operators existing mobile betting app, relying instant sports information to Apple Watch users.

The Coral app, developed by leading igaming technology provider Playtech aims to be an extension of Coral Connect omni-channel services. The app enables first adopters of the watch to initiate bets, browse live and forthcoming sporting events, monitor promotions, and receive alerts via technology linked to a user’s iOS mobile application.

Furthermore Coral Apple Watch customers will have access to a cash-out functionality enabling them to instantly profit from winning positions in real-time.

Although still in its early stage as a technology device, it appears that further European sports betting and igaming operators will look to release tailored devices into the Apple Watch eco-system. The app releases by the bookmakers on opening day can further highlight the sports betting industry’s ongoing focus on in-house product development and product differentiation.