An important point to be made with mobile gaming is that the technology used to play the games must be present on the gaming device itself. Hi-tech internet software allows the game software to run easily over the air. There is presently widespread development in countries such as India, China, Israel and the USA to further enhance and develop new mobile gaming technologies.

How it comes together

The mobile games are downloaded through the mobile operator’s network. It can also be done via the mobile handsets upon purchase – Bluetooth, memory card, or through infrared connections. Most mobile games use Java platforms.

Owing to the limitations on the mobile gaming devices, operators rely on less detail and more gameplay. At present mobile games are on sale through network carriers and operator portals. These channels allow for limited game descriptions and rely more heavily on screenshots to promote the games.

The technology is allowing for enhanced 3D graphics plus single and multiplayer options. It’s this networking ability in the mobile gaming market that has marketing executives in a buzz as it allows for collective wireless gaming for a global audience.

At present the global wireless market has more than 1 billion users, and it is growing at 20 percent per annum. Of particular interest to the sector is the youth market. These are the people who have been raised on video gaming technology. This is the reason that device manufacturers and developers have teamed up with wireless operators to develop a range of products and services appealing to this market.

Examples in the pipeline

There is a tremendous volume of innovation going on to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into games. The goal of course is to create the most ideal gaming enjoyment possible for players. The games based on AI would learn to adapt in response to the player’s actions and various general rules.

Nokia’s N-Gage game deck is another example of technology in progress. This is a part gaming device, part mobile phone and part music player – essentially a multi-functional handset specifically designed for the tech savvy generation.

Not to be outdone are the new generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles. These soon-to-be-launched machines will be available soon. But there are many other 3G based mobile phones that are looking more and popular as the tech age gains momentum.

The legal aspect of online gaming therefore depends not only on the online casino that has been licensed and registered to a specific jurisdiction; it also depends on the laws governing online gaming in the country of the gambler. North America, specifically Quebec in Canada has the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This organization licenses a large number of online casinos and charges some $15,000 plus an annual license fee of $10,000.

The USA as a case in point

The most contentious country with respect to legality is the USA. With so much hype around measures such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 and the Wire Act of 1961, these concerns are fully validated. However the wording of these laws in the USA has led to even more questions. For online casinos, the USA represents a significant part of the market and these online companies are lobbying for measures aimed at easing the strict regulation currently in place.

As it stands the 1961 law has been interpreted by some, including the Department of Justice to mean that all online gambling is illegal. Subsequently US Courts have ruled against that. When the wording is further scrutinized, many are of the opinion that the phrase “in the business of” means only businesses are affected, not gambling customers. And yet others feel that the law only covers sports betting, and not other forms of gambling such as poker. Indeed the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Wire Act does indeed apply to sports betting and not to online gambling.

As a result of the UIGEA, many online gaming operations registered outside of the US ceased their operations in US cyberspace especially following the Kentucky state seizures of domain names in 2008. But there are moves to liberalize online gaming activity, and Representative Barney Frank (D- Mass) is fighting to overturn the ruling. The reason being is that such measures impinge on the universal freedoms of Americans to engage in their preferred form of entertainment.

Online gaming has always been shrouded in issues of the legality of its actions. While it cannot be unequivocally stated what the end status of online gaming, especially in the United States, will be, there are several encouraging moves in the pipeline suggesting an easing of current US restrictions on this global enterprise.

The EU and the USA

In the case of the European Union, EU officials have taken a pro-online gambling position. Several member states have even attempted to legislate on online gaming activity. Banning online gaming is generally prohibited and is contrary to EU law, which must feature conformity across the Union.

In the United States several attempts have long been made to legislate against online gambling. These attempts have often been made on a state-by-state basis, focusing on different regulation regarding online gambling.

Big bets and big wins generate loads of excitement, but the disappointment of losing is distressing. So it makes sense to come into a wagering environment with a clear head and a bankroll that you’re prepared to lose.

The trick to successful gambling lies in knowing your limits. And of course you have to able to walk away – win or lose.

How to play it

The best way to approach a gambling session is with a budget. Whatever you are prepared to lose is what you can afford to gamble with – no more. That’s the short and sweet of it. Gambling must be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to generate cash. If the overall online gambling experience is enjoyable, that’s what matters most.

Try not to deviate from your budget. Use only what you can afford to lose and you’ll be okay. If you win on your allotted bankroll, play off your winnings. But never exceed your budget. It’s easy to determine your budget. First off, pay off your monthly debts and pay for necessities. If an entertainment budget is left over for gambling that’s how to find it.

Tips

• Know your game
• Set a limit
• Gamble within your limit
• Use only money you are willing to lose
• Don’t borrow money to gamble with