This has been mainly due to the advancement in the mobile technology where mobile gambling has become popular. As more and more people own smartphones and tablets, more and more consumers are using mobile devices for gambling, which is beneficial and problematic for operators and regulators at the same time.
M-gambling or mobile gambling is a form of gambling that can be done through the use of mobile devices and it includes sports betting, casino games and purchase of lottery tickets. The mobility that is offered by the mobile devices has made it easier for the users to gamble hence playing a big role in the growth of the sector. Current industry trends reveal that mobile gambling has become responsible for over half of all the online gambling activities and this trend is likely to increase.
As for gambling operators, mobile gambling can be considered as a rather promising trend. Mobile platforms help to extend the coverage and enable the operators to address the consumers in a more efficient and engaging manner. Numerous operators are spending a lot of money on applications development and improvement as a way of improving their services and acquiring new clients.
“Mobile technology has revolutionized the gambling industry,” said Jonathan Lee, a digital marketing expert in the gaming industry. “It has allowed operators to interact with their consumers in a way that was not possible before and in a more effective and efficient manner.”
Nevertheless, the mobile gambling phenomenon also presents a number of issues that the operators and the regulators have to tackle. A major issue is the security and privacy of the mobile transactions since it is an emerging technology.
More and more individuals are using their mobile phones in conducting financial transactions and as more people use these devices, there is a higher tendency for frauds and cybercrimes. The operators should, therefore, ensure that they have put in place proper measures to ensure the security of the users’ information.
Another concern is that it can lead to the growth of gambling disorders. As a result of mobile gambling, people can gamble more often and on the go, which may be problematic for those who have gambling problems. These concerns are being met by operators and regulators through the provision of responsible gambling features within mobile applications including self-exclusion and betting limits.
However, the mobile gambling is global and this creates some legal issues. In different jurisdictions, there are different laws and regulations that govern the operations of gambling and operators need to be informed of these laws. This can be quite problematic especially to the international operators who have to deal with different regulations in different countries.
However, there are several challenges that are facing the growth of mobile gambling and yet there is no indication of slowing down. The industry is still developing, and it is influenced by the development of new technologies and shifts in the consumers’ preferences. With the expansion of the industry, it will be crucial for the participants and the authorities to tackle the problems emerging from it and guarantee the customers’ satisfaction.
