Gambling apps more dangerous than FOBTs, study finds

Authors say outdated laws fail to protect vulnerable users from smartphone gambling

Smartphone gambling apps are more dangerous than fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) for people with addiction problems because opportunities to lose money are "just a tap away", a study suggests.

Gambling games on smartphones have surged in popularity in recent years, allowing high-stakes betting within the palm of its users' hands, with video game-style play making them appear "harmless" and introductory offers providing incentives to sign up.