?? A Brief History of Mobile Casino
Not that long ago the internet didn't exist, so visiting a casino meant heading out on the town. This involves getting dressed up, weaving through traffic, finding a parking spot and dealing with crowded gaming halls. Visiting a bricks and mortar casino does have an atmosphere that is hard to recreate from home, but it can be a lot of work as well.
With so many mobile casinos to choose from it is difficult to imagine a time when you couldn't just open your phone and log in. Yet it has only been a decade or so since we have been able to do so. Microgaming was at the forefront of the internet gambling revolution with their site the Gambling Club, licensed in Gibraltar. This was the heady days of the mid-1990s when the internet was in its infancy, and the public was still a little unsure of what to make of the tidal wave of connectivity that was about to be unleashed.
2005 was a seminal year with platforms such as Spin3 from Microgaming and partners Spiral Solutions entering the mobile market and making waves. A couple of years later, the mobile gambling explosion truly kicked off with the release of the iPhone and the introduction of apps. Initially, poker ruled with Texas Hold 'em one of the most downloaded apps of 2008. But once casino operators spotted the opportunity that apps and web apps offered the gambling world would never be the same. From then on, the dam was breached, and users of all operating systems were deluged with mobile casinos and slots.
?? Mobile Casino: The Advantages
Like everything else mobile, the main advantage is convenience. When casinos first popped up online, it was a revolution. No more need to get dressed up, head into town, battle traffic, find a parking space and trek to your local establishment for some gambling. Imagine going through that to find someone camped out for the night in front of your favourite online slot. Now, wherever you have an internet connection, you never have to wait. Just a few quick taps and you can be spinning. We take our mobiles so much for granted it is easy to forget how convenient they are.
?? Desktop vs Mobile Casinos
Virtually anything you can do at a full desktop casino you can do on your mobile. This includes registering, making withdrawals and deposits, and contacting customer support. You can also take full advantage of bonuses found at a full site, and of course the most important thing – playing games! You might occasionally run across a smaller game line-up on a mobile. But on the whole, whatever you can do on a desktop you can now do on a mobile.
?? How to Find a Safe and Secure Mobile Casino
When assessing a mobile casino there is a list of criteria we use to assess how great, or not, it is. Key areas of concern are licensing, safety, software, games, banking, customer service, and more. Here are a few critical points that need to be looked out for:
- Mobile casinos should be licensed and regulated. This offers protection for users and ensures you are playing a fair and legal site. British gamblers need to be covered by a license from the UKGC. Those on the continent should look out for one of the respected European such as the MGA, Swedish, Alderney, or German, among others.
- The next thing is to make sure that your personal information is safe. Mobile casinos accomplish this through security protocols such as SSL technology which encrypts user data. This is the same methods that big corporations and banks use.
- Fair games. This should be covered as part of licensing but is something to be aware of nonetheless. Look out for a certificate from eCOGRA, which is the industry fairness watchdog. While not a requirement a seal of approval from this highly respected company provides an additional layer of trust.
- Software providers can be another indicator of a mobile casino's quality. As a general rule, the bigger the names, the better the quality. Some casinos are solely powered by one provider such as Microgaming or Play’n GO. Other platforms will have games from a myriad of developers. This indicator is more subjective as it will often come down to player choice. If you can find your favourite games, it is often a good sign.
- Customer service may or may not be a key concern for you. At the very least you want to know that you can contact a rep if you ever have a query. That means checking for opening hours that suit you're playing patterns. Be aware that not all casinos have a landline, or have a CS team open 24/7.
- When it comes to banking, make sure that your preferred payment method is offered. Also check on things like payout times, and whether big wins are paid out in lumps sums or annuities. Mobile casinos offer all range of payment methods such as credit and cards, bank transfer, and eWallets.
There are a lot of mobile casinos out there to explore. Browsing the reviews here at Bigwinboard will make your life easier and the search for a mobile casino a quick and painless one. Taking the time to find the perfect mobile casinos for your needs will result in a long and happy gaming relationship.
?? Mobile Casino Games
There is a vast number of games available at mobile casinos. Imagine walking into the biggest casino in Vegas. Picture the hundreds of table games, and thousands of slots lining the walls and gaming halls. This pales in comparison with the enormous collection of games you can find online. All of which can be played on a mobile. This includes slots of course, but it also includes anything you would find at a physical casino. Modern gamblers can even take part in live dealer games right on their mobile device. This is the very definition of a 'casino in your pocket.' Look out for Evolution Gaming who is the gold standard when it comes to live casino gaming.
