Can You Block Gambling Apps On Your Phone
Block apps on your child’s cell phone and tablet with Net Nanny’s parental control software. With Net Nanny’s app blocking feature, you have the power to control how your child is using mobile apps and the Internet, along with the visibility to know which apps are downloaded on their devices. Find out how you can block any website on Windows and Mac computers, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer browsers, as well as Android and Windows Phone smartphones and iPhones and iPads. If you have a NatWest Debit or Credit Card, you can block gambling transactions on your mobile app (then link to the section below) You’re not alone, it’s important to talk to someone - a friend, a close family member, a colleague at work, your bank or a professional. There is hope and help is available if you need it. Robust measures must be taken to restrict under-age gamblers. Solutions must be in place to prevent access to users in other territories, and all gambling apps will have to comply with responsible gambling practices. At the last count, 245 gambling apps have been uploaded to the Google Play store.
Let us just state the obvious – mobile phones and tablets are the best inventions of the last couple decades.
Just look at them – they’re mini computers.
There’s no denying that they’ve made the world a smaller place. We have access to more information than ever before. We’re connected to more people. Anything and everyone is only a tap or two away.
That goes for online gambling, too.
We’ve written about the benefits of online gambling before, and how it’s better than brick-and-mortar casinos. We concluded that the biggest benefits (to online gambling) are the convenience, variety, and saving money.
You can enjoy all these benefits while playing from your mobile device – with an extra helping of convenience on top. Because now you’re no longer anchored to your desktop computer. You can play your favorite slot machine, video poker, or table game from wherever you can connect to the internet.
The fastest way to get started is to choose one of the mobile sites from our list below. These sites have the best selection of sports markets, poker, and casino games, as well as special deals and banking options to choose from.
Choose one and get started now.
Rank | DE Gambling Site | Exclusive Bonus | Products | Get Started | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Betway | 100% Up To€250 |
| Visit Site | Betway |
#2 | Europa Casino | 200% Up To€500 |
| Visit Site | Europa Casino |
#3 | Jackpot City Casino | 100% Up To€400 |
| Visit Site | Jackpot City Casino |
#4 | 22Bet | 100% Up To€300 |
| Visit Site | 22Bet |
#5 | Spin Casino | 100% Up To€400 |
| Visit Site | Spin Casino |
How We Choose “The Best” Mobile Sites
There are three things we look for first when deciding who will make our list of ‘best’ mobile gambling sites.
This applies the most to online casinos and poker rooms. Currently, few casinos or poker rooms have full-blown mobile versions of their desktop casinos and poker rooms. Most only offer a fraction of what desktop customers get to play.
Ultimately, we want to find sites with the most options – no matter if you play poker or casino games or bet sports – so that you can gamble on more stuff with the least amount of effort (apps installed, accounts, etc.).
2Compatibility
Most sites will be compatible with Apple and Android, as these are by far the most popular devices and operating systems. That means BlackBerry and Windows users are often left behind. We try to find gambling sites that offer options for ALL devices, instead of just the most popular ones.
Some casinos and sportsbooks will offer mobile-exclusive bonuses on top of their core offers. One example is from BetOnline. They have a couple offers where, if you try their sportsbook or live casino on your mobile device and lose money, they’ll reimburse you up to so many dollars. We try to find sites that offer exclusive (mobile-only) deals.
These three things are first on our list. But in no way does that mean you get to ignore all the other important stuff – like making sure the site has a good reputation, that the site pays their customers, that they accept banking options you have access to, and everything else that makes a gambling site one of “the best.”
How to Get Started
If you’ve never gambled on your smartphone or tablet, you might be wondering how the heck you get started.
It’s actually pretty simple.
First, you will need internet access – either Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G. Wi-Fi will be better in the long run, as you won’t use up any data.
Next, you’ll need to access the site. You can do that using one of the following options:
- Option 1 – Mobile Site
- Some sites – usually older casinos – will have a separate website programmed specifically for mobile devices. The downside is they’re usually only compatible with Apple and Android phones and tablets. You’ll know the site has a separate mobile site if you go to their site (while on your device) and they redirect you to a different location.
- Option 2 – Native App
- These are apps developed specifically for your device. The upside is excellent graphics, gameplay, and function. The downside (again) is compatibility. To get the app, the site may send it to you, have you scan a QR code, or have you download it from an app store or website.
- Option 3 – HTML5 Site
- HTML5 is the newest (front-end) programming language for building websites. Websites built in HTML5 (often combined with other programming languages) are mobile responsive. This means no separate app or website is needed. The website simply shifts the elements around to fit a smaller/different screen size. The best part is that this is the most compatible option of them all.
