Can a Mobile Gambling Game Increase Problem Gambling?
Mobile gambling games provide the opportunity to gamble anytime, anywhere, with a touch of a button. The ability to play online casino games on a mobile device is a major advancement for the gaming industry and has significantly increased the number of people who can gamble. However, the use of mobile devices also poses certain risks.
Unlike Internet-based gambling, mobile gambling offers more privacy, as users are not exposed to the same risks of identity theft, financial loss and addiction that occur in traditional forms of gambling. Additionally, it is easier to regulate mobile gambling as it occurs via apps that are downloaded to smartphones. These apps can be restricted by geographic location, app store restrictions and user permissions. This is important for preventing gambling addiction as it allows for better monitoring of users’ behavior and control of their spending.
In addition, mobile casinos are easy to navigate and provide quick access to a wide variety of games. Players can easily deposit money through their bank accounts, credit cards and even cryptocurrencies. These platforms also allow players to play for free and win real cash. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun and rewarding experience. However, before deciding to make a real-money wager, players should ensure that their mobile devices meet the requirements of the casino they choose.
Most of the top mobile casinos have extensive lists of games, including video slots and table games. Moreover, they have the best security and safety measures to protect players’ data. Additionally, the sites offer a wide range of bonuses and promotions to attract more customers. They also offer various payment options to suit the preferences of different people.
Gambling is a popular pastime among mobile video game users, who spend time playing these games in coffee shops or on public transportation to pass the time. Despite the popularity of these games, researchers have been investigating their potential to encourage problematic behaviour. This research has shown that simulated gambling can increase real-money gambling, particularly in those who are already at risk of problem gambling. However, the association is not causal and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
One study found that participants who used a mobile gambling app exhibited increased gambling and other problem behaviors. The authors suggest that this is due to the app’s design, which allows for a higher level of in-game rewards than traditional forms of gambling. This is in line with behavioural studies, which have shown that near-misses and short intervals of reinforcement are associated with increased responding, especially when compared to the longer intervals of reinforcement used for traditional gambling.
Another recent study looked at how gambling-themed apps influenced real-money gambling. This was a lab-based experiment in which participants completed questionnaires (order: Gambling Questions, PGSI, GRCS, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, PANAS (state), SSS-V) and a computerised contingency judgement task that probed the illusion of control, a cognitive bias that may be related to gambling. GPS co-ordinates were recorded on the participant’s phone each time they placed a gamble, and this was made clear to participants before the experiment started.