When gambling first went online, players had to choose between using a desktop or laptop computer and an internet browser. However, since then things have changed dramatically, especially after the release of the first smartphone in 2007. Mobile technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 15 years and the result is that we are seeing a huge increase in the number of people using mobile casinos for online games. In a 2020 study by the UK Gambling Commission titled “Taking a more in-depth look at online gambling”, half of players in the UK  stated that they choose to play online slots and other online games at online casinos, including at The Phone Casino with our no deposit casino bonus, on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

But why are so many people choosing their phones or tablets over another device? We take a look at the reasons for the popularity of the mobile gaming experience and discuss some of the features you may want to consider when choosing between the use of an app or a browser.

Why have mobile online casino sites become so popular?

Here are just some of the reasons why so many people are choosing to play online casino games on their mobile devices:

HTML5

Many younger gamblers may not be aware of this, but using your mobile phone to gamble wasn’t possible when smartphones first hit the market. Back then, Flash was the code of choice for casino games. The problem was that Flash was notoriously incompatible with mobile operating systems and struggled with iOS and Android systems. 

Enter HTML5. This programming language offered many benefits, including the ability for casino games to work seamlessly on both mobile and desktop platforms. The development and widespread use of HTML5 in the industry subsequently made it possible for companies to design online casino games that offered a seamless user experience, regardless of the device used. 

Better smartphones

Obviously, today’s smartphones far surpass the capabilities of the mobile phones we had even just a few years ago. The smartphone market is so saturated that even people who aren’t interested in the technology or capabilities of their smartphone own some seriously impressive hardware. Our phones these days have the processing power and capabilities to handle high-definition, 3D graphics and huge amounts of data. This means that even a run-of-the-mill smartphone has the capability of running most kinds of casino games with little interference on graphics or features.

Convenience

Of course, convenience is at the top of the consumer market’s list of priorities today, and being able to play online games on mobile devices ticks this box. While desktops are generally set in a specific spot and are too clunky to be portable (and laptops too valuable) – smartphones are small and have mobile internet capabilities. This allows players to enjoy their favourite game whether they are on their train commute, taking a lunch break or waiting for an appointment.

How do apps compare to browsers?

When choosing between playing the best online slots and other casino games on an app or on a browser, there are a couple of things to consider. These are the most important aspects to weigh up, depending on what you want from the experience:

Mobile operating systems

Some people prefer Apple’s iOS and others, Google’s Android, and it’s unlikely that the most dedicated fans in these two groups will see eye to eye on their preferences any time soon! When it comes to choosing between playing casino games on a mobile app or browser, it’s important to bear in mind which operating system you use and how that may affect your choice.

This is because some apps have been made specifically for a particular operating system, which means that you won’t be able to download a casino app that has been made for an iPhone onto an Android and vice versa. Thankfully many apps are available for both mobile operating systems, but it’s always worth checking.

Browsers, on the other hand, are uniform to all operating systems and won’t affect what kind of phone you can play your games on. So, if you can’t get a particular app on your phone, then a browser is the way to go.

Offline ability

Of course, when you play on a browser, you have to have some sort of internet connection, which means that you need to be online to be able to launch the casino site you want to play at.

On the other hand, some mobile apps offer some degree of functionality without internet connectivity, which allows you access to certain elements of the app whether you’re connected to the internet or not. Keep in mind, however, that you will not be able to play any games or access any parts of the service that require online functionality.

Storage

If you want to play on a mobile app you’re going to have to download it first, and this will take up storage space on your mobile device. Browsers, on the other hand, aren’t downloaded since you’re simply playing on the casino’s online platform.

So, if you have a phone with huge amounts of memory, then running a casino app shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, if you are already running short of storage space on your mobile device, playing on a browser will probably be the better choice.

Bonuses

Many mobile casinos offer great bonuses, but due to the many benefits apps offer casino operators over browsers – such as enhanced security and a better way to study the way people play – apps usually offer far better casino bonuses. These bonuses are often used to encourage players to log into the browser and play from there as opposed to playing on a regular browser where the online casino has less control over the digital environment.

Security

While this may not have been the case when apps were first launched, today they make use of a feature called security keys to improve their security and protect players’ funds. While browsers are still relatively secure, they don’t offer this feature, making them a slightly worse choice if security is your number one concern. 

How often you play

Your choice between an app and a browser will also depend on whether you’re a casual player looking to enjoy some free online slots, or a more serious punter who likes to play regularly.

An app is an ideal choice for players who regularly use a casino’s website: it’s quick to open, and is then ready and waiting to be used on your mobile device. A browser is perfect for more casual players who don’t use the site often. This will save space on the mobile device for other apps that you use more often.

We hope we’ve given you a few useful pointers to help you decide how you wish to play mobile games – ultimately, of course, it’s up to you and your gameplay style!

Enjoy playing at the best online casino in the UK via mobile app or browser

Whether you’re an experienced or a casual player looking to play at a casino online in the UK, we believe you should have the best gameplay experience on whatever platform you prefer. At The Phone Casino, we offer online slots, casino table games, live dealer games and more. We also offer the added benefit of free spins at our no deposit casino, with players able to enjoy up to 100 free spins on many of our thrilling virtual slots! 

Register with The Phone Casino to appreciate our excellent app and browser-friendly online casino service.