There’s nothing that quite matches up to the glitz and glamour of a night at the casino, and from the adrenaline-fuelled poker games to the endless supply of champagne, if you’re looking for extravagance, then there’s no better place to find it. But over the past two years, as the global pandemic took hold, many of us have been finding new ways to indulge in our favourite table games and slots, and with bricks-and-mortar venues closed intermittently, there’s been a dramatic surge in the number of users signing up to online casinos.
From complete amateurs to the world’s biggest high rollers, the ability to log on and play from anywhere – whether that’s the comfort of your own sofa, or your favourite sun lounger on the beach – has made the thrill of the casino more accessible than ever before, and even with land-based casinos now back in business, it seems we’re continuing to indulge in remote play regardless.
These days, there are a plethora of excellent casino apps and sites to try out, many of which offer tempting VIP programmes designed to spoil big-spending players with free games and plenty of perks to keep them engaged. But an interesting debate emerging from the growing popularity of digital outlets is whether casino websites are better than casino apps – or whether, in fact, they are one and the same.
While both might appear to offer a similar service and experience to players, there are some subtle differences between the two – and the circumstances in which you like to play could determine which is the best choice for you.
The difference between casino apps and casino websites
Casino apps and websites cater to two different types of players – those who enjoy engaging from a laptop or desktop computer, and those who prepare to play on the go, from their mobile phones. Casino websites are, of course, the original choice for online players, and are built on robust servers for optimal security. They also allow you to view multiple things on your screen at any one time – so, if you’re playing live roulette, you can keep the dealer, the scores, and your wallet all in your sights at once.
Typically, many casino websites also offer a better range of promotions that casino apps do – so if you’re looking for the best perks, then this might be your preferred choice. Casino websites also tend to have a huge catalogue of casino table games and sots – from the traditional to the modern and innovative – so if you’re looking for variety, then this is the place you’ll find it.
Casino apps, on the other hand, often offer fewer mobile games in once place, as well as a more limited range of payment options, and may offer promotions on games that are yet to be optimised for mobile apps and thus, are not mobile friendly. Those that don’t will simply have a more limited selection all round.
How to choose between casino apps and casino websites
When you look at the range of features and services offered by casino sites and casino apps, it’s easy to conclude that the two are much the same. However, as we’ve seen, an in-depth look at the two will unearth some subtle differences that you’ll want to bear in mind.
There are also some other factors you’ll want to consider when deciding between mobile casino apps and websites.
Speed
As an online player, a stable and reliable network is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. In the early days, this couldn’t always be guaranteed on casino websites, which were often slow to load and overwhelmed by the features of some games – which inevitably impacted on the player experience.
Even today, it can prove to be frustrating – particularly if your Wi-Fi connection is unstable – so if this is the case for you, then opting for a mobile casino app, on which you can use your data to play instead, will likely provide a better gaming experience.
Nevertheless, it’s worth bearing in mind that, in general, websites have a shorter upload time than mobile casino apps – so under optimal network conditions, they can actually outdo gaming apps in terms of performance. So, if you do have a stable internet connection, then log on, and enjoy.
Reach
While casino websites are accessible to just about everyone, this is not always the case for mobile apps, and depending on the type of advice you have, you may find that an app you’d like to download isn’t compatible. Even today, there are many IOS apps on the Apple App Store that are not available on Google devices, and the same is true in reverse.
If you’re not happy to accept missing out on some of the most exciting games and apps because of your device type, then you might find trying to play in such a way frustrating. But on gaming sites, you can access all the latest launches – and thanks to their broader reach, you’ll often find yourself playing against different gamblers each time, with higher bets and potentially higher profits on the cards, too.
Privacy
Privacy is, understandably, a key concern for online gamers – not just in terms of protection your data and personal information, but also when it comes to discretion.
Many people want their recreational lives to remain private and prefer not to share their gaming habits, and by playing on a mobile app on your personal device, you can avoid doing so.
On shared computers, on the other hand, this is not the case – and by looking at your internet history, others can quickly see which websites you have been on. Not only that, but if you leave yourself logged in by mistake, then scammers and opportunists could access your gaming accounts, which often contain personal information – so to keep yourself safe online and free from prying eyes, playing via mobile apps is advised.
Upgrades
If you thought that it was easier to upgrade a mobile casino app, then you might be surprised to learn that this is not the case. It is much easier to upgrade websites than mobile casino apps, and casino owners can decide to make and implement changes on their gaming websites very quickly.
Mobile and computer apps, on the other hand, are more complicated to upgrade, and at times, you may even be required to download a separate, upgraded version in order to continue enjoying your games.
For this same reason, you will realise that websites tend to be updated more frequently than mobile casino apps – so if you’re looking for the most up-to-the-minute experience, then this is often where you’ll find it.
The bottom line
While mobile gaming apps and casino sites might appear to offer much the same experience, these small differences between the two can make all the difference. So, if you’re undecided about how and where to get your next online gaming fix, then consider them carefully.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
