Gambling apps are part of a recent trend that has popped up since the creation of smartphone and tablet technology. Prior to this, online casinos existed, as they do still, purely on the internet through website access. The development of such apps has called into question the legality and morality of it all. This has led to a wider discussion around general gambling regulatory processes and how to protect people from the potentially harmful effects this industry poses. Currently, different countries have individual policies regarding these types of apps – some being legal and some illegal. Read on to find out more.
Gambling Apps: Overview
Gambling apps are app versions of an online casino website. They are ed, signed into, and then offer mostly the same gameplay as the site. The law on access varies around the world, but most countries allow some form of betting apps to existing, as you can see by clicking through on this list and toggling between the regions. This shows the most popular sports betting app options around the world currently.
Have Gambling Apps Ever Been Illegal?
In the UK, there are not too many restrictions when it comes to gambling. The industry is still regulated but, as long as they have a license and adhere to the law, it’s a fairly free-flowing industry with open access from those over 18. In fact, the last time there were any real prohibitions on gambling was way back in the 1500s when it was banned entirely (and apps did not exist).
The USA, however, is another question entirely. The law varies from state to state but there are a few legal apps that have emerged in recent years. The law tends to dictate that money can only be won in games of skill, not games of chance, but sports betting is a bit of a grey area. Physical casino establishments offer legal gambling for those 21 and over. The only states that steer away from gambling in every outlet are Hawaii and Utah.
Types of Gambling that Apps Offer
There are a few types of gambling that the apps provide, much like physical casinos:
- Sports betting
- Lottery games
- Bingo
- Slot machines/other arcade-style games
- Blackjack
- Poker/other casino-style games
So, as shown here, people can use these apps to place a bet on, for example, horse racing, and then jump over to an arcade-style slot game to try to win some money in a different way. While these apps are a lot of fun, there is also a risk in the ease of access that people will never leave and potentially spend more money because the temptation of having it right there in their pocket is too much to resist.
Reasons Online Casinos Make Apps for Their Site
So, if the site is already available online, and plenty of people are playing – why is there a need for an app at all? Apps are more convenient and provide an intuitive interface when compared to playing on a mobile casino site. Not just this, but they are better able to store personal details to save time for the player; allow for better graphics, which makes visually better gameplay all around; and are far easier to update.
Why is Gambling Regulated and Restricted?
The most obvious answer is that gambling has the potential to be higher, and cripplingly addictive. This is the first reason why it is limited to adults only – 18 + in the UK and 21+ in the USA. Any form of addiction can have devastating effects such as unmanageable debt, social isolation, declines in mental health, and even lead to a dependency on drugs and alcohol.
In England and the rest of the UK, all betting and wagering style activity is regulated by the UKGC, otherwise known as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. This is the body through which a potential casino style establishment or online business gets its license. The focus, unlike in other countries, is to make gambling as safe and enjoyable as possible instead of punishing the vice through prison time or fines.
So, no, gambling apps are not illegal generally. However, there are some restrictions in some countries.