Guide to Real Money Mobile Gambling

Mobile gambling is vast becoming the new and popular way to play games and win money online. We’ve put together a whole guide on what mobile gambling entails, the best and hottest games you can play, and of course, our top recommended mobile casinos and apps that will guarantee you an unbeatable experience on your tablet, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, and other smart devices.

What is Mobile Gambling?

Mobile gambling is exactly what it sounds like – playing casino games via your mobile device. Unlike online casino gaming which requires you to click your mouse, mobile casinos use touchscreen functions to navigate the casino and play the games. In order to access the games, players must first download the app or, if the site is already optimized, they can load up the casino in their internet browser before creating a real money account. Once the account is verified, they can then place a deposit using a range of different banking methods, redeem a welcome bonus, then start playing.

Although the majority of casino games are available or both desktop and mobile these days, there may be a select few that are not playable on your smartphone. This may be because the game is outdated and not compatible with certain mobile models, but 90% of slots and table games should work. If not, there are always hundreds more great titles that players can choose from, all offering the most flawless gameplay.

The best mobile casinos for US players take the time to update their software and make it compatible and accessible with every device. These mobile sites and gambling apps are impeccably sufficient in making sure you can easily find the games you want to play by incorporating filters and search functionalities into their platforms.

Why Gamble on a Mobile Device?

There are countless reasons why mobile gambling is highly recommended to players. Not only is it a highly convenient and more accessible way to log in to online casinos, but these platforms also feature the same stunning high definition graphics, sounds, and seamless functionality that you would expect from playing on a computer, despite the smaller screen.

One of the biggest reasons players are more inclined to play from their mobile devices over visiting a land-based casino these days is the fact that they can play remotely. You could be commuting to work, waiting in line at the grocery store, or just looking to pass the time when you’re on your lunch break – as long as you have a steady internet connection, you can quite literally be on the go anywhere winning money. Most mobile casino software can be downloaded and installed on your device within minutes, and it doesn’t take up much memory or storage space either.

Mobile casinos also have tailor-made bonuses and promotions specifically available for mobile users. These offers can be redeemed on a wide choice of games, from slots and keno to blackjack, roulette, video poker, and other table games – many bonuses will feature free spins, deposit discounts, or cashback to use at the casino that can help you win more on the games and make your playing sessions last that little bit longer. There are also loyalty schemes and VIP bonuses available to those who like to roll a little higher than the average joe.

Best Games for Mobile Gambling

When it comes to games, the possibilities are truly endless when you’re playing at mobile casinos. Unlike land-based casinos, which are often limited to gaming floor space and can therefore only offer a handful of table games and a few dozen slot machines, online casinos and mobile casinos can afford to offer hundreds of different slots and exciting variants of table games thanks to their large server capacity. Below are the most popular gaming categories you can expect to find at the best mobile casinos and gambling apps:

Slots – Mobile slots are undeniably the most popular types of internet casino games. They come by the hundreds at mobile casinos, and each one features a unique theme, set of reels, paylines, symbols, prizes, and jackpots to play for. From slots themed on movies and music to sci-fi and fantasy slots, spooky slots, seasonal slots, historical slots, celebrity slots, and everything in between. No matter what you’re style, mood, or preference, you can always bank on finding something exciting to play.

Blackjack – When it comes to table games, blackjack is the long-standing king. The idea is to beat the dealer’s hand or get as close to 21 as possible by making calculated moves and decisions with your cards. Mobile casinos offer multiple variations of blackjack besides the classic version. The most popular games include Suit’em Up, Pontoon, Super 21, and Perfect Pairs. If you’re entirely new to playing blackjack, we recommend using a free online tool such as a blackjack trainer or simulator to help you get familiar with the different moves and potential outcomes.

Roulette – The little wheel of fortune has been dominating land-based casinos for decades, and it continues to be a favorite among gamblers at online and mobile casinos. Players can try their luck on European or French roulette, American roulette, and even multiplayer games are available for mobile. These games are all available to try out in freeplay mode and play for real money wins.

Video Poker – From Texas hold 'em and Tri Card Poker to Aces and Eights and Caribbean Stud, poker is a truly versatile game that can see players bag a hefty win if they play their hand right. The best mobile casinos all offer these poker variations and they often feature lucrative bonus deals to use on them as well.

Baccarat – Mobile baccarat is another exciting table game you can expect to see often at mobile casinos. The game is between the player and the banker, and you need to decide if either one will win or if there will be a tie between the two. Baccarat has one of the best house edges out of all casino games and it’s incredibly easy to learn if you don’t know how. You’ll find baccarat available to play at all of our top recommended mobile casino sites.

Craps – A mixture of both luck and skill, craps is an exciting dice game that has multiple betting options available. Like baccarat, it’s a game with some seriously favorable odds for the player. It also looks fantastic on mobile devices and can wagers can be played for as little as $1 per bet.

Keno – This lottery-style game is a huge hit for mobile gamblers. Keno is very similar to bingo in the sense that players must cross off numbers on their cards as they are randomly drawn from a virtual machine. You can choose up to 20 numbers numbered from 1-80 and depending on how many are successful, you’ll win a cash prize.

Other popular games you'll find at mobile casinos include progressive video poker and progressive jackpot slots. These are games with prizes that accumulate in size as more people play them. Once someone triggers the jackpot at random, it resets and the process begins all over again.

