The UK mobile casino space is absolutely booming. Not only can users play their favourite games via their smartphone web browser, but a full range of platforms have since launched their own native casino app.

With an operating system market share of surplus 76%, it comes as no surprise to learn that Android casinos are dominating this segment by some distance.

If you’re keen to find out what an Android casino is, how they work, and why you should consider using one over browser-based gaming, then be sure to read our comprehensive guide.

What are mobile casinos for Android?

First and foremost, let’s make sure we have a firm understanding of what we mean by an Android casino. In a nutshell, an Android casino is an online gambling operator that has designed and launched a mobile application that is compatible with Android phones.

In fact, an Android casino is more than just compatible with Android phones. On the contrary, these apps are built from the ground-up. In layman terms, this means that users are afforded a high-end gaming experience that can not be matched by its mobile web browser counterpart.

Without getting too technical, each mobile operating system (such as iOS, Windows, etc) will need to have mobile apps built specifically for the respective system. This is why you often find that leading mobile apps are only available on either iOS or Android, as developers don’t see the value in designing native apps for less popular phones like Blackberry and Nokia.

This is exactly how it works in the online gambling industry. By giving preference to Android users, mobile casinos cater for the lion market share.

In terms of the fundamentals, Android casino apps work in exactly the same way as any other application you have previously downloaded. All you need to do is head over to the Google Play store, search for the casino in question, and then download and install the app to your phone.

If you already hold an account with the respective casino, then great. All you need to do is enter your login credentials, and you can access all of the same games that you would find via the desktop site. Alternatively, if you don’t currently possess an account with the casino, you can open one via your Android app within less than a minute.

So now that we’ve covered the basics of what an Android casino is, in the next section we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk are going to explore what games you can access.

Games available at mobile casinos for Android

As noted in the previous section, Android casino apps give you access to virtually all of the same casino games that you would find at a conventional desktop platform.

Firstly, this will include a full host of traditional table games. Whether it's blackjack, craps, roulette or baccarat, you can all-but guarantee that your chosen Android casino will have you covered. You’ll also find a number of variations to each of the aforementioned hallmark table games.

For example, in the roulette department you’ll likely find the European, American and French versions of the game. If it’s blackjack you’re more interested in, then at a minimum, Android casino applications will usually host variants such as European, Atlantic City, Vegas Strip, and Pontoon, among others.

Outside of the traditional table game scene, Android casino operators also offer a substantial number of video slots. This will cover a number of different slot-types, such as 3D slots, bonus-rich slots, movie-themed slots, classic slots, and more.

Furthermore, progressive jackpot slots facilitated via your Android casino app are linked-up with other casinos much in the same way as desktop platforms, meaning that you can target the jackpot while on the move.

Android casino applications are also very popular for those seeking a live dealer experience. For those unaware, live dealers are exactly what they say on the tin. You get to experience a real world person dealing your blackjack cards or spinning the roulette wheel right in front of your very eyes.

While you will be viewing the game on a much smaller screen, the live dealer experience has been fully optimised for mobiles, meaning that it does not in any way hinder the end-to-end gaming experience.

Finally, Android casino games will also host the likes of video poker, scratchcards, keno, and a number of other virtual games.

Why play casino games via an Android application?

Android casinos offer a number of notable benefits in comparison to playing via a mobile web browser.

First and foremost, as Android casino apps are built from the ground-up, this means that players are accustomed to a state-of-the-art gaming experience. Not only will games look cleaner and run faster, but the ground-up optimisation process makes it easier to navigate from game to game.

On top of a offering a first-rate gaming experience, Android casino applications make it super convenient to play your favourite games. Ordinarily, you would be required to enter the website address of the respective casino, and then enter your login credentials.

Moreover, as mobile web browser-based casino platforms are generic (meaning they are not designed for a specific operating system), it makes it somewhat difficult to move around the website with ease.

On the contrary, each and every function that you will find via your casino application has been exclusively designed for Android phones. This makes it really convenient to gamble at the click of a button, regardless of where you are located.

As per a recent BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk research exercise, it should also be noted that Android casino apps use considerably less data in comparison to a mobile web browser.

The overarching reason for this that the casino app is able to communicate directly with the casino’s server, as much of the required information is already held by Android devices. This is especially useful if you have an appetite to play 3D games with cutting edge graphics, as you don’t need to worry about running out of data mid-game.