Visit any mobile casino and the slots category will almost always be the largest one. Long gone are the days of the 3x3 fruit slot – though there are plenty of those still being made. Slots are released now with practically any theme you could possibly imagine. This is one of the top reasons for their popularity. One minute you are spinning with superheroes, the next the Norse Gods, then Ancient Egypt, and so on. The list is endless and ever-growing. Along with the escapism comes the winning potential. We know not every player is going to land life-changing sums of money. But we all have the same opportunities. If big money is your aim, look out for progressive jackpots at your mobile casino. These regularly run into the millions and can be won right on a mobile device.
?? Best Mobile Casino Bonuses
Due to the huge number of mobile casinos, the competition for new punters is fierce. This has resulted in an arms race between providers as they offer larger and larger bonuses. Here are the two types you can expect to come across initially.
No deposit free spins
No deposit free spins are free spins gifted to new users just for registering their details. No need to deposit even a penny to take advantage of a bunch of free spins.
First Deposit Bonus
Like what you see? Make a deposit and the mobile casino will reward you for doing so. This could be in the form of free spins or casino bonus cash. At times bonuses can be used on any game, other times on set slots. The casino will let you know the restrictions in the terms.
The great thing is that slots have no idea if you are using free spins, bonus cash, or real money. This means that you have the same chance of winning from them. In fact, players have won Mega Moolah jackpots from free spins! Make sure to read the terms of every offer to make sure you don't miss out on anything. There is nothing worse than missing a minor point and having your bonus cash voided.
?? Providers and Software
Most slots these days are powered by HTML software. This is both a simple, yet powerful language that means that slots are exactly the same on a mobile device as they are on a desktop computer. Developers are fully aware of the fact that people access the internet on all manner devices. To make gaming seamless, they optimised their games to fit any screen size. If you are relatively new to online gambling, then it makes sense to stick with tried and trusted developers. You can find detailed information here at Bigwinboard on many of the most trusted developers responsible for classic slots of the past and present.
?? FAQs
Is it safe to play at a mobile casino?
If you are using a licensed site with robust security protocols then the answer is yes. It is as safe to use a legit mobile casino as it is to access your bank.
Can I legally play at an online casino?
If you can legally gamble in your country, you can legally gamble at a mobile casino.
Can I play for free?
Yes, if slots have a demo version you can play them on a mobile device.
What is the best device for online gambling?
Practically any modern smartphone can access mobile casinos. Android and iOS users can download native apps from the app store where available. Windows and Blackberry generally do not have this luxury. However, most people can use mobile casinos via their smartphone web browser.
What can I play?
Anything you can play at the full site you can play on the mobile version. This includes slots, table games, card games, live games, and more.
Can I win real money?
Yes, and this is one of the main reasons for the popularity of mobile casinos. Wherever you can log in, you can play and potentially win real money. Of course, you can also lose real money, so bankroll limits are required just as they are with any form of gambling.
Do I need a separate account?
No, if you are already registered with a certain online casino, you use the same details to log into their mobile site.
?? Mobile Casino: The Benefits
The number one factor is convenience. Wherever you take your phone (with internet coverage), you have a casino in your pocket. In reality, you don't have just one, but 100s of casinos just a thumb press away. Feel like having a spin while queuing at the bank, or sitting on the bus, or while watching TV? No problem. Modern technology means you are mere moments away from a huge and growing selection of top-quality slots and table games.
Modern smartphones have progressed to the point where you can accomplish virtually anything on them that you can with a desktop computer. This includes setting up new accounts, conducting financial transactions, interacting with customer service, and of course – playing games. Not only will you find the biggest and best slots but a huge range of table and card games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and more. Fans of live gaming aren't left hanging either. Mobile technology has progressed to the point where live, streaming casino gaming is available to play. Wherever a player has an internet connection, they have the option of participating in at a live casino. The cream of the crop is Evolution Gaming which offers a state-of-the-art product that has been certified fair by auditing company eCOGRA.
Speed, convenience, anonymity, versatility, and fun some of the key benefits and is why mobile casinos dominate.
?? Mobile Casino: How to Get Started
With so many options available to modern gamers, it can be confusing knowing where to start. Fortunately, the process is not only straightforward; it can also be extremely enjoyable. It mainly boils down to finding a suitable gambling platform and signing up. The online gambling business is highly competitive, and most casinos will provide welcome bonuses to entice new players to their site. This is great for consumers as these offers can be used to test casinos and add an edge to their gambling.
Like picking the best slot, choosing the best online casinos comes down to the needs and personal preferences of the individual player. Some like new quirky casinos, and some prefer a more traditional casino experience. The best thing to do is explore several before picking the one you like. To help kick off your search, here are a few top-rated mobile casinos that have plenty to offer modern gamblers – including great welcome bonuses.