If you’re not sure what the gambling site offers or does for mobile users, most sites nowadays have a mobile page where they’ll tell you how to get access – they’ll have a link or QR to their apps, or tell you the URL you need to go to. It’s really simple, we promise.
If you already have an account with a site and all you want to do is play from your mobile device, all you need to do is open their mobile site or app, then log in using your same account details.
If you’re opening a new account, the process of signing up is the same as signing up from a computer. Find and click the ‘create an account’ button and give them your details:
- Your name.
- Your email.
- Your address.
- Your desired username and password.
- Your phone number.
And so on. Then submit your information and confirm your account.
One tip, though –
This goes for making your deposit, too. You can fund your account from your mobile device, but it’s far easier – not to mention far safer – to do from home.
That’s all there is to it.
Mobile is the future. Mobile usage already exceeds computer usage – a stat we don’t expect to change anytime soon, if ever.
This is exciting for online gamblers because mobile gambling is still new. Mobile casinos and poker rooms are still small. So, you can expect the mobile gambling industry to grow exponentially over the next few years. That means more games, tournaments, features, and options.
The best part is that we get to watch it all happen in real time.
Mobile Gambling FAQ
Mobile gambling is still new. So, unsurprisingly, we receive a lot of questions about gambling from mobile devices and mobile gambling sites.
You’ll find the most common questions we get (and our answers) below.
The apps shouldn’t cost you anything. The gambling site makes their money from real money gamblers. We recommend avoiding any real money casino that asks you to pay for their app.
Can you gamble for free from your smartphone?
Yes. Every mobile-responsive casino or app we’ve seen offers both free and real money gambling.
This varies WILDLY from site to site. But the most common games and variations we’ve seen include hold’em and Omaha fast-fold poker and cash games. Tournaments and SNGs are hit and miss.
What casino games can I play?
This varies from casino to casino. MOST casinos offer a small fraction of the games you’ll find in their full-blown casino. For example, many RealTime Gaming mobile casinos offer 20-30 casino games, while you’ll find 150+ in their download or instant play casino.
Can You Block Gambling Apps On Your Phone Without
However, if you join a casino built on HTML5, chances are you’ll have dozens of games to choose from. Maybe even more than 100. A few good places to start include Bovada, Ignition Casino, or most Bitcoin-exclusive casinos.
Some international casinos – such as Bet365 – will have even more games, as well as variations such as (mobile) live dealer table games.
To answer the question, though, you’ll find all the same casino games available to you from your computer. That includes slots, video poker, table games, blackjack, and arcade games. However, the number of games and the selection of games (like the slots-to-table-game ratio) will depend on where you play.
Everything you can bet on from your computer. You’ll access most sportsbooks from your browser, which means you can make all sorts of bets from your phone. One benefit to this is that sportsbooks are usually compatible with more devices than just those operating on Android or iOS.
This means you’ll get to make straight bets, halftime bets, prop bets, futures, if bets, bets on football, basketball, TV shows, soccer, e-gaming, tennis, golf, and a whole lot more.
Can I still get a deposit bonus?
Yes, you’ll still have the option to get a deposit bonus, reload bonus, or participate in the site’s loyalty program.
And like we mentioned earlier, some sites offer mobile-exclusive bonuses in addition to their core offers.
One thing we need to point out, though – you’ll still need to fulfill the site’s playthrough requirements. This is important to think about, especially if you plan to play poker. You need to figure out if you can play enough hands or enough games to clear the requirements in time.
Probably the best reason is convenience. You can play in bed, in the car, from the bathroom, in line, while waiting for someone, and more. You can play anywhere, anytime.
Is mobile gambling safe?
Online gambling sites use the same tech for their mobile casinos as they do for their desktop software. In fact, in some cases, their mobile and desktop site are one in the same. And this is the same encryption software that banks use, which encrypts your information (hides it from hackers).
We also only recommend safe gambling sites. Our sites will tell you which sites are safe (and worthwhile) to join.
From there, safety is largely up to you. You’ll want to be careful when gambling in public. Make sure you’re on secure networks, and if you have to make a deposit when you’re in public, make sure no one’s looking over your shoulder. You also don’t want to save passwords (many mobile sites won’t let you) or save any payment information to your mobile device in case it’s stolen.
In other words, treat mobile gambling very much like mobile banking or mobile shopping – carefully.
Can Americans gamble for real money using smartphones and tablets?
Yes. We recommend US players check out Bovada, Ignition, and BetOnline. This should cover all the bases.
Can you play progressive slot machines on mobile devices?
