Mobile games have become a staple of modern entertainment, attracting millions of users globally with their captivating and accessible gameplay. However, within the booming world of mobile gaming lies a rapidly growing subcategory of games that incorporate gambling-like mechanics. These games, though not classified as traditional gambling, often mirror the psychological triggers associated with gambling addiction, creating a grey area where regulation is minimal, and the risks are high.

Gambling-Like Mechanics in Mobile Games

At the core of many popular mobile games with gambling properties is the slot machine mechanic, a random reward system that keeps players hooked. These games often revolve around spinning wheels or loot boxes, where players wager in-game currency or real money to unlock rewards. The unpredictability of these rewards, combined with intermittent positive reinforcement, can lead to compulsive behavior. This structure mimics the psychological mechanisms of gambling, which rely on uncertain outcomes to keep users engaged.

Players are often given a limited number of free chances to play, encouraging them to return frequently or, more troublingly, purchase additional chances via microtransactions. These purchases range from small amounts to more substantial investments, and players can quickly lose track of their spending. This system of in-game purchases, often disguised as benign “spins” or “loot boxes,” can blur the line between gaming and gambling​. For example, one popular game allows players to build virtual villages by earning coins from a slot machine-like feature, and they can raid or attack other players’ villages. The gameplay mimics gambling, as players wager in-game currency with uncertain rewards, creating a loop of anticipation and spending.

Addiction Risks and Financial Consequences

While traditional gambling is tightly regulated in many countries, these mobile games fall outside of those restrictions. As a result, players, including minors, are vulnerable to developing addictive behaviors. The ease of access—available 24/7 through smartphones—makes it harder for people to resist temptation. Research shows that ease of access significantly increases the risk of addiction​. If this was an online gambling space, the ease of access would already raise the alarm with regulators. An example is the Netherlands where the government gambling authority KSA forbade quick access instant casinos (online casino zonder registratie). These casinos used quick payment methods to instantly open customer accounts and deposit at the same time. This would bring the players immediately to start gambling, similarly as Facebook or SSO login helps with mobile games

Many individuals have reported substantial financial losses due to their addiction to these types of mobile games. One notable case involved a player who spent over $400,000 due to her inability to stop purchasing in-game spins. Others have taken out loans or drained savings to continue playing, leading to severe emotional and financial distress​.

Social and Psychological Triggers

These games do not rely solely on their gambling-like mechanics; they also incorporate social elements that make them even more addictive. Players can connect with friends to give or receive rewards, raid each other’s progress, or compete in limited-time events. The pressure to keep up with others and the fear of missing out (FOMO) contribute to the game’s addictive nature​. The use of time-limited offers, which push players to act quickly to avoid losing out on rewards, further amplifies the urgency to spend money​.

The disappointment of losing or having one’s progress destroyed by another player can also motivate players to invest more, attempting to regain what they’ve lost. This cycle of gain, loss, and redemption mimics the highs and lows of gambling, often leading to compulsive play​(

Targeting Vulnerable Populations

Another critical concern is that these mobile games often target younger demographics, including teenagers and children. Through colorful graphics, catchy music, and celebrity endorsements, developers market the games as harmless entertainment. Yet, these games often expose young people to the same addictive behaviors seen in traditional gambling, despite not being subject to the same regulations. This has sparked criticism from public figures and advocates, who argue that such practices exploit vulnerable players without providing adequate consumer protections​.

Comparison With Online Gambling – Less Regulated, Equally Addictive

When comparing mobile games with gambling-like mechanics to online casinos, the main differences lie in regulation, safety, addictiveness, and business models. Online casinos are tightly regulated, requiring age verification, spending limits, and offering responsible gambling resources to mitigate addiction risks. In contrast, mobile games operate largely unregulated, allowing younger players to engage in gambling-like behaviors without safeguards. While both types of platforms exploit psychological triggers like random rewards and loss aversion, online casinos must follow strict guidelines, whereas mobile games use microtransactions and time-limited offers to drive spending without similar oversight.

Calls for Regulation and Responsible Gaming

Despite the growing popularity of these games, the regulatory landscape surrounding them is sparse. Traditional gambling platforms are required to follow strict rules regarding age verification, limits on spending, and addiction support services. However, since these mobile games do not technically involve real-money gambling, they escape much of this oversight. This lack of regulation has raised alarms about the potential harm these games can cause, especially to younger audiences and those predisposed to addictive behavior​.

Advocates for responsible gaming are increasingly calling for tighter controls on mobile games that employ gambling-like mechanics. Some suggestions include setting spending limits, requiring clearer disclosures about the odds of winning, and implementing age restrictions to protect minors. There is also a push for greater transparency from developers regarding how much players spend and how the game’s algorithms work to reinforce spending behaviors.

The rise of mobile games that incorporate gambling properties has introduced a new form of digital addiction, one that exploits psychological vulnerabilities and can result in significant financial and emotional harm. While these games may be enjoyable for many, their structure and mechanics closely mimic those of traditional gambling, making them particularly dangerous for susceptible individuals. As the popularity of these games grows, so too must the conversation about the need for greater regulation and consumer protection.

For players, awareness is the first step toward preventing addiction. Understanding the mechanics behind these games and recognizing the risks associated with microtransactions and compulsive play can help users make informed decisions and avoid the potential pitfalls of this increasingly pervasive form of entertainment.