Mobile Casinos Overview

Mobile casinos are certainly a great alternative to playing games on your computer and playing this way comes with some huge advantages. Not only do they give you instant remote access to your favorite slots, table, and specialty games, but they also tend to offer bigger and better bonuses than online casinos. Why? Because mobile casinos are a relatively new craze in the online gambling world and they want to attract as many players as possible, therefore its in their interest to host fantastic promotions that will entice people to sign up.

The other benefit of playing at mobile casinos is the fact that you don’t need to download or install any software – all of the games are available to play in Instant Play mode by simply loading up the app or opening the casino in your browser. Unlike desktops, which can become infected with malware, playing casino games on your mobile is also much safer – there hasn’t been a single case where a casino player has contracted a virus playing games on mobile.

Finding the Best Mobile Casino Sites

Mobile casinos aren’t difficult to find, but finding a good one is key to have the most enjoyable gambling experience. There are a few things to take into account when you’re doing your research, and if a mobile casino ticks all of these boxes, you can pretty much guarantee you’re dealing with a reputable operator that’s going to ensure you have a great time!

Check that the casino is licensed 

It’s not just online casinos that need a license to legally operate – even mobile casinos must be approved and verified by an official gaming authority to be able to offer services to players. You can easily find this information by checking the stamp at the bottom of the website site or app, or by visiting the casino’s “about us” section, which will detail who regulates and tests the site and what company powers the games.

See what bonus offers are available

If you can see a mobile casino has a decent variety of bonuses to offer both new and existing players, this is a strong indication that the site is legit and has player interests at heart. You should be instantly greeted with a welcome bonus offer as soon as you sign up, and this should include realistic wagering requirements and terms that don’t ask for anything extortionate as a deposit. If the casino has a VIP or loyalty program, this is also a good sign. The program should feature a variety of generous rewards and extra perks such as comp points, cashback, higher table limits, and larger withdrawal limits.

Visit the games lobby

Regardless of whether the casino is land-based, online, or only accessible through a mobile, there should always be a broad selection of games available to play for real money. The collection should include a few hundreds slot machines in different varieties and themes, plus classic and modern variations of table games like blackjack, roulette, video poker, and some specialty games like keno, bingo, mobile scratch cards, and more. Once you’ve checked that a mobile casino features all the types of games you want to play, don’t hesitate to try a few out in practice mode so you can get a feel for the speed and smoothness of the gameplay. If the graphics look pixelated, outdated, or the games crash before you’ve even had a chance to play a few hands – take this as a sign that their performance is going to be just as poor when you want to play for real money.

Make sure it’s secure

A top mobile casino will always be looking out for its players’ safety. To keep you secure, it will deploy complex encryption software throughout the site or application that protects all players’ sensitive information and prevents the servers from being hacked by unwanted third parties. You can see if a site is using up-to-standard security technology if the platform displays an SSL certificate or something similar.

Ensure there are plenty of payment options

You should be able to make your deposits swiftly and easily using a range of different payment options at all of the best mobile casinos. All major debit and credit cards like Visa and Mastercard should be accepted, and you should also be able to make payments using bank transfers, wire transfers, and via e-wallet services like Neteller. Many mobile casinos also let you withdraw your winnings using these payment methods, and you shouldn’t have to wait any longer than 5-10 working days to receive your money, at the most.

Read up on what others are saying

The best indicator as to whether a mobile casino is a fair and reputable one is the feedback it has from other players. These people have witnessed first-hand how the casino deals with complaints, processes payments, and how it maintains the site in general. By doing a quick Google search or checking review sites like ours, you’ll also be able to see comprehensive overviews of a particular site, which will then help you establish whether it’s the best and most viable option for you to register with.

Mobile Casino Apps

There isn’t a huge difference between mobile casinos and casino applications – both offer a wide selection of real money games, and both offer great promotional deals. However, casino applications are usually dedicated to either Android devices or iOS devices; whereas, mobile casinos cater to all types and don’t require you to install anything if you choose to play through your browser.

As you have to download apps, these can also take up more storage space. But the benefit of having the app already installed on your device means it generally loads and opens quicker than generic mobile casino sites. You also have the ability to customize your preferences and settings so it’s easier for you to navigate.

We take the time to analyze and review dozens of mobile casino applications every week, so if you’re looking to find the perfect one for your device, feel free to check out our comprehensive reviews of the best providers that host the best games, bonus deals, and other great features specifically for tablet, Android and iOS users.

Other Forms of Mobile Gambling

Did you know that mobile gambling isn’t just limited to casino games? Nowadays, the pool of gambling possibilities has widened to encompass things like sports betting, horse racing, mobile bingo, and other exciting pastimes that you can access and play directly via your mobile.

The best sports betting apps offer the chance to wager on all the latest events in real-time, including calendar markers like NFL, NHL, NBA, the Superbowl, plus collegial sports at top apps like DrafitKings, FanDuel, and 888.  There are also offshore betting apps and mobile casinos that let you place bets on an even bigger range of sports and outcomes, including the Oscars and MTV awards, weather events and US elections.

Other types of betting you can do through your mobile include lotteries and daily fantasy sports. The only problem with all these forms of gambling (and online casino gaming) is the fact that not all US states have made it legal for players to bet on these sites and applications for real money. Even though places like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan all allow online gambling within the state borders, intrastate gambling is forbidden for most, and if online gambling is not legal in your jurisdiction yet, this could pose some challenges.

Our advice is to thoroughly check the terms and regulations for your place of residence before you look to start gambling online or through your mobile. That way, you’ll be able to see exactly what forms are acceptable in your state and avoid any penalties. Feel free to check out our list of Gambling Laws by State for more information.