Yes, you can…and you can win, like this guy who won $11.6 million playing Mega Moolah while on his tablet.
In most cases, yes. For casino games, online casinos use mobile (responsive) games from the software providers they work with. The games will look the same, if not better, on your mobile device. However, the mobile casino itself may be very basic (ugly) – not that that should matter.
Both mobile poker and sports betting should look the same, as most mobile poker rooms and sportsbooks are built using HTML5.
That all said, there are two big differences when it comes to mobile gambling:
- Some buttons or graphics may look different and be placed somewhere else on the screen (compared to the desktop version). This is just so the casino/software provider can adapt the game to a smaller screen.
- The second difference is features – you’ll often have fewer of them. This will apply mostly to mobile poker players, and sometimes mobile sports bettors, too.
The casino isn’t compatible with my device – what else can I do?
This really depends on your device. You’ll have more options if you’re using a device powered by Android or iOS.
Whatever your case, here are a few things you might try:
- A different casino. Start with our reviews – we’ll tell you which sites are compatible with which devices.
- A different browser. Most mobile sites are compatible with Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.
- Hack your phone. This is a more extreme option that often means your phone isn’t covered in case it breaks or stops working. You’ll want to Google ‘unlocking,’ ‘jailbreaking,’ or ‘hacking’ your specific device.
Other than that, you might be limited to free native apps available in your app store.
This depends on the poker site. We know you can with PokerStars’ app. But you can’t using Carbon Poker’s app.
That said, no matter where you play, you won’t be able to play that many tables. Last we checked, you could only play three tables simultaneously at PokerStars – and they’re the largest site in the world.
Which is better, native app or through the site?
This depends on what you want to play, and your preferences.
Apps use up resources like space and memory. You might also receive notifications that you might not want. But they’re usually better in terms of user experience because they’re built for your device.
Mobile websites may be harder to navigate (if they’re not mobile responsive). But they’re also usually compatible with more devices and don’t take up any resources (except data, which you can avoid by playing on Wi-Fi).
To better answer the question, though – we’d prefer an app for mobile poker. For everything else, we think a mobile responsive website is good enough.
Yes, as far as we know, there’s no limit to how many gambling apps you can have – other than what your phone or tablet can hold.
Is it safe to install an app from unknown sources?
From what we understand, the Google Play store doesn’t allow real money gambling apps even from legitimate (licensed, regulated, legal) gambling operators. So, some apps will be hosted on 3rd party (unofficial) app stores, like GetJar.
This can be scary for users because of the possibility of downloading malware, viruses, or other nasty things.
We saw some advice we thought was pretty good:
If the app is official and endorsed by the company, then you should have no concerns regarding safety.
Be sure to do your due diligence. Make sure wherever the app is hosted is legit. Make sure the app is the official app. Read reviews to make sure no one else has had any problems. Make sure to back up your phone.
Do it all, just to be safe. From there, you can feel pretty good about downloading the app. And, if push comes to shove, you can always send a message to the gambling operator first.
In July 2017 the internet was abuzz with the news that Google would be allowing gambling apps in their Play Store for the first time, in the UK, France and Ireland. With plans to roll out to other countries in the near future.
Known for their long-held (and somewhat hypocritical) resistance toward opening up their Play Store to gambling apps, the change of heart prompted many questions. Was it a move to compete with Apple? Is it to boost advertising revenue? Or have they merely softened their stance on gambling? Whatever the reason, the gaming industry is rejoicing!
How Does This Impact the Betting Industry?
Until recently, operators were limited to distributing their Android apps through their own or third-party channels. This made it hard for users to find these apps and it was costly for operators to promote and maintain them. With Google now opening the door to the Play Store, like Apple has done for some time in the App Store, it opens up a significant customer acquisition channel for online gambling operators. Android users make up approximately 50 per cent of the mobile market in the UK.
Google will keep the reigns tight. Those adding their apps will have to prove they have a valid gambling license in the country they wish to target. Robust measures must be taken to restrict under-age gamblers. Solutions must be in place to prevent access to users in other territories, and all gambling apps will have to comply with responsible gambling practices.
At the last count, 245 gambling apps have been uploaded to the Google Play store. This includes slots, sports betting, spread betting and casino games.
Optimising an App in the Play Store
At Digital Fuel Marketing, we have an expert in-house SEO team who have offered their advise on how to optimise an app for the Play store:
Now that this significant opportunity is available to gambling operators, it is important to remember that optimising for the Play Store can be a little more difficult than it is for the Apple App Store.
Google’s algorithms favour ‘high-quality engagement’. This is based on user interaction, not just installs. