With the advent of the smartphone and its advanced processing power, high-resolution color displays and wireless internet connections, mobile gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry. Various market forces have contributed to its rise including the proliferation of free-to-play video games with gambling mini-games, and the convergence between mobile gaming and real money gambling. However, it is still important to be aware of the potential for harm that can occur when gambling via a mobile device.

Mobile devices provide a unique platform for gambling and can be accessed in multiple ways; through bespoke apps, adapted websites or even over the phone through text messaging. The graphical and processing limitations of smartphones until recently meant that the types of gambling environments required by certain games were not possible. But the range of sensors available on contemporary phones opens the possibility for a more personalized experience, with the use of mobile devices as both a platform and a game controller.

Using a mobile device to gamble is becoming increasingly popular amongst both existing and new gamblers. This is largely due to the convenience of having access to a wide variety of games, especially casino slots and video poker, anytime and anywhere. However, a mobile gambling app needs to be carefully designed in order to avoid encouraging problematic gambling behaviours.

While there are many reputable mobile casinos to choose from, not all of them are created equal. Some offer a more extensive range of casino games, while others focus more on sports betting and other types of games that can be played on the go. Regardless of your preference, it is best to choose a mobile gambling site that offers the type of games you like playing and has good customer service.

Another thing to consider when choosing a mobile gambling site is whether it is compatible with your operating system. Most mobile gambling sites are compatible with IOS and android, but it is always better to check the terms of service before downloading an app. This way, you will know what you are getting into and if you have any questions you can ask the support team.

Aside from being accessible anywhere, mobile gambling is also convenient because it allows you to bet on the go. Most major bookmakers have mobile betting apps and have seen some of their fastest growth in recent years. The majority of these apps have been geared towards sports betting, although some of the top operators have begun to see rapid increases in their casino style offerings.

Studies that have observed mobile gambling behaviour in a naturalistic setting indicate that engagement with the app evokes a similar pattern of behaviour to other forms of gambling. Specifically, it appears that engagement with the app while there is a chance of winning predicts perseverative play during an extinction phase and that larger rewards predict shorter latencies between gambling attempts. This pattern of behaviour is consistent with associative models of addiction and problem gambling, which suggest that this type of gambling can be rapidly learned, resulting in harmful behaviours.