The rapid rise in mobile gaming isn’t surprising. After all, we’re using our phones for everything from making calls and playing video games to watching films and listening to music, so why wouldn’t we gamble via our smartphones? Despite rapid growth over the last few years, not everybody loves casino apps. Many top casinos offer instant play platforms instead. However, app-based experiences are more streamlined, offering bespoke experiences to players. In this blog, we’ll look at why casino apps are ideal for you and how you can find the best casino apps for iPhone and Android devices today.

Evaluating the Best Casino Apps
No matter which casino you join, the best casino apps all feature the same great offerings. While a basic app lets you bet on games, the best real-money casino apps offer much more. Amongst the key things we look for when evaluating apps are features such as these:
- Secure and Licensed: All trusted casino apps feature licenses from reputable jurisdictions. Regulation from the top and independent authorities is also something worth looking out for.
- Game Selection: The best casino games app worth its salt supports all the best games that you want to play. These should include slots, RNG table games, but also the latest live casino releases.
- UI and Experience: You should expect simple and straightforward, streamlined navigation when using casino apps. Zipping through the site is smooth and offers no nonsense if there’s a widget-style menu.
- Exclusive Promos and Bonuses: We love seeing mobile casino app exclusive promos and bonuses. These offer unique rewards solely for using the app rather than playing at the casino via your browser.
- Payment Options and Transaction Times: Mobile-friendly payment methods are available, and they are particularly handy for low-rolling players. We expect to see fast transaction times and decent limits on mobile casino apps, too.
Any mobile casino supporting all the above features is likely to tick your boxes. However, we should look at some of the other key aspects associated with the best mobile gaming apps for real money.
Free vs Real Money Casino Apps
Not all online casino apps offer real money gameplay. Some, such as social or sweepstakes casino apps, provide free-to-play action to members. However, aside from how you fund your account and play, the apps themselves are largely the same. Free-play casino apps aren’t as common as those that feature the best casino mobile games, so don’t expect to see them everywhere.
Common Casino App Options
Ordinarily, you’ll find three types of top casino apps available. How you access and use each app varies. Some require downloading, while others simply require a modern browser for gaming purposes. Let’s introduce you to the three main options and how they work below. They include:
Downloadable Casino Apps from App Stores
Downloadable casino game apps come in two forms, and the first of these is available via app stores. You know these venues – Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store for iOS devices. Using these apps requires nothing more than downloading them from their respective stores. Of course, only the biggest, mainstream, and most trusted casinos support apps on those storefronts. After downloading them, you can start playing immediately. However, bear in mind that they often need regular updates to keep them secure.
Downloadable APK Files and QR Codes
Sometimes, casino apps simply don’t feature on app stores for a variety of reasons. When this happens, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t download apps. Instead, some sites support QR codes that download the necessary app to your device. This is most common with Android devices, where an APK file installs once you lower your device’s permissions. In some cases, there is a direct download link to the APK file on a casino instead of a QR code. However, these apps work in the same way as those from storefronts.
Browser-Based Instant Play Casino Apps
Finally, we have browser-based instant-play casino apps. These aren’t much different from playing via the web browser on your device. However, they aren’t as streamlined or responsive as dedicated casino apps for Android and iOS. In most cases, you’ll download them via a QR code or direct link. The first thing you’ll notice is that most are browser extensions – a different type of app. They run slower than dedicated apps, as they run directly in your browser.
How to Install and Play via Mobile Casino Apps
Once you find an app you like, what’s next? There is a five-step process to playing with casino bonus apps, and we’ll introduce you to those steps next. Here’s what you need to do:
- Download Your App: Using the information above, download the app to your phone in whatever process the casino requires or is convenient to you.
- Create an Account: Once you install the app, create an account at the casino. This should take no more than a few minutes.
- Verify the Account: Verify your casino account via the SMS or e-mail you receive. Once you verify the account, you can sign in.
- Make Your First Deposit: After signing in, make your first deposit by visiting the banking screen, selecting your payment method, and processing the transaction.
- Grab a Bonus and Play: Most top-rated casino apps provide a first deposit bonus when you deposit. If yours does, bag it (if the terms are reasonable) and start playing with an enlarged balance. Alternatively, skip over the welcome bonus and play immediately.
Choosing the Best Casino App Online
Before we go, our Go Spin experts have a few final words concerning how to choose the best casino apps online. Before deciding on which of the top-rated casino apps for iOS and Android you wish to use, consider these points:
- Make sure that any apps you want to use are compatible with your current smartphone.
- Read app reviews to get the inside track on how other players receive the app.
- If possible, grab an app and play slots and games for free (as demos) before depositing to make sure they tick your boxes.
- Only opt for apps that feature intuitive designs and easy navigation.
- Finally, consider apps that feature exclusive promos, bonuses, and payment methods for mobile casino users.
FAQ
Do I have to download apps for every game I play?
No. This was the case in the early years of the mobile casino industry, but most live casino apps now support all their games within the app.
Are mobile casino apps the same as downloadable desktop apps?
No. Laptop and PC users use downloadable desktop apps. They are the same concept, but aren’t for mobile casino players.
Can I use my mobile casino app offline?
Not really. You can’t bet without an internet connection, so it’s pointless using the apps in any sort of offline mode.
Does a mobile casino app need frequent updates?
Yes. Given the nature of hacking and scams, security has never been as important as it is today. Mobile casino apps need updating just as frequently as other smartphone apps, which is annoying but necessary.
Can I use mobile-centric payment options on casino apps?
That depends on your app. Some mobile-centric payment options appear on casino apps, but this differs from site to site and app to app.