Are Casino Apps Legit
As the name would suggest, Caesars Casino is a site aimed squarely at British players, with English being the only supported language and GBP being the go-to currency. Although this certainly limits the site in terms of its multi-national appeal, UK-based players will find a fairly solid online casino that features a range of slots (including a. Are casino apps safe and legit? There’s a simple answer to this question: yes. As long as you are playing at a regulated and legal casino, your casino gaming experience will be completely safe. To achieve regulated status, an online casino (and their associated app) have to show that they are entirely secure, both in terms of gameplay. Looking for a legal online casino can seem like a daunting task due to the sheer amount of online casinos available. However, most of the casinos on the Internet marketed for US players aren’t actually legitimate, which means there are only a handful of good options for real money online gamblers.
It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.
Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.
While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.
The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.
Legal US sports betting apps
Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.
Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.
Where can I place a legal online sports bet?
The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.
* Pending launch
Colorado sports betting sites
Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.
Illinois sports betting sites
Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.
Indiana sports betting sites
Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.
Iowa sports betting sites
Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.
Michigan sports betting sites
Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020 and mobile sportbook apps became legal for sports betting in Michigan in January 2021.
Nevada sports betting sites
Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.
New Hampshire sports betting sites
Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.
New Jersey sports betting sites
The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.
Oregon sports betting sites
Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.
Pennsylvania sports betting sites
Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.
Rhode Island sports betting sites
Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.
Tennessee sports betting sites
Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.
Virginia sports betting sites
Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and officially launched its first sportsbook in January 2021. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available.
Washington, DC, sports betting sites
The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.
West Virginia sports betting sites
West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.
Best sports betting apps in the US
The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.
DraftKings app
The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.
DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: VA, MI, NJ, PA, CO, IN, WV, NH, IA, IL, & TN
FanDuel app
FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.
FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, PA, IN, WV, CO, TN, IA, IL & VA
FOX Bet app
Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.
FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, PA & CO
BetMGM app
Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.
BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: VA, MI, NJ, CO, TN, WV, NV, PA, IN & IA
PointsBet app
Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.
PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, IL, CO, IA & IN
William Hill app
The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.
William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, MI, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV
BetRivers app
BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.
BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: VA, PA, IN, CO, IL, IA & MI
Other legal sports betting apps
The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.
BetAmerica Sportsbook
Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.
BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA
Caesars Sportsbook
The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.
Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN
SportsBetting.com
This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.
SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.
Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA & IN
Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?
The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.
- North Carolina
- Washington
Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.
Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- South Dakota
A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.
- Arkansas
- Delaware*
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- New York
* Online legal but not launched
There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.
Retail sports betting
For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Arkansas
- New York
- Iowa
- Oregon
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Montana
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Washington, DC
Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.
Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?
Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.
- Maine
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Texas
- Arizona
- California
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Florida
The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- Utah
Legal vs. offshore betting
The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.
While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
- Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
- Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.
There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.
There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.
Things you can’t legally bet on in the US
Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.
The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.
One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.
In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.
Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?
While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.
Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.
Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting
NBA
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.
Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.
Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.
The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.
NHL
The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.
The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.
It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.
MLB
Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.
The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.
With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.
The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.
While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.
NFL
America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.
Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.
The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.
NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.
NCAA
Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.
The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.
The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.
PGA Tour
Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.
The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.
How online sports betting in USA became legal
Challenge in New Jersey
New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.
The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.
New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.
American Gaming Association’s stance
The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.
How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?
Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.
There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.
Current status of daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.
States that restrict DFS
Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.
Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.
FAQ for betting sites
Is it legal to bet on sports online?
Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.
What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.
Is sports betting legal in Europe?
Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.
Is online sports betting legal in Canada?
Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.
What is the safest betting site?
The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.
Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.
What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?
Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.
Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?
No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.
PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.
Is it legal to play on Bovada?
No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.
Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?
Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.
Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand
Mobile casino gaming is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of online gambling. It wasn’t too long ago that you could only play casino games — such as slots, roulette and blackjack — on your desktop or laptop. If you go even further back, you’d have to visit a live casino to play them at all. However, advances in technology have made real money gambling apps accessible to all.
The ability to enjoy real money casino games on the go is perfect for the busy lives people have today. The opportunity to play while commuting is ideal. What better way to spend a journey than by landing a jackpot on a slot? Especially if you can earn member loyalty rewards.
