How a Mobile Gambling Game May Affect User Behaviour
A mobile gambling game is a video game that involves placing real money wagers. These games are usually played using a smartphone or tablet device that is connected to the internet. These games are gaining popularity as they offer players a convenient way to gamble on the go without having to travel to a land-based casino. However, they should be used with caution as they can lead to gambling addiction if not managed properly.
Mobile apps are quickly becoming the preferred way for people to gamble on the go. Previously, many gamblers would simply use their phone’s browser to access a casino or sportsbook but now it is more common for them to use a dedicated app that is optimized for gameplay and accessory integration on their specific device. This makes it much easier to play games and place bets on the go and some even let users play offline when they don’t have internet connectivity.
The proliferation of mobile gambling games has led to a growing interest in understanding how these applications may impact user behaviour. In particular, this study investigated how reinforcement and latency may be fine-tuned by designers to elicit convergent behaviours in the context of a mobile gambling app. Participants were asked to complete a series of gambling-like activities on a simulated app, with the results being analysed for evidence of convergent behaviours. It was found that engagement with the app while there was a chance of winning predicted perseverative behaviour during the extinction phase, while larger rewards were associated with longer latencies between gambles and a greater propensity to prematurely end a gambling session.
These findings suggest that there is a need for more research to understand how mobile gambling apps can be designed with a view to reduce their potential for addictive and harmful behaviours. The app’s ability to collect contextual data on location, activity and other app usage prior to each gambling activity can be a powerful tool in identifying convergent behaviours. This could be achieved by providing users with a choice of opt-in privacy settings to control their data collection and the type of information that is collected from their mobile phone.
In addition, the current proliferation of mobile apps is creating new opportunities for companies to engage with consumers in a novel way, by offering luck-based experiences. From spin-the-wheel coupons to loyalty programs, mobile gambling features are being incorporated into a range of marketing and retail experiences, enabling customers to exchange their money for a chance at winning.
While the majority of gaming apps are free to download, the Apple App Store and Google Play both prohibit real-money gambling. This restriction may be due to the perceived risk of problem gambling, but also the fact that apps can be used in places where traditional casinos are not permitted. However, some major UK operators do have Android-based gambling apps, and there are several other online casinos that allow real-money betting or casino gaming.