Have you noticed how many more people are gaming on their phones these days? They travel on subways or buses, wait in lines, sit in airports and doctors’ offices – instead of whipping out a book or magazine, they whip out a smartphone and play Candy Crush or some other game.
The whole world is getting used to having a portable gaming device in their pocket all the time. And that means that playing at an , where virtually the entire game catalog is available for mobile play, is becoming even more popular than it already was.
To be sure, there are still a few online casino games that are better played on a desktop or laptop computer. (And we have a of those as well.) But today, we want to focus on the games that translate perfectly--or even better--to play on your phone or tablet.
Slots
This one is a no-brainer. It’s true that early slot machines had very simple graphics and gameplay, not too different from what we see on modern mobile slots. Still, with today’s video slots, the differences between the desktop and mobile versions are almost indistinguishable.
Some argue that touchscreen technology actually makes playing slots on a mobile device more intuitive, as you can literally spin with the swipe of a finger. Others mention the larger selection of mobile slots as compared to mobile table games as another reason why casinos assume most mobile players head straight for the slots.
Another major factor is the ease with that mobile slots provide. No downloads are necessary and most have been optimized to launch instantly in the browser, with no lag time or lost functionality. Instant Play slots also tend to have lower minimum bets, making them attractive to mobile players who may not want to risk too much on one spin.
In short, if you haven’t tried mobile slots yet, you might be surprised at how good they have become. And with , you can win real money prizes right in your hand.
Best Free Games Like Casino Without Deposit & RegistrationVideo Poker
Video poker is another game that has evolved greatly since its beginnings in the mid-1970s. The first models were simply computerized versions of a draw poker game. As such, they made the transition to personal computers and later mobile devices with little difficulty.
However, it’s the additions that have been made to video poker over the years that make it such an enjoyable and potentially profitable game for mobile users. Features like multi-hand play, gamble rounds and progressive jackpots are just a few taps away on your iPhone, for example.
As long as the mobile version of your favorite video poker game provides a full deck of features and solid graphics, there’s no need to seek out a desktop computer to get your video poker fix. Check out the top mobile video poker casinos here.
Blackjack
Blackjack translates very well to mobile platforms. In fact, some purists say that because blackjack is largely a numbers game and strategy depends on clear thinking and quick decisions, the portability of mobile blackjack makes it easier to work on strategy and improve your game while on the go.
Another perk to mobile blackjack is that the live dealer versions of the game are especially successful on smartphones and tablets. Instead of facing a computerized version of the game, complete with robotic dealers and lifeless digital tables, mobile players can now access live casinos through their phones. A real person deals the cards at the other end of a high-definition stream, creating a very realistic and interactive casino atmosphere. Some of our recommended live dealer casinos are .
Roulette
Most roulette fans agree that it’s not the best casino game to play on a mobile device. While the basics of placing bets are easily handled by a touchscreen, some of the finer points of strategizing are difficult to implement when you’re limited to a smaller screen.
For instance, most mobile roulette games do not give the player a clear view of the board to help with last-minute changes to bets or to spot patterns that may be developing. For similar reasons, some players feel that the odds-tracking features of the game are impaired on mobile devices.
Still, roulette remains popular among mobile casino patrons and the top software developers have done an admirable job of replicating the various types of roulette for instant play or download to mobile devices. Just be aware that a bit of adjustment may be necessary to compete in American Roulette on a small screen.
One suggestion to make the roulette experience smoother is to stick with European Roulette, which only has one zero and a slightly higher RTP (return to player) than the American version. Of course, both variants are available at , so it’s worth giving them each a try.
Baccarat
Baccarat has developed quite a following in the US thanks to its prominence in James Bond movies and to the naming of two of the three bets a player can make (“player” and “banker”) That, plus the simplicity of the game itself, has drawn many novice gamblers into the baccarat arena. It doesn’t hurt that baccarat enjoys an aura of being a sophisticated game, too.
All of those factors come together to make mobile baccarat a winning combination for both players and casinos. Decisions are minimal, so the smaller screen of a phone poses little problem for the player. At the same time, the popularity of the game brings substantial revenues to the mobile casinos that offer it.
Another feature that works well in mobile baccarat is the live dealer option. Being able to watch a real person deal the cards and lay them out on a real table adds to the prestige of the game and helps bring newcomers up to speed on proper etiquette, as well. You can find more details at our guide to mobile baccarat.
Casinos That Now Lie Abandoned – Their Fate SealedNot sure how to play baccarat? Watch the video below to learn the basic rules and strategy of the game!
Bingo and Other Specialty Mobile Games
Bingo has always been a portable game, what with all of the bingo halls located in church basements, veterans’ organizations and workingmen’s clubs. However, the rise of online bingo has taken this traditional pastime to a new level of popularity while keeping the portability factor intact.
Online bingo rooms often have more patterns and card options than their brick-and-mortar equivalents, which attracts many players to the Internet. Then, when you combine the joys of online bingo with the portability of mobile gaming, it’s easy to understand the latest craze in iGaming.
Other specialty games, like scratch-off tickets and keno, have always been based entirely on chance and require none of the decision-making skills that may be compromised on a smaller screen. Thus, they are ideal candidates for success on mobile platforms. If you enjoy these types of games, check out the .
Looking to play on the go? See .
Getting Started with Mobile Casino Games
If you’re ready to start experimenting with online casino games on your phone or tablet, the first step is finding a reputable mobile casino that carries the kinds of games you want to play. One good source for mobile casinos is the , although you will find that most online casinos have developed mobile-compatible sites or apps by now.
We also recommend taking advantage of any bonuses or promotions offered by the mobile casino to test out the games. Since many of the games have free play or low minimum bets, you can stretch your bankroll further on a mobile device.
Finally, don’t forget that you can always use headphones with a microphone to communicate with the dealer and other players if you’re in a public place. Otherwise, there’s nothing holding you back from enjoying your favorite online casino anywhere your mobile device can pick up a WiFi signal.
Happy spinning!
Footnote:
- Story about mobile gaming’s impact on the industry, published at .
Kevin Roberts, previously published under the pseudonym Noah Davis, is one of the more diverse writers at GamblingSites.com. Like many of his colleagues, he's a huge fan of both football and basketball. But he also writes about box office records, TV show prop bets, DFS, and all kinds of other subjects.
When it comes to the two biggest sports in America, Kevin knows his stuff. His work on GamblingSites.com has won multiple awards from EGR and the eGaming Review Awards.