List of the Top Mobile Casinos for US players
This guide to online casino apps is split into several sections, including details of how you’ll get started with mobile gaming, the range of devices you’ll be able to use and a rundown of all of the mobile casino games you can enjoy on the go:
- How to access a mobile casino: The first steps to getting started with casino gaming on the go.
- Casino apps and devices: Which mobile devices can you use for casino gambling, including Apple, Android and other devices.
- Apps versus desktop: What are the advantages of using a mobile app for your casino gaming.
- Mobile casinos security: Is playing at a mobile casino safe?
- Bonuses and promotions: Can I claim a bonus at a mobile casino?
How to access a US mobile casino
To get started with mobile casino gaming, you’ll need to register with your site of choice. With legal options in many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and virtual currency casinos elsewhere, finding a safe, regulated casino is your first step.
To play on the go, you’ll have two different options: through an app or play directly through your phone’s web browser. Most regulated casinos will guide you through downloading their app. While these have the smoothest gaming experience, the largest selection of games is available via the casino websites. These work with HTML5 or Java to adapt the games to your screen size and input method.
The installation process can change from device to device. Here are details regarding the most popular mobile devices and the accessibility of the apps for each one.
Mobile casino apps for iPhone / iPad users
To download a casino app for your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to head to the app store. You can download apps for Apple devices; usually, you’ll find they are available for all of the latest versions of the devices and many previous versions, too.
Individual casino sites usually will provide a direct link to the casino app in the app store; although, you can just as easily do a search and find the appropriate app, too. If you haven’t already registered for an account, you’ll have to do this on launching the app. You’ll then be ready to enjoy the casino gaming.
The popularity of Apple devices means that any time there is a casino app, it will undoubtedly be available. No app developer is going to design a casino app that isn’t available for Apple devices, but available elsewhere.
Mobile casino apps for Android users
The download process for an Android device is a little more complicated, due to Google Play having stricter rules and regulations surrounding their apps. At the moment, casino and other gambling apps are not allowed. However, the apps are 100% still available; you’ll have to download it direct from the casino site itself.
Are Casino Apps Legitimate
Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Head to the mobile casino using your smartphone and click on the app download link.
- At this point, you will usually receive a security warning (some casinos have managed to bypass this step through the downloaded software). To continue, you will need to allow apps to run from “unknown sources.” The software will usually direct you directly to the appropriate page, so you won’t be trawling through menus to find the proper setting.
- At this point, the app will now download to your mobile device.
- When downloaded, you’ll launch the app in the usual way, with a direct link to the app added to your home screen.
Android apps are widely available.
Mobile casinos on Windows, Blackberry and other devices
The availability of real money casino apps outside of Apple and Android devices is minimal. If the casino can play browser-based games, the scope of mobile device availability is widened. Check with the individual casinos to see if play is available on devices such as a Windows phone and a Blackberry.
What real money games are available on the apps?
The best aspect of gambling apps is the sheer variety of games you can enjoy. Some will enjoy the timeless games such as craps or roulette; others will enjoy games where strategy takes center stage such as blackjack. Some will enjoy the entertainment and fast-paced action that online slot machines can bring, while varieties of video poker will offer some mouth-watering wins.
Here, you’ll find a game-by-game guide, detailing the mobile casino experience, including graphics, the speed of the game, how suited they are to mobile devices and every other aspect of enjoying each at a mobile casino.
Online slot apps
In online casinos today, there is little doubt that slots lead the way. In most cases, there are more slots than any other games in the casino, usually outnumbering all the other games added together.
While not all of the slots available on the desktop version will be available on the casino app, this number seems to be rising all the time, so it’s probable that your favorite casino slot will be available to play on the go.
On most established casino apps, it would be a surprise to find less than a couple hundred of mobile slots available. So even if not all of the games are available, you’ll still have a plethora of options.
Slots are perfect for mobile devices; these visually eye-catching games can fit the screen of a mobile device entirely. Place the phone or tablet in a landscape position, and the reels will fill the device display. Slots are optimized for mobile play, with easy controls usually overlaying the reels, while you’ll set the stakes or number of lines in play using a slider.
One of the beauties about slots is the sheer range of different game types.
