The mobile gaming market in the UK is experiencing substantial growth, with revenue forecasted to reach $1.37 billion in 2024. Anticipated expansion will see the market reach $1.83 billion by 2029 with the number of players expected to reach 32 million. Football’s global presence and enduring popularity, particularly in the UK, is playing a part in this growth through games themed around the sport, endorsements from players, and commercial partnerships with top Premier League teams.
Top mobile football games include Dream League Soccer 2024 which has become a favourite of many with its extensive roster of over 4,000 FIFPRO licensed players and immersive 3D animations, allowing players to build their dream team and compete in global leagues and events.
EA Sports FC Mobile, formerly known as FIFA Mobile, is another big seller. It provides a comprehensive football experience with more than 15,000 licensed players and 30 leagues. Meanwhile, eFootball 2024 has built upon the PES legacy with its next-generation graphics and extensive player management options, including cooperative matches and division-based leagues.
The mobile market is also thriving because of an increasing diversity of game types and mechanics. For example, for those who are interested in management and strategic play, there is Top Eleven 2024 which immerses players in every aspect of soccer club management, from player transfers to stadium construction.
Score! Hero caters to fans of puzzle-inspired gameplay, Football Strike is all about quickfire free-kick challenges, while Retro Goal and Real Football appeal to those seeking nostalgic or immersive 3D experiences.
Football Is Also Having an Impact on the Mobile iGaming Market
Given iGaming’s popularity among mobile gaming enthusiasts, football is unsurprisingly influencing the buoyancy of the online casino market too. Many of the standout slot games in the UK have a football theme.
NetEnt’s Football: Champions Cup stands out with its penalty shootout bonus and immersive graphics, while Playtech’s Top Trumps Football Stars combines collectable card elements with football legends, enhancing the nostalgia and thrill of the game.
The much-loved sport is also expanding its reach within the market, inspiring Dibz which blends football with the popular gambling game of bingo. Available for iOS and Android devices, Dibz works by offering tickets that resemble bingo cards, where players mark off match events as they occur. The aim is to have all the events on the ticket turn blue to win.
While bingo might be new to some online slot players, it is a very simple game to learn. Many will be familiar with terms such as “Caller”, “Dabber”, and “Full House”, but if you're not already, a guide to bingo lingo for beginners can help you become comfortable with the common phrases. The important thing to understand is what you need to achieve to win – for example, in Dibz, all events on a ticket must be accomplished – and if a jackpot is available for certain kinds of wins, particularly on more traditional forms of the game.
For instance, when users play online bingo they will often have the opportunity to try several variations of the game – the fast-paced 75-ball bingo with its 5x5 grid or the more traditional 90-ball version with its three-row, nine-column ticket – and might be able to achieve separate wins for a specific pattern or full house within a set timeframe or number of calls.
Football Will Continue to Help Drive the Mobile Gaming Market
The enduring popularity of football is significantly contributing to the growth of the mobile gaming industry in the UK. Top games like Dream League Soccer 2024, EA Sports FC Mobile, and eFootball 2024 are particularly capturing the hearts of millions by offering immersive and authentic football experiences.
Meanwhile, its influence in the mobile iGaming market, where football-themed slots and innovative games like Dibz blend traditional gambling elements with the excitement of football, reflects the sport’s broad reach. As football continues to be a global phenomenon, its integration into mobile gaming and iGaming markets will likely drive further innovation and growth.
