Playing Online Casino Games on a Mobile Device

Everything’s gone mobile nowadays, and it couldn’t be easier to log onto one of the online casinos while you’re out and about. You no longer need to have access to your laptop, either. You can play on a tablet or on your smartphone as well, without suffering any loss in sound or audio quality. The majority of the venues have a good selection of games that are fully compatible with a whole range of devices. The whole process is usually very straightforward, too. You’ll be using your usual account, so there are no extra enrollment forms to fill in. You’ll even have the same banking facilities available to you, and so you’ll be able to deposit wherever you happen to be. Whether you decide to opt for a downloadable app or an in-browser version, it’s still very simple to get started. You only need to sign in from your device, choose which game you fancy playing, and then you’ll be all ready to begin placing a few wagers!

The Differences between the Two Types of Apps

There are basically two ways of playing at a mobile casino, and so you’ll need to decide which of them best suits your personal requirements. The first possibility is to download one of the native apps. These are usually available from either the Apple Store or from Google Play. If this doesn’t appeal, you could always go for the instant play option. In this situation, you won’t be downloading anything. Instead, you’ll access your games via the in-browser app. In order to do this, you must be online, and when you sign in to your account from your device, you’ll be automatically transferred to the mobile version of the website.

Which is the Best Type of Mobile App to Choose?

Ultimately, you’ll have to choose the type of app that suits your particular needs best, but there are some notable differences between them. One of the negatives of a native version is that it takes up some of the memory of your device. The other main disadvantage is that the selection on offer is smaller. This is, however, because the games have been specifically designed for mobile play, and because of this, many punters find that the quality is far superior. The key downside of using an in-browser app is that you need to have an internet connection to log onto the online casino. On a positive note, you’ll have access to a comprehensive selection with this option, and you don’t need to download anything.

Over the years, the number of Android users has grown significantly in comparison with iOS. In spite of this, you’ll have much more choice of titles in the Apple Store. Google Play is still somewhat lacking in terms of real-money apps, and many of the products are subject to restrictions in certain locations. If you’re using a Windows phone, your options will probably be even more limited. It is possible to find some games that are compatible when you hunt around a little though, and you’re bound to come across a few that are suitable for Blackberry devices, too.

The Mobile Casino Lobby and the Games Selection

The casino lobby is set out pretty much the same on a mobile device as it is on the main website, but it has been streamlined so that it’s more user friendly. In terms of categories, the slots have, by far, the bigger selection on offer, and this is probably a good thing. Their style of play makes them the perfect choice when you’re using a smaller screen. There are fewer table games available, but there are still plenty for you to pick from, and most venues provide live games, too. If you’re using the in-browser option, you’ll be able to enjoy all the latest titles as they are released. You’ll notice that not all of the games have a demo option available for mobile, however, and you might find that this is a bit of a negative.

Who are the Main Developers of the Mobile Games?

It’s interesting that each of the leading games providers has approached the mobile market in a very different way. In many respects, this has been affected by how long they have been in the online casino scene. Those that have joined more recently have had the advantage as they have been able to create all of their products with mobile play in mind. The longer-established developers have had the more difficult task of adjusting their existing games so that they can be played on a smaller screen. This resulted in a bit of a lag in some of the more popular titles being available, although on the whole, this is no longer an issue. The newer ones often don’t provide a downloadable app though, and only offer in-browser play.

Bringing the NetEnt Touch to Mobile Casinos

The NetEnt Touch platform really sets the standard when it comes to online play. The company has adopted a mobile-first approach to its games development, and designed its catalog in collaboration with a number of its players. The result is an eclectic portfolio of titles, each with superior graphics and high-quality sound. Moreover, they have the unique features and interesting quirks that tend to be associated with this particular developer, and the payout rates are exactly the same as the desktop versions. When you’re playing on your mobile device, you’ll find that the controls are very easy to use. You just need a simple touch to start play, and then all of the key information is displayed clearly on the screen. Another huge positive is that the live dealer games have been specifically developed for mobile play, and this is all part of the truly immersive experience that NetEnt wishes to create for its players.
 

Playtech’s ‘One’ Philosophy for Mobile Games

Playtech is known for its huge catalog of more than 600 games, with live casino options included. Around 50 new titles are added every year across a variety of genres, and each of these is launched on desktop and on mobile simultaneously. These include a whole series of branded versions, such as the DC entertainment ones, plus a number with film and TV series tie-ins. In terms of mobile, Playtech aims to give its players the ultimate experience, with the ability to play on all devices and platforms. The company has its ‘One’ philosophy, which is all about removing anything that might inhibit your gaming. The Omni-channel technology means that you can access your content anywhere, and the single wallet facility allows you to manage your online funds at all times. Although some of the features of the games look different on the smaller screens, you’ll find that they stream just as seamlessly.
 

