The mobile phone has become an essential tool for many people in the modern world. Technologies enable smartphone users’ access to numerous services such as banking, email, social networks, streaming platforms, games, and other applications for work and leisure. In this regard, mobile sports betting is one of the recent phenomena that have become more widespread and popular among people. This activity involves a prediction of the outcomes of sports events and a placement of wagers based on that prognosis. According to Killick and Griffiths, “increasing technological advancements and changing consumer behavior has resulted in individuals having access to a wider range of online gambling markets and sporting events than ever before” (221). Betting market operators invest in the development of mobile applications in order to be closer to active players (Killick and Griffiths 221). At the same time, such a surge in the popularity of this type of gambling can be associated with an increased risk for addictive behaviors (News 12 Staff). Therefore, it is essential to explore the effects of mobile sports betting on people and determine what makes it appealing to many individuals.
Researchers identify several reasons for the popularity of mobile sports betting. As reported by Wise, “the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, and since then more than two dozen states have legalized the process.” Such a change in regulations has contributed to the spread of this activity, allowing the population to participate in it without adverse legal consequences. Furthermore, the expansion of this gambling method is supported by an advance in smartphone manufacturing and app development. Killick and Griffiths note that “mobile technology has been paramount in contributing to the rise in popularity of online sports betting … [as] it provides an easy and accessible method of placing sports bets” (221). In contrast to the traditional way of placing bets from within bookmaker institutions, this approach contributes to the flexibility and convenience of the gambling service, which makes it more attractive to users.
Moreover, the increased use of smartphones has been registered over the recent year. According to Killick and Griffiths, “over 85% of adults now own a smartphone” in the United Kingdom, and this trend can be observed in many countries across the world (222). As people implement technology in their lives, their preferences change in favor of convenience, accessibility, and efficiency (Wise). As a result, mobile sports betting has become an attractive alternative to the traditional way of gambling. In this regard, individuals can bet from various locations, such as cafes, bars, work, or home, which increases the popularity of this gambling method.
Mobile sports betting can have various effects on people, depending on how healthy the individual’s behavior is regarding this activity. While some people show healthy attitudes towards gambling and use it as a practical tool for additional income, others demonstrate unhealthy symptoms of addiction. The adverse effects include loss of social contact with family, friends, colleagues, and others, physical and mental health issues, that is, stress, sleep disturbance, and depression associated with gambling (Wise). Furthermore, people can experience financial difficulties as a result of mobile sports gambling because it is always available as long as one’s phone is nearby. As a result of the addiction, an individual might not be able to make effective decisions and lose money. Consequently, such an event contributes to one’s struggle with covering their basic needs, including rent, utility bills, food, clothing, and others (Wise). Other serious effects of gambling problems can involve criminal offenses, problems with the law, and administrative punishment or imprisonment resulting from one’s need for money.
From a psychological perspective, mobile sports betting can cause an individual to only experience temporary pleasure from winnings at bets and nothing else. This aspect of addiction can lead to the development of mental health problems in healthy individuals and cause additional issues and difficulties for people with mental health conditions. For instance, Wise reports that “among people who report having a gambling disorder, 60% had a personality disorder, 50% had a mood disorder and 41% had an anxiety disorder.” Another adverse effect of mobile sports betting is related to a gambler’s behavior toward family members and friends. Betters often conceal their involvement in this risky activity and addiction, and with mobile devices, it is particularly easy to keep such a pastime secretive. Finally, another important aspect of mobile sports bookmaking is the engagement of betters in pre-match and in-play betting. These characteristics contribute to the excitement in better, which in turn increases the chance for risky behaviors (Killick and Griffiths 235). Furthermore, people can experience regret, anger, increased excitement, and other strong emotions that result in the development of an addiction.
To conclude, mobile sports betting is associated with fewer barriers to gambling as it is legalized in many states and available to every individual with a smartphone. As a result, such activity can lead to the development of an addiction and affect one’s life in negative ways. The adverse effects include loss of social contact, physical and mental health issues, financial difficulties, and legal problems.
Works Cited
Killick, Elizabeth A., and Mark D. Griffiths. “Why do Individuals Engage in In-Play Sports Betting? A Qualitative Interview Study.” Journal of Gambling Studies, vol. 7, no. 1, 2021, pp. 221–240. Springer Link, doi: 10.1007/s10899-020-09968-9.
News 12 Staff. “Experts: Mobile Sports Betting Contributing to Rise of Problem Gambling.” News 12 the Bronx, 2022.
Wise, Courtney. “Is Mobile Betting Addictive?” Mind Site News, 2022.