At any given time, there are more than one dozen real-money casino applications on the Google Play app store. This gives you a lot of options, but it also puts extra pressure on your decision.
The right app will set you up for a long-term experience full of rewards and smooth, enjoyable play. The wrong app will underperform. At worst, it could even have security defects that leave you vulnerable. How do you decide which app is worth your time and money?
The Problem With Android
The Unique Problem with Google Play—Android phones are great. The people who love them enjoy them for a reason, and that reason at least owes in part to the phone’s developer-friendly mindset.
Android makes it easier to develop and edit apps on the store because it has an open-source framework and fewer restrictions on third-party applications. Developers can quickly launch and update their apps without undergoing the extensive review process required by Apple.You can find more information at casinoapps.com.
With fewer regulatory requirements, this often means a wider array of unique apps that consumers can take advantage of. Apple, by contrast, has an incredibly strict regulatory process, which limits options.
The only problem? It’s easier for bad products to hit the market in Android’s more relaxed approval environment. When the product in question is just a silly phone game, you’ll play while you wait in line at the dentist—no problem.
But when it’s an application you’ll be using to play for and with real money, it’s a much bigger deal. Security, fairness, and reliability suddenly become critical concerns, and not every app meets the standards you’d expect when real cash is on the line.
How big of a problem is this? It really depends on you. If you’re willing to do your due diligence, you can have awesome experiences with Android apps.
How can you tell which casino apps deserve your attention?
Research
The first step you should take before giving any virtual casino your payment information is to ensure that they are fully licensed and accredited. This is a relatively easy step to complete—most reputable casinos will display their licensing information at the bottom of their homepage, typically with a logo or link to the regulatory body that issued it. You can cross-check this information by visiting the official website of the licensing authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, to confirm that the casino is in good standing.
Getting this out of the way will ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate casino that is dedicated to fair play and cybersecurity. Virtual casinos are at least just as transparent as physical casinos—often more so—because their games will typically feature the return-to-player percentage right in the description. You don’t get that when you are gaming in person. However, it’s also easier to facilitate scams online. Everyone who has ever spent five minutes on the internet learns this pretty much immediately.
Of course, regulatory compliance is the literal least a casino can do. You also want to make sure you pick an option that provides a legitimately enjoyable player experience—one with a solid reputation, reliable customer support, and a track record of fast, hassle-free payouts.
Some people like to reach out to the CX department before picking a casino. Asking them a few simple questions—about deposit methods, withdrawal times, or bonus terms—can serve as a quick stress test of sorts, designed to show how responsive and helpful the company is. If they take forever to respond or give vague, unhelpful answers, that’s a red flag.
A great CX team doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire casino experience will be perfect from top to bottom, but it’s a good sign. It shows that the company is invested in player satisfaction and is willing to assist when issues arise. Since online gaming involves real money, knowing you have reliable support can make all the difference in your overall experience.
Figure Out What’s Important to You
Are you all about the player bonuses? Look for online casinos that have excellent reward programs. You’ll find that most casinos have pretty strong new-player offerings. What rewards do they provide for returning customers?
If you play a lot, it is these incentives that will make the biggest difference.
Also, look into transaction speeds. Can you use a virtual wallet or cryptocurrency to speed up the withdrawal process? Finally, visit online forums to get an honest look at what people who have used the app think about it.
Focus not on the best reviews, or the worst reviews—both of which will typically be emotional and subjective—but the middle-of-the-road incites. What does the average user think?
While this might sound like a lot of work, it will ultimately take only an hour or two. Time well spent if it means connecting with a great app you can enjoy for years to come.