- Rizk Casino is giving away a 100% matching bonus up to $100 as well as 50 free spins for new customers.*
- The ever-popular LeoVegas get the ball rolling with 200% up to €400 and 200 free spins.*
- Fun Casino live up to their name with 200% up to €499 along with 100 free spins.*
- 21 Casino offer a huge 121% matching bonus up to €300.
?? Software and Apps
Many online casinos offer an app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone. In general, these apps are aimed at iOS and Android users while those with Blackberries or Windows phones are less often catered for. Alternatively, if you can't access a mobile casino's app, their site can usually be played through a web browser. This is ideal for people who don't want to download additional software, and for convenient playing on the go with laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The experience is just as seamless as using an app and just as enjoyable.
The vast majority of games can be played on the go as well. Some older titles powered by Flash might not be available on mobiles that do not support Flash Player. Most games these days are created using HTML technology which is available on virtually all modern devices. This has led to improved stability and options for playing on the move.
?? Best Mobile Casinos: Features
There are several key criteria that a good mobile casino will have. You can use these points to create a baseline to work with going forward.
Safety and Security
Firstly, a top mobile casino will typically be fully licensed and regulated. This offers a layer of protection for you and your money. Following on from there, check what security measures the casino has put in place to protect your information – such as bank details. Encryption is the name of the game here, so look out for things like SSL technology which scrambles data making it impossible to read.
Banking
There are a wide variety of banking methods available to customers though some are more widespread than others. Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Electron. eWallets are quickly growing in popularity due to low/zero fees as well as convenience and fast processing times. PayPal is popular, as are Neteller, Skrill, and many more. Bank transfers are available but seem to be dwindling due to lengthy processing times. While by no means mainstream, cryptocurrency is showing up at more and more crypto mobile casinos. Bitcoin remains king for now with all of the pros and cons it possesses.
Before making a withdrawal, or during the registration process, a reputable mobile casino may ask you to verify your address or identity using a photo ID. A legit mobile casino will use this step as part of their anti-money laundering protocols, and it is completely common in the industry.
Customer Service
Customer Service isn't always a deal-breaker. But if you are the type of gambler that likes to have back up make sure that the CS department is open when you will need it. You could even contact them before signing up to get a solid feel for their service.
Games and Software Providers
If a mobile casino covers these base points, it is onto the good stuff – games and bonuses. If you can find favourites, as well as new intriguing titles to play, you should have a long, happy gaming experience.
Live Gaming
A top-quality mobile casino may or may not offer a suite of live games. They are great to have on hand if you are in the mood for some social gambling, but might not hold much interest if you are more interested in slots. If the idea of live gaming appeals to you, then NetEnt and Evolution Gaming offer a top-quality live product.
Bonuses
While a bonus is usually the first introduction to a mobile casino, we left it last because, in the long run, it will become the least significant factor. Bigger does not always mean better when it comes to bonuses, and some of the best online casinos have relatively small offers. Treat them as the icing on the cake rather than the main reason for signing up. However, most mobile casinos offer welcome bonuses for new customers and ongoing promotions for existing customers. They vary significantly from offer to offer, and some casinos don't use them. Mobile casino bonuses are sweet extras but shouldn't be your sole reason for registering. Having said that, keep an eye out for non-deposit offers which are a fantastic way of test running a new mobile casino without having to spend a penny. Always make sure to read the terms of any offer thoroughly, in particular, look out for wagering requirements and win caps. If the requirements do not match your bankroll and playing style don't worry, there are plenty of other great bonuses online to explore.
?? The future of Mobile Casino
When you see how quickly technology has progressed to the point we found ourselves now, there is no limit to what can follow. Virtual Reality is often touted as the next step in the evolution of gambling, and there is no reason why it can't cross over to VR mobile casinos too. At the moment Slots Millions is one of the few online casinos that have started to introduce this technology. Imagine wearing a headset, exploring a virtual casino, and meeting fellow players. Developers' imaginations may be curtailed by technology, but those restraints are quickly breaking down. When you consider that what we are able to do now was unthinkable a couple of decades ago, just imagine what will be possible in the next ten or twenty years.
?? Final word
There are plenty of reasons why gambling is one of the world's most popular pastimes. Apart from the chance to win money comes the thrill of the chase and the sheer joy of playing top games. Modern users are living through a great time for gambling. Not only are games getting better, but mobile casino operators have tightened up their operations. The internet is such an effective forum for calling out a dodgy casino that the majority you come across are run above board – it's in everyone's interest to do so. We have done most of the leg work for you so there are plenty of great mobile casinos to choose from here at the site. Once you have found the perfect mobile casino for your needs you can expect years of fun and convenient gaming.
