Mobile gambling is becoming a popular and increasingly widespread activity. This trend is fueled by the ubiquity of cell phones, which are essentially mini-PCs with full operating systems, heavy-duty processor power and high-resolution color screens. The newest phones are also capable of running apps, which allow users to access the Internet, make online purchases and play games. This makes mobile gambling an excellent choice for those who prefer to gamble from the comfort of home or while on the go. However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a mobile casino.
The first thing to consider is the device’s specifications. Most reputable mobile casinos support most major devices, including iOS and Android. They also offer a range of payment methods, including debit/credit cards, eWallets such as PayPal and Skrill, bank transfers and in-person payments. Some even offer mobile-specific bonuses to attract players.
Another important consideration is the mobile casino’s interface. It should be intuitive and optimized for small screens. A good site will also work well over a 3G network, and should not consume too much data. In addition, a good mobile casino should have customer service available via phone or email.
A new study examined the effects of a simulated gambling app on mobile phone users. Participants interacted with the simulated gambling game over a period of several weeks, and were asked questions about their behaviour and other aspects of their lives. They were also asked to complete questionnaires designed to measure gambling-related harm (e.g., the Gambling Questionnaire, PGSI, GRCS and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale) and a computerised contingency judgement task that probed the illusion of control.
Despite the proliferation of mobile gambling, only limited research into this area has been carried out. Most of the existing studies use self-report data, and are often based on observations of behaviour rather than direct measures of performance or engagement. The authors of this paper sought to address these limitations by designing a specifically-designed, observable gambling app, and measuring the behaviour of participants while they were engaging with it.
The results showed that participants were highly perseverative in the face of repeated losses, and that this perseverance was linearly related to the magnitude of reinforcement. The authors concluded that this is evidence of the risk of mobile gambling, and called for further research to examine the potential for addiction and other forms of harm.
The study involved 60 participants who completed questionnaires and a simulated gambling app on their mobile phone. The results suggest that the use of a mobile gambling app can lead to excessive gambling and that the risk of harm is increased by the level of reinforcement. This is consistent with the findings of previous research in other contexts, and suggests that the current mobile gambling market could be particularly vulnerable to addiction. The authors recommend that the industry take steps to mitigate this risk, such as providing users with free bets or other promotions, and ensuring that the design of mobile gambling apps incorporates features that promote moderation.