Like so many features of our smart devices, mobile casino apps have evolved far beyond what they were at the start. However, because these changes happen over time, it is easy to forget just how far we have come. Many of us forget that, less than two decades ago, our phones were pretty much just for communication. We had separate gaming, entertainment, and music-playing devices. From 2005 – 2007, iPods were on the list of the top Christmas presents, along with consoles and physical games like Guitar Hero.
Going back to the beginnings
The first touchscreen smartphones did not launch until 2007, but most people did not really understand their significance or how much they would change how we interact with the world. However, it took six years before smartphones really took a hold and started to make us more dependent on the devices in our pockets. Early apps were simple in the extreme, but highly popular, with Flappy Bird becoming a viral phenomenon in 2013.
Online casinos were already popular, so it was unsurprising that the game developers like Microgaming were keen to translate their games into the mobile environment. Up until 2004, Microgaming was developing games for PC and had created the first slot title with a progressive jackpot in 1998, and the first multilingual slot 3 years later. By 2004, the company developed the first game to be played in a mobile environment, but it was simple in the extreme, as this predates what we now consider to be smartphones, but there were gaming opportunities on BlackBerry devices. RIM’s BlackBerry was great as a phone but fell short as a mobile gaming tool – a lack of a touchscreen was a significant disadvantage.
First betting apps
It really took a whole combination of circumstances and technological advances for the casino app as we now know it to come into existence. Betfair claimed the accolade of being the first betting app to launch on the App Store. It not only had to pass Apple’s stringent guidelines but also needed to function with the relatively limited broadband and mobile data speeds of 2010. In addition, online payments were still pretty primitive, with people either having to physically input card details or link accounts to PayPal. However, it was recognized that apps provided greater speed and performance than browser-based products. The company said they wanted to make the app intuitive and easy to use, and it used GPS to locate and verify a customer’s location before they were permitted to bet.
Fast-forward to now
It took a good deal of joined-up thinking to create the slick iGaming world on offer today. The early apps were simple gaming interfaces. What is now on offer are sophisticated platforms which rival any desktop or browser-optimized site. They offer a smooth player interface, biometric security, digital wallets, and personalized features. Independent casino review company Casino.org, an independent casino review company, showcases this evolution through its selection of casino apps in the US, demonstrating just how far the technology has come. All of the set up and verifications can be done from inside the apps rather than having to set up in a browser version first and AI is also helping with biometric approvals and Know Your Customer processes.
Unlike the early apps, today’s technology allows players to access incredible, full game libraries with fast withdrawal speeds. If you think it is all about slots, you would be wrong. While this remains the most popular on-the-go iGaming format, top-tier apps now deliver a full online casino experience, including live gaming. While real-money casino gaming is still only available in a handful of US states, there is still plenty of fun to be had on the apps from the social and sweepstakes casino operators, which are widely available across the country.
Access all areas
The iPhone might have been the original touchscreen phone, but today we have an ever-expanding choice of devices, and most of the best online casino apps are available across formats. It is worth remembering that while you can download real money casino apps from anywhere in the US, you can only play for real money while you’re physically in a state where online casinos are legal. Geolocation means that once you open the app, it checks your location, and real-money play will be blocked if you are outside a licensed state.
The big difference between playing on an app and playing in a mobile browser is that an app has to be downloaded, whereas playing on a browser version does not need this additional step. Before downloading any apps, players do need to check that their phone operating system is compatible with the app and that location services are switched on. The most up-to-date apps need the latest operating systems, but there are still great options like Hard Rock Bet or bet365 that run well on older phones. While everything evolves, not everyone moves as fast as the technology, but there is still good entertainment to be enjoyed.
Personalization brings benefits and setbacks
Personalization has evolved significantly. Players can now arrange the games in the app according to those that they play most frequently, and by ticking preferences, they can see when new similar games are available. By the same token, the apps can be used to ensure that responsible gambling guidelines are followed. The best apps have easily accessible deposit and time restrictions and require players to turn ON notifications so that you get a ping when a new offer goes live. While some of us love to know when there are new free spins or extra reload bonuses, that should be optional and not standard. Social media developments also allow players to follow the news about their favorite casino accounts and keep in the loop about new games and giveaways.
Full-service option
One of the most notable changes from the early days is that online casino apps are no longer just a slimmed-down version of the site but offer a comparable experience. In fact, you might even find that some apps offer extra features like app-only bonuses or particular loyalty rewards. Game selection is usually on par across mobile browser and app games. It has been noted that many apps offer better security features with more advanced encryption and security measures, while browser-based gaming can be more vulnerable to phishing attacks.
It is a case of horses for courses. Downloading apps takes up memory and space but provides convenience and additional security. The online casinos love it because you are more likely to return to their platform if you have the app installed. However, there are definitely player benefits too. It is all about finding the right balance.
