Mobile gambling games, also known as casino apps, enable players to gamble while on the move. This technology has proven enormously popular due to the widespread availability of devices with powerful operating systems, high-resolution color displays and wireless internet connections – similar to mini PCs – capable of running full gaming environments while still remaining portable enough for convenient connectivity to social networks and work emails.
Mobile casinos provide an impressive range of slots and table games, as well as live dealers and video streaming of events. Their inventory may even surpass that found at traditional casinos; top rated mobile casinos may even boast high payout rates and large jackpots. Some mobile casinos may be free to download and play while others require subscription or deposits before entering.
Developments of mobile apps have revolutionized how people enjoy their favorite games, yet also led to new forms of gambling behavior. This study examines one set of behaviors and cognitive biases specific to mobile gaming; specifically how reinforcement and latency may play out here.
With a simulated gambling app, the authors studied participants’ acquisition and extinction behavior of gambling behaviors. Participants’ motivations were also assessed through responses to several questionnaires (Gambling Questions Inventory (PGSI) and Gambling Risk Control Survey (GRCS), as well as a computerised contingency judgment task designed to detect an illusion of control during gambling. Results indicate that participants were highly engaged with the app while there was still a chance of winning, yet this engagement rapidly dissipated once extinction had taken place. Behavior analyses demonstrated that persistence levels were directly proportional to reinforcement amounts and the reward-to-cost ratio, with larger rewards tending to prompt longer latencies between gambling sessions and leading players to prematurely end them.
As mobile device technology and how people spend their leisure time evolves, gambling has become more profitable than ever. As mobile gamers proliferate, understanding its effects and risks are paramount to providing safe and responsible gambling environments. By becoming familiar with common casino games and trusted mobile gambling sites, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their gaming habits while enjoying responsible gambling experiences.