We spoke to experts in the field to find out what it might hold for the future of gambling. There is no doubt that mobile gambling has revolutionized how people play slots and roulette, with many turning to their handsets not just for wagers but also as a kind of digital wallet or travel companion. There are now over 18 billion monthly users worldwide – more than that number play mobile casino games daily. Yet, in recent years, concerns have been raised over a possible lack of transparency about these services and how they work.
A recent Bitstamp study found that many apps are not open to public inspection, with most apps using their no-deposit bonus codes. And according to the ไฮโลออนไลน์ Gambling Regulation Index, these apps may not be easily searchable.
This means that while new users may be attracted to a specific app, they are only sometimes aware of its complete terms and conditions – or whether the game has any.
Many will be unaware there is any difference between an online casino and an app, as both are set up precisely the same way, with the only difference being the user experience across different platforms. The fact is that when it comes to mobile gambling, there is little regulation around it at all.
Mobile gaming is a market that needs regulation to level the playing field and provide confidence to both players and operators. It’s necessary to promote responsible gambling practices, protect individuals and minors from becoming involved in gambling, and safeguard all parties involved in the activity.
For this reason, many gaming agencies, including us at EGR, have called for more regulation around mobile gambling. The industry has already seen strides forward, with operators announcing plans for future states of the art licensed sites that will bring all of the online casino games available through your smartphone or tablet to genuine cash windows.
However, this is unlikely to be a panacea as there are still significant licensing issues in several markets. As long as gambling is illegal in many countries and not accepted by the community, there will be a grey area around it, meaning it is still difficult to police. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
With government intervention, the industry can help create better legislation for mobile gaming. This would ensure players have confidence in the available games and protect minors from gambling. The licensing could also include policies on responsible lending, responsible marketing and conduct of business issues, and customer protection measures: information security, redress options, etc.