Some play slots for the opportunity of winning an incredible jackpot prize. An excellent example of a jackpot slot available via mobile is Cleopatra, where you can win the mega-jackpots prize (which at time of writing has reached $630,000). Simply line up the five mega-jackpots symbols on the first line across the middle, and you’ll pick up the life-changing sum. You can also win the prize randomly, too, while other bonuses on this ancient Egyptian-themed slot include 15 free spins.
Some slots can offer an incredible number of ways to win at each spin.
Raging Rhino is a fine example. You’ll have 4,096 ways to win on every spin, with the game featuring six reels of action.
Other games offer the opportunity to win many times at just one spin due to the cascading reels feature. The fun and stylish Gonzo’s Quest features cascading reels, where each successive win will see the multiplier increase. If you win multiple times during one turn, you’ll have a 5x multiplier in place during the base game and a 15x multiplier in place during the feature.
Innovative games with weird and wonderful rules such as Steam Tower can also be enjoyed. Enter an industrial steampunk world and try and guide the hero inventor to the top of the tower. This is as involving a game as you’ll find.
If you like wacky fun, try Invaders from the Planet Moolah, where you’ll find yourself under attack from alien cows. Yes, that’s right, alien cows.
With the sheer range of real money slot apps available, there really is something for everyone when it comes to mobile slot play. Whether you like historical games, classic games with those traditional fruit symbols, slots based on films and TV, jackpot slots, Atlantic City slots or many more, you’ll find them on mobile slots.
The games can be fast-paced and visually stunning and are entirely geared to playing on your mobile device. Impressive sound effects enhance many of the games, so plug those headphones in, and you’ll become immersed in the reel action.
Mobile casino video poker apps
For a real change of pace, video poker might be the game for you. Once again, the setup is ideal for a mobile device, with the action fitting perfectly onto your mobile device in landscape mode. Graphically, these games aren’t quite as rich as slots; there is only so much you can do with a set of playing cards. However, these games do offer a nice level of strategy. Every time the cards are dealt, you’ll have to decide on which to hold to give you the best chance of landing that win.
The range of video poker games available on a mobile casino can be limited, although you will usually find at least a handful of mobile video poker games. The range will typically include classics such as jacks or better and deuces wild. As a handy hint, you can find strategy charts online (Google is your friend!), telling you exactly which cards to hold in any given situation, giving you the best chance of making a profit.
Mobile casino blackjack apps
Similar to video poker, blackjack is another slower paced game, and perhaps one of the most talked about strategy games of all. Blackjack strategy charts are widely available (even some live casinos will give these away), so you’ll have no real trouble playing perfect blackjack, which gives you every chance of beating the casino.
In terms of gameplay, this is another game ideally suited to a mobile device. There is not much screen real estate taken up by just a few playing cards so that you can see all of the action very clearly. Different versions of the game will be available if you shop around various online casino apps, including the classic game and Atlantic City rules with eight decks. While you won’t find a vast selection of online blackjack games at any one casino, this is blackjack, so you won’t need to.
Mobile casino roulette apps
Roulette can be a challenging game to transfer to a mobile device, as there is a lot of action to fit onto a small screen. You have the extended betting layout and the wheel itself, each of which you want to be able to see clearly. Therefore, perhaps this is better played on an iPad or a tablet, as opposed to a phone.
You will find some versions of the game online but sticking to those versions where the wheel is as big as possible is a good way to go (IGT’s roulette is a good example, where the wheel to the left-hand side of the display is larger than the betting layout).
While being patriotic might be a good thing, in general, it doesn’t pay in roulette. Try to avoid American roulette and play European or French versions of the game instead. The American version features two zeros, which tilt the odds in favor of the casino.
Mobile casino craps apps
Whenever you see a casino on the TV, much of the action will be around a craps game, with the focus usually on the shooter, with a close up of the dice landing (often in slow motion). Due to the expanded betting layout and the small size of the dice in relation, this is another game not ideally suited to a mobile device. Therefore, stick to tablets, in general, if you are a real money craps fan.
It can be challenging to find a craps game online at all at some casinos, and mobile versions of the game are therefore that little bit tougher to come across. However, each year sees more and more games developed for mobile casinos, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a mobile-friendly range of craps games available in the near future.
