Desktop vs mobile online casinos

Sam Richards
Authored by Sam Richards
Posted Monday, September 23, 2019 - 8:26am

Online casinos have revolutionized entertainment and gambling. The internet has changed many aspects of our lives, including having a massive impact on how we spend our leisure time. It brings us connections with other people, but also access to fun and thrills in the comfort of our homes.

Access to an online casino and other forms of entertainment started with the home computer. Since then, though, the way we access websites and our online entertainment has changed. 

We can now get our news, share images, and play games through portable devices. The rise of the mobile casino has made slots, blackjack, and roulette more accessible than ever.

History of Online Casinos

Although it is difficult to place the exact moment in history when online gambling began, we know that most activities started in the mid-90s. It can be traced back to around 1994 when the law for granting online gambling licenses was passed. 

Not all online casinos that were established then have made it; several popular sites, which started out in the late 90s, are still going strong. 

The potential for online casinos was recognized, and the industry hit a growth spurt from early 2000 onwards. In the following years, the internet became a regular vehicle for our entertainment, and online casinos have kept up with this trend. 

While the world of live casinos might have seemed daunting to some, online casinos bring simplicity and a casual vibe to traditional casino games and slots.  

Throughout its evolution, the online casino has been shaped by developments in technology. This is particularly true of advances in software, which has changed the capabilities of online casinos from security to graphics. 

Even the leap from dial-up internet to broadband dramatically changed what could be delivered to customers. We continue to see changes, including mobile casinos, virtual reality, and virtual currencies.

Growth and Popularity

With 20 years of innovation in its past, the online casino industry seems more popular than ever. Where does success like this come from? One answer is the competitive market. There are a good number of key players on the scene who are fighting to stay on top. 

This competitive atmosphere has fueled innovation and brought about popular changes such as progressive jackpots and themed games. 

Two of the biggest appeals in online casinos today are promotions and mobile access. Many casinos offer great incentives to sign up, free spins, and other rewards that help the customer to enjoy the experience. Being able to play on the go, or on a favorite device as also kept online casino customer numbers growing.

The industry has stayed ahead of the curve but most importantly has stayed consumer-focused. Online casinos don’t bring advancement just for the sake of it; they look to provide enhanced entertainment, a more secure experience, and improved accessibility for customers. 

They keep on top of secure payment methods, game trends, and most importantly, the technology that players use to access the casino. With the desktop and mobile versions offering excellent gameplay, we took a look at the differences.

Desktop Experience

Online casinos work hard to deliver a polished user experience. Although delivering a good mobile casino is important, it can’t possibly be exactly the same as the experience on a desktop. So what can the desktop do? With a bigger screen and more power, a desktop can deliver better graphics with generally more going on.

The size of the screen and the quality of what appears on it means that the desktop experience in online casinos is more immersive. Although smartphone technology is fast catching up, the capacity of desktops means it is often the first place to see new technology features. For online casinos, this means taking the immersive experience to the next level through 3D.

While users can sign up and use their accounts from either a desktop or a mobile device, some features are only available, or easier to use, on desktop. One area that typically has better options in the desktop version is payment methods or banking options. The deposit and withdrawal limits are generally quite high, whereas some mobile platforms restrict these amounts. 

The desktop experience can have its downsides. Some users find their initial experiences with desktop sites overwhelming. This can particularly be the case if they get used to the mobile site. With so much choice, users find that they flit from game to game before choosing something. They see so many things on offer, which can take away the simplicity of playing. 

Mobile Experience

Simplicity works for the mobile casino. Apps can’t be overloaded with games, which can be seen as a negative and a positive. To keep things clean, clear, and enjoyable, the mobile casino experience can have fewer frills. This actually suits the platform and makes playing a pleasant experience. The disadvantage is that some games might not feature or might seem slightly more basic on the mobile.

Mobile casinos still deliver where it really matters. They bring the fun and thrills, allowing players to place bets on the go. It brings a level of convenience that the desktop doesn’t. It can keep players entertained in whatever scenario they find themselves. Like all mobile activities, online casino play is discreet and can go where you go. 

Beyond the portable convenience, many users are now more tech-savvy with handheld touch-screens than with keyboards and trackpads. Somehow swipes and taps can feel more intuitive, and that holds true for mobile casino gameplay too. 

Another bonus is SMS billing. Although the desktop site may offer more banking options, linking an account to a phone bill can be a neat way to take care of payments.

When All Is Said and Done   

Desktop and mobile casinos are adapting to suit the user. That's great news for us players! We can find everything we need by using both. For those who want on the go, simple, and fun gaming, then the mobile has a lot to offer. In the comfort of your home, with maximum choice and immersive experience, desktop sites will still reign supreme.  

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