The Quickfire Solution to Microgaming’s Mobile

Microgaming boasts that its mobile catalog is the largest in the business, and with more than 350 products available, there’s certainly a lot to choose from. There are a number of bespoke options too, as well as a selection of live games. All of them can be played across a wide range of devices, including Windows phones, which makes the range extremely accessible for the majority of players. Interestingly, the company introduced the autoplay option, and also pioneered the swipe and tap interface that is such a feature of the smaller screen. Better still, the Quickfire platform is fully compatible with mobile play, and so everything loads smoothly and efficiently. New releases are added every month, so the selection on offer retains a very fresh feel. In line with its innovative approach to mobile gaming, Microgaming has also developed the world’s first slot for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

Some Other Providers of Mobile Casino Games

The lesser-known providers haven’t been left behind when it comes to mobile gaming. There are a number of other developers who offer their products as either instant play or a downloadable app. Realtime Gaming has all of its player favorites available for both tablet and smartphone, and the company states that this area of development is now its priority. Similarly, Evolution Gaming has made all of its content fully compatible for mobile play, so you can enjoy the company’s unique live casino games from any location. IGT specializes in slots, and builds all of its titles so that they can be played on a wide array of devices. Its portfolio includes a decent selection of mini games that are perfect for playing on your phone.

BetSoft and the ToGo Mobile Games Platform

Betsoft states that it has re-engineered all of the ToGo products to provide players with the optimal mobile experience. Each of the titles is suitable for Android, iOS, and for Windows phones, and even the popular Slots3 games have been adapted for portable gaming. In face, the company’s experience with the ToGo versions has led to the recent launch of its Shift platform for desktop. The mobile collection continues to grow, and the layout of many of the games has been altered so that the smaller screen appears less cluttered. In Legend of the Nile, for instance, the information tabs are in a menu at the top of the game board. The other noticeable difference is that the spin button is larger and has been placed on the side.
 

Play’n Go and the Bespoke Mobile Games Suite

Although Play’n Go has a smaller number of games in comparison to some of the larger developers, there is nothing lacking in the quality of its products. The company has produced an innovative collection that really brings something different to the table. All of the games have been developed for instant play and can be accessed on pretty much every mobile device that exists, including Blackberry. Play’n Go has titles across all the categories, with the slots being the most prolific. These are filled with colorful graphics and quirky animation features, which are simply perfect for mobile play. Additionally, there are a selection of bespoke slots available, or if you like the idea of fixed odds, you should take a look at Triple-Chance Hi-Lo.

Accessing All of the Site Facilities on Mobile

You can usually access all of the usual casino facilities on your mobile device, so you can participate in everything that’s on offer. This includes any of the tournaments or the progressive jackpot games. If you are using the in-browser version, you can often switch between the different areas of the site, such as poker or sports betting. However, if you are using a native app, you will often need to have separate ones for each of the categories. These are easily found in one of the online app stores. Alternatively, you can go directly to the website, and download it from there. Some sites make this simple by providing you with a QR code. In this situation, you need to scan it with your device, and the process will begin.

Using the Banking Facilities on Mobile Devices

At most of the online casinos, you’ll be using the same account whether you are playing from your desktop or from another device, and this means that your banking services will be centralized, too. Although it is perfectly possible to upload funds with your mobile device, you won’t be able to make withdrawals with this method. There are a few payment methods that are specifically for mobile usage, and depending on your location, these may be a good option for you. The first is Apple Pay. This is a digital e-wallet system, which can be used to make secure payments over web. Unfortunately, it is only available for Apple devices, and there is a minimum limit, too. There is also Boku, which uses an SMS service for transfers.

The Bonuses and Promotions for Mobile Play

When you decide to use your mobile device to join one of the online venues, you will be entitled to the welcome bonus. This will, of course, have the standard terms and conditions attached to it. If you are already a member of a site, you may receive an additional bonus when you first access the mobile casino. There are a range of promotions and special deals that are specifically for mobile play, too. These tend to be along the lines of free spins, or some tickets for one of the tournaments. You’ll also be able to join the loyalty club. In most cases, you’ll be collecting collect comp points as you participate in the games. These can then be exchanged for cash, for free play, or for something from one of the casino’s gift shop.

Some Security Tips for Playing on Mobile

In the main, there shouldn’t be much difference between playing on desktop or accessing your your online casino games on a portable device. You will be using the same account, and have the standard facilities at your disposal. There are, however, a few additional precautions that you should take if you decide to take part in some gaming while you’re on the go.

• Remember to Log Out. You should sign out of your account when you’ve finished playing. This is especially important on shared devices.
• Activate the screen lock. It’s advisable to lock your device as soon as you’ve finished using it. That way, it can’t be used if it is lost or stolen.
• Never store passwords. You should never keep your passwords or your personal information on your mobile device in case it gets hacked.

Summing up all of the Mobile Play Options

It’s very straightforward to start playing at an online casino on your mobile, but you will have a few choices to make. You’ll need to decide if you want a downloadable app or if you prefer an in-browser version. You’ll need to consider which venue has the most appealing games for you, as well. There isn’t always a demo version available, but if there is, it’s good to try a few to see how they will look on your device. Your final consideration is whether you will get any additional promotions. If you do, it will make playing on the go all the sweeter!