A mobile gambling game is an application that enables players to wager on casino games or sports events using a smartphone. Many mobile gambling games also offer free spins to new and existing players, which add up quickly and help build a player bankroll. These bonuses are typically tied to wagering requirements, which can be high – up to 50x the value of the bonus. However, these offers still provide an excellent way to try out a mobile gambling game and see if you like it.
While the majority of mobile gaming occurs through mobile applications (apps), some sites are optimised for desktop computers, allowing players to play online from home or work. The advent of portable Internet access on smartphones has made mobile gambling games even more popular than before. With the continued liberalisation of Internet gambling laws worldwide, understanding the risks associated with mobile gambling is both timely and necessary.
Cell phones are increasingly suited to the demands of gambling, as they become essentially mini-computers equipped with full operating systems, heavy-duty processor power and high-resolution color screens. The newest phones are akin to sexy, pocket-sized personal assistants, with features including calendar and reminder functions, instant messaging and GPS. Combined with fast 3G data networks, these technologies are opening the door to wireless gambling, especially for sports betting and lottery bets. Software vendors expect that wireless gambling will first take off in sports betting, including bets on team games and horse races. The next step will be the ability to stream video of live races and events, as soon as mobile networks can handle it.
Most online casinos offer mobile versions of their products, which can be accessed through dedicated apps on iOS and Android devices. These can be downloaded through Apple’s App Store and Google Play, although restrictions on each operating system limit which casinos are available to users. In addition to mobile apps, some sites offer responsive HTML5 versions of their websites that can be accessed on any device.
A mobile gambling game can be a great way to pass time while waiting for an appointment, commuting or on your tea break at work. By winning Poker hands or spinning Slot reels on the go, you can optimise that time by making it more fun. The only downside of mobile gambling is that it can eat up your internet data.
Researchers have found that mobile gaming can lead to harmful behaviours, such as compulsive play. In one experiment, participants interacted with a simulated gambling app on their smartphones, which offered variable rates of reinforcement and had several levels of rewards. The authors observed that engagement with the app while it was possible to win predicted perseverative play during the extinction phase, when there was no longer any chance of winning. They further observed that larger rewards increased latencies between gambles and the likelihood of players to end a gambling session prematurely. The study signposts the potential for smartphones to be used as tools for studying technology and addictive behaviour, but further research is required to establish the relationship between mobile gambling and harm.