Mobile casino games, or gaming apps that enable mobile gambling, allow customers to enjoy casino-style gambling from the convenience of their phone or tablet. These applications feature various casino-themed games and free incentives in order to attract customers; their use is simple, secure and compatible with multiple devices compared with desktop versions; additionally they are fully licensed and operated by reliable companies compared with desktop versions; thanks to mobile casino gaming’s success it has changed the gaming industry dramatically; now an estimated $25 billion industry.
From their tea break at work to waiting in line for a train or bus or dining with family, smartphone gambling allows individuals to gamble anytime, anywhere – be it during work breaks, train and bus delays, family dinners or waiting on lines themselves! Smartphones feature small footprints, lightweight software applications capable of handling high-intensity graphics and data as well as fast load times; making them the perfect device for gambling on-the-go!
Many casino websites are optimised for mobile devices and designed to work on both iOS and Android platforms, typically supporting slots, video poker and table games as well as offering live dealer options allowing gamblers to place bets while watching television or eating lunch.
These sites collect and use user data to target their marketing. This can be particularly troubling for problem gamblers who may be susceptible to offers like these; however, most reputable casinos do not request sensitive details like passwords or bank account numbers from users.
Researchers conducted this study to observe mobile device gambling behavior by having participants use a simulated gambling app on their smartphone to complete tasks that mimicked gambling behaviors and assessed participants’ responses. Additionally, contextual and location (GPS) data was also gathered during this experiment. Unlike prior research which relied upon self-reports or artificial measures of harm, this research explored real world behavior. Results demonstrated that mobile gambling behavior was extremely persistent even when consequences were adverse; indeed, time between losses was directly proportional to amount of reinforcement received. Furthermore, research shows that the rate at which players lose was proportional to the length of time spent playing in any session; hence it is vitally important to understand what drives mobile gambling behavior in order to protect those at risk from falling prey to it. Given the global trend toward liberalisation of internet gambling laws, this research provides a first-of-its-kind insight into mobile phone gambling behaviour that should influence future studies on this emerging phenomenon.