The Mobile vs Desktop Casino Gaming Landscape



There was a time when personal computers provided the only means to navigate the World Wide Web. However, over the past decade, advancements in smartphone technology have seen mobile internet usage working its way into our daily life. So much so, mobile internet traffic surpassed desktop traffic in 2015 with a 52% share of the market. In the years since the figure has only crept higher. So what does this mean for online casino gaming? What are the differences between mobile, desktop and browser casinos, and should we start to focus more on the former? Let's find out.

Advantages of Mobile Casino Gaming Over Desktop

Mobile vs Desktop Casino Gaming

The biggest advantage of a mobile casino is its portability. Customers are able to access and play their favorite apps and games anywhere and anytime. The introduction of 4G connectivity by network operators to complement existing Wi-Fi facilities at home and in the office also ensures that customers will always be online. Since users spend in excess of five hours a day on their smart devices, there is an argument to be made that they are likely to spend more time in casinos.

A secondary reason is the ease of installation. The apps and games infrastructures provided by Google Play and App Store ensure that software installations are convenient, fast and secure. The stability of Android and iOS operating systems also ensures minimal error-caused disruptions during gameplays.

For customers who are wary of providing too much information to Google and Apple, they still have the option of accessing their favorite games using browsers.

When it comes to sports betting, the myriad Android and iOS live alerts and tracking functionalities allow customers to stay on top of their apps and games with just a glance or two.

Why Mobile iGaming is the Future

For a long time, desktop iGaming was dominating the online casino industry, however, with the mobile industry becoming more and more prominent, many online casinos started to offer their members a chance to play on the go using their mobile devices.

Today, many online casinos are providing their members with a chance to download a dedicated mobile app which they can download on their mobile or tablet devices, and play wherever and whenever they like. The major platforms will provide an Android and iOS app, so both users can download it and play.

However, even if the operator doesn't offer a dedicated mobile app, they will make sure to make their website mobile-compatible, so players can simply fire up their mobile browser, enter the sites' URL, login and play. Even a top-tier platform according to Top10Casino such as Karamba Casino, doesn't have a dedicated mobile app, however, members are satisfied with the mobile-friendly website.

Other than accessibility, some online casinos will even provide special bonuses, for players that register and play using the dedicated mobile app. Once they start of the registration process on the app, they will be offered the deal, which they can accept before completing the registration process.

Why Desktop IGaming Is Here To Stay

Mobile vs Desktop Casino Gaming

Despite all the advantages of mobile iGaming, desktop casino gaming isn't going anywhere soon, particularly with the older demographic. The large screen size is a feature which is just too important for many users. Tailoring their daily schedule around the battery life of their smart devices is also another important criterion.

Moreover, the level of privacy enjoyed by knowledgeable PC users is far superior. With the right combination of browser, VPN and anti-tracking software, users can protect their privacy and anonymity much better. This is especially important for users located in countries which have legislative restrictions on online gambling.

PC users also have far broader funding options. Aside from credit and debit cards, there is a plethora of e-wallets or cryptocurrencies which they can use. This applies to withdrawal options as well.

Admittedly, some of these options are also available on smart devices. However, they are usually more limited. Speaking of limitations, many online gambling sites impose limits on the amount and frequency of transactions involving smartphone users. In a way, these rules are also meant to protect customers to limit the risk they could face in the event they lose their smartphones or other portable devices due to carelessness or theft.

Why Mobile and Desktop Gaming Can Co-Exist Peacefully

Mobile vs Desktop Casino Gaming

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually no real competition between mobile and PC casino gaming. Each can fill different and useful niches in our life. When we go out for work or recreation, smartphones can serve our needs. Conversely, when we go home, personal computers become our primary iGaming paths.

Most software developers and gambling website owners are very aware of this, which is why they work equally hard to produce and market game titles for both gambling platforms. At the end of the day, the winner of this non-existent platform battle is the end-users.