When it comes to mobile gambling, game developers have an opportunity to take advantage of the technology already present on millions of smartphones and tablets. The technology is capable of handling high-intensity data and graphics, allowing mobile gambling games to offer the same casino experience that desktops have provided for years. The mobile gaming platform also has the potential to attract new players who are not familiar with online casinos.
Using mobile gambling games, gamblers can wager on casino and sports events and place bets through text-based programs or instant messaging. Eventually, software vendors expect wireless gambling to expand into live betting on team and individual performances and streaming video of horse races. This is expected to occur once 3G networks can handle the massive amounts of data needed. Other casino-related activities that are anticipated to be adapted to wireless gambling include the purchase of lottery tickets and betting on soccer matches.
As with any other form of gambling, mobile gaming can lead to addictive behaviours. However, mobile devices can make it easier to develop an addiction because of their frequent use and short intervals of interaction. Additionally, mobile gambling apps can collect a user’s location and behavioural data to target advertising and other enticing offers. These factors can contribute to an increase in problem gambling, which is a major concern for researchers.
The mobile gambling industry is growing, despite the fact that many European countries have strict anti-gambling laws in place. As a result, companies that offer mobile gambling must carefully consider the legal requirements of each country before developing their products. The best way to do this is by consulting with a lawyer specializing in gambling law or hiring a software development company that is familiar with the laws of each jurisdiction.
Mobile gambling sites also offer a wide variety of banking options. Most of them accept credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and bank transfers. Many of them also have loyalty programs that reward regular users with free spins, deposit bonuses and cashback offers. In addition, they are regulated by independent testing agencies to ensure that the games are fair and that players’ funds are safe.
While previous research has linked mobile gaming to harmful behaviour, a recent study of a simulated gambling app reveals that mobile users show considerable perseverance in the face of losses. The researchers manipulated the latency between reinforcement in the app to determine its influence on this behaviour. The results showed that a longer delay between reinforcers – such as near-misses, which have structural and aesthetic similarities to wins – can lead to increased persistence.
Moreover, the development of mobile gambling games is gaining momentum because of the increasing availability of smartphone hardware with high-resolution displays and fast processors. This has opened up a whole new market for casino games, which can be played from the comfort of home or on the go. Moreover, mobile casinos can bypass the need for a dedicated application, as US casino apps are designed to run smoothly on iPhones.