Mobile casino keno apps
Keno is a fun game, which could be said to have parallels with bingo, roulette, and those large state lotteries. Pick a series of numbers between one and 80 and then match as many as you can, with the prize increasing the more you match. The good thing about keno is that it is ideally suited for mobile devices, as all that is displayed is the large grid of numbers. No, it’s not as visually striking as slots, but the excitement levels are there, especially when you match a series of numbers early on.
Keno isn’t the easiest game to find at a mobile casino; many don’t feature the game at all. However, shop around and you will find games, with notable fast-paced version at Virgin Casino NJ, where you’ll find standard keno alongside Fortune Teller Keno (where the action is presided over by the striking green-eyed fortune teller).
Mobile live dealer casinos
If you want the most authentic casino experience as you can on your mobile device, head to a live dealer casino. In a live dealer casino, you’ll be enjoying the action exactly as you would at the casino, yet it is streaming on your mobile device.
Upon entering a live dealer game, you’ll pick a table and be sat opposite one of the live dealers, precisely as you would be if entering a brick-and-mortar casino. You’ll place your bets in the same way as you would at a virtual casino, however, that is the only virtual action. You’ll now be betting on real playing cards or a real spin of a roulette wheel.
Live dealer casinos add a personal touch to the action. The games tend to be hosted by glamorous and engaging dealers, who are always happy to interact with players, giving the games a social aspect, too.
At live dealer casinos, you can usually enjoy a range of games.
Roulette is one of the most popular games, where unlike many of the virtual games, the action will usually zoom in on the wheel when in motion, so you’ll have a full-screen view of the action. Nothing beats the tension of seeing the wheel slow down, as you are hoping to land that big win.
You’ll also find a range of blackjack tables at the live dealer casino, usually catering for different stake levels. Place your bets and watch the real card action, as you are hoping to hit blackjack or go on that hot run, where you’ll enjoy win after win.
Other games available at the live dealer casino include baccarat and casino hold’em. Look out for added promotions around these live dealer tables, which are quickly becoming one of the most popular and fun ways of enjoying a mobile casino.
Advantages of using a real money casino app
The most significant advantage of using a real money casino app over your desktop/laptop is the sheer accessibility of the gaming. You can play games anywhere.
You might want to add excitement to your daily commute by playing a jackpot slot or sit in the park and take on the challenge of beating the blackjack tables.
In today’s market, many of the games are designed with mobile gaming in mind—that was not the case a few years ago, and many of the casino games are ideally suited to the smaller screens of your phone or tablet.
You can find apps very straightforward to use, too. One click and you’re playing the games immediately. This easy-to-play accessibility is one of the best aspects of mobile casino gaming and could be the reason that many will use these mobile apps in the home, even when they can play on their laptop or desktop.
While not all casino games are available for casino apps right now, you’ll find that the best software developers certainly know the value of mobile gaming in today’s market. This leads to a situation where you might not have the same quantity of games on a mobile device, but the overall quality will be higher.
Are casino apps safe and legit?
There’s a simple answer to this question: yes. As long as you are playing at a regulated and legal casino, your casino gaming experience will be completely safe. To achieve regulated status, an online casino (and their associated app) have to show that they are entirely secure, both in terms of gameplay and banking. Stick to a state-sanctioned site, and you’ll have no worries at all about security.
Should you have any concerns, read the “Privacy” section of any casino for a full rundown of all the security measures that are in place.
Bonuses and promotions at mobile casinos
One of the most asked questions about online casino apps is the following:
Can I claim bonuses and promotions at a mobile casino?
Once again, the answer is yes.
Are Casino Apps Legit Website
Many bonuses and promotions are based on a set amount of gameplay at a particular casino, and this will apply whether you are playing the games at a desktop or on your phone or tablet. The new players usually get the biggest promotions, so if you’ve just signed up to a gambling site, ensure to take full advantage of opening offers.
Online casinos know that mobile gambling is the future, so they’ll ensure that all bonuses and promotions are open to mobile casino players. As a mobile player, you can occasionally have the best of both worlds, too, as casinos can offer bonuses for mobile players. Head to the promotions page of the casino to see the full range of offers available.