Users in Australia could be able to play electronic slots and roulette, enter lotteries and much more.

Queensland academics are concerned about the effects this new form of gambling may have, as it could trigger a new generation of gambling addicts. Four researchers from Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University and University of Queensland have investigated the risks of this new trend to mobile phone users, which they have called m-gambling.

Dr. Judy Drennan, leader of the researchers’ team, said that mobile gambling would facilitate the habit and remove barriers such as the lack of time for visiting a betting shop. Besides, m-gambling may attract other kinds of problem gambler, such as young users who are already familiar with downloading ringtones and playing games on their mobiles. Moving on from free gaming to playing for money is just a matter of time.

But this new industry, expected to make U$S 19.3 million by 2009, is also spreading overseas. In United Kingdom, Vodafone and Gambling.com have already signed a contract to include betting games in their cell phones next June. The service will include a total of 11 games: roulette, blackjack, stud poker, scratch cards and slots, among others.