What is a mobile casino?

Mobile casinos are exactly as the name implies – they are teeny tiny casinos that fit in your pocket, so you can carry slot machines and table games around on the go!

Ok, maybe not quite that literally. 

Mobile casinos are actually casino sites that you can access from your mobile phone or tablet. 

With today’s technology, smartphones and tablets are just as powerful as laptops and desktop PCs. Software developers have managed to make using the internet to read news, check social media and watch videos just as easy via our portable devices, and that extends to playing casino games too! 

Playing casino online games on the move has never been faster or more convenient. If you’re wondering how it all works, keep reading! And when you’re ready to get started, then check out our recommendations of the best mobile casinos in business today to find your next favourite. 

All your favourite games, wherever you go!

Mobile gaming is all about accessing your favourite games wherever you are. You can have fun playing games in bed, on the train, at the beach – basically anywhere with an internet connection. You can play all types of games, from slots, to poker, even live casino, it’s all available on mobile. 

HTML5, the software these games are built on, allow developers to optimize players’ favourite games for the smartphone interface. That means you get all the same great graphics and features, but everything is now a little more portable.

The mobile vs desktop experience

This portable convenience means the popularity of mobile gaming has exploded in recent years. Here there are the few distinctions worth noting between the computer and mobile experience.

PC screens can be huge – sometimes as large as widescreen televisions. To accommodate the much smaller screen size of  an Android or Apple tablet or phone, game features have been adapted and streamlined. That usually means all the background graphics and empty space is removed and replaced by a less cluttered version, prioritising space for core features of the game. Action buttons are accessed by touch, while pay tables and rules can be read by swiping the game screen. 

You may also notice the casino lobby looking a little different to a desktop one, again to factor in the smaller screen size capacity. You may also find slightly fewer games available compared to desktop play as not all game providers have made the move to making a mobile version. However, more and more are being added every day, and when you consider most casinos already offer thousands of games, having a little less to choose from shouldn’t hinder your experience too much. 

How to play casino games on mobile

Some casinos have made their own apps that you can download via the App Store or Google Play. However, you can just as easily visit the casino online site via your device’s web browser, such as Chrome or Safari. Check your favourite casino site’s information on mobile gaming for further information on how to access it on a portable device. 

What you’ll need

The system most mobile casinos use is HTML5, which is compatible with most browsers on your phone without you having to download any additional programs or software. Having an up to date operating system on your mobile is essential too. You may be want to check your settings to make sure you have Android 7.0 Nougat or iOS 10 (available for the iPhone 5 upwards) for maximum success.

If you use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, make sure you have a secure connection, be it at home, in a cafe or (on your lunch break) at work. But if you like to play on the go, for example on public transport, you could use your mobile data (a.k.a. 3g, 4g, 5g). Ensure you have enough on your phone before you start so you don’t get cut off! Most Android devices and the iPhone let you set up warnings to tell you when you’ve used up enough to be close to the limit.

Security 

No-one wants viruses and malware on their computers, and mobile phones should be treated the same. But just like desktop casino online sites, mobile destinations should provide top SSL security to protect players’ login details and accounts. 

All of the sites we recommend are thoroughly vetted by our team of experts to ensure their high quality of customer experience, and you can feel safe in the knowledge that your information (and potential winnings!) are in good hands. There is nothing about mobile casinos that puts you more or less at risk from other casinos as all information is kept encrypted.

To learn more about this, read our guide on how to stay safe at an online casino. 

Can I play on my Apple Watch?

There currently are not any Apple Watch casino games available. The iWatch sphere so far has not got the functionality to run online casino software, but that’s probably for the best, as the display is so tiny. Playing from a larger screen such as a smartphone or tablet would be far more comfortable and functional. 

Now that you’re a mobile gaming expert, it’s time to get started! Read our how to choose an online casino guide to know what to look out for.

Or why not take advantage of a casino bonus to get the most out of your new venture? Have fun and good luck!