Are Android casino applications safe?

We at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk often receive emails from our readers regarding the safety of Android casino apps. As we tell our readers, Android casino applications actually offer higher levels of security in comparison to using your desktop device.

This is because you are presented with a number of security safeguards to protect your account. At a minimum, you should ensure that you set-up a PIN-number requirement for when you login with your mobile phone. However, if you want to take things to the next level, you might also consider setting up biometric login safeguards, such as fingerprint ID.

Moreover, if you already have a screen lock set-up on your Android device (which you should anyway), then this in itself acts as an additional layer of security.

We at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk would also like to make it clear that gambling operators must be regulated if they seek to offer their services in the United Kingdom. This means that you have a stringent regulatory body keeping tabs on the Android casino in question.

This also means that Android casino operators will be required to hold your gaming funds in a segregated account, which is ear-marked in the unlikely event that the platform ran into financial trouble.

How we rate and review UK Android casinos

If you’ve done a bit of research on the Android casino phenomena, then you’ll know that there are now hundreds of well-known operators to choose from. This is why we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk have created the ultimate hub for all-things Android casino applications.

Before we list an Android mobile casino on our website, our team of in-house experts will go through an extensive review process. Unlike other review platforms in the sector, which simply paraphrase information from other websites, we BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk actually test the casino out ourselves.

The only way to do this is to actually open an account, deposit real world money, test out the gaming suite, and explore each and every other metric that we feel is necessary. In doing so, our readers are able to get a full and frank overview of whether or not the Android casino is right for them.

So what metrics do we look at? Well, this begins with the account opening process, insofar that we look to see how seamless it is to register via the mobile app. We’ll also look to see how easy it is to deposit funds (Google Pay link-up is an added bonus).

Once we are all set-up, we’ll then start playing at the gaming suite. Specifically, our expects want to know just how good the gaming experience is.

At the final stage of our review, we will then explore the withdrawal process. We want to see just how long it takes for the android casino to process the withdrawal request, and how long it takes for the funds to reach our account.

Bonuses available at the top Android casinos

In response to a highly saturated online casino industry, most, if not all Android casino platforms will offer new players a welcome bonus for signing up.

This usually comes in the form of a matched bonus. This is where your initial deposit is matched by a certain percentage, and thus, provides an instant boost on your starting bankroll. In fact, it is not uncommon to see new Android casinos offer a matched bonus of upto 300%. Some platforms will even give you additional matched deposit bonuses on subsequent deposits.

On top of a matched deposit bonus, Android casino platforms will sometimes give you a number of free slot machine spins. If they do, this is usually in addition to the standard matched bonus.

We at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk find that Android casino applications will sometimes give you additional bonuses that are not otherwise available via the standard desktop website. This is because operators know that you will likely have your phone on you throughout the day, and as such, they want to intice you in as much as possible.

It is well worth taking full advantage of mobile specific casino bonuses, as if utilised correctly, you stand the best possible chance of walking away a winner.

For those of you that already have an account with your favourite casinos online, most of the platforms that we recommend will also offer promotions for existing players. This is usually in the form of a weekly deposit reload bonus, cashback, or enhanced odds.

FAQs

Are the same casino games available on an android casino app?
As Android apps are created by fully-fledged online casinos, you’ll be able to find all of the same games as you would on the platform’s desktop browser site. The only difference is that the games have been optimised for Android phones.

Are there any real money casinos for Android?
Absolutely. In fact, Android casinos are designed specifically for real money deposits and withdrawals.

How do I receive my winnings from a casinos mobile app?
You will receive your winnings in the very same way that you would at a traditional online casino. Payment options will vary depending on the operator, although this usually includes a debit/credit card deposit at the very least. E-wallet support is getting more and more popular, meaning that you might be able to deposit and withdraw funds via PayPal, Skrill or Neteller.

Are Android casino platforms licensed?
If an Android casino wishes to offer its services to UK players, then it must be regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that you can gamble on your phone in a safe and secure environment.

Do Android-specific casinos with live dealer exist?
Most android casino applications will facilitate live dealer experiences. This is fully optimised for smaller screen sizes.

Charles Baxendale

A keen researcher in the development of methods and theories for computer sciences. A lover of algorithms and mathematical computation. Consultant to online slots software companies and a player in my spare time.