Mobile gambling games are a popular way to gamble on the go. These apps allow players to access and play a variety of casino games from anywhere with an internet connection. Many of these games offer different bonuses and promotions to attract new players and keep them coming back for more. These bonuses may include free spins on your favorite slot game, a welcome bonus or even a no-deposit bonus. These bonuses can make playing your favorite slots on the go an enjoyable experience.
The growing popularity of mobile gambling has been fueled by several factors, including increased smartphone usage and advancements in device software. Modern cell phones resemble mini PCs, boasting full operating systems and powerful processors capable of processing large amounts of data and graphics. They also feature high-resolution displays and wireless internet connections that allow users to connect with the internet from any location.
As a result, casino operators have adapted their websites to be compatible with mobile devices. They also began developing their own mobile-optimised gaming platforms that offered a more streamlined gaming experience, optimised for touch-screen controls and smaller screens. Mobile casinos have become a major component of the online gambling industry and are expected to continue to grow as the number of mobile devices continues to increase.
Despite the widespread use of smartphones, there is relatively little research on how these devices affect gambling behaviour. Most of the existing work uses self-report data or measures of harm that are derived from other addictions, but this study tests for the first time whether mobile device usage influences gambling behaviour in a naturalistic setting. It does so by observing participants’ behaviour as they interact with a simulated gambling app on their smartphone. The results show that engagement with the app whilst there was a chance of winning predicted perseverative play during extinction, while larger rewards predict longer latencies between gambles and a greater propensity for players to prematurely end their gambling sessions.
As a result, the use of mobile devices to gamble can be considered an addictive activity, and it is important that regulators recognise this and consider the potential for harm. The increasing prevalence of smartphones in the lives of many people means that it is possible to use them to gamble at any time, regardless of the person’s physical environment or other social factors. This raises the possibility that mobile gambling could be used as a substitute for more traditional forms of gambling, such as those conducted in brick-and-mortar casinos. This may lead to problematic patterns of behaviour that require more sophisticated regulatory intervention than the current approach based on self-reporting and markers of harm drawn from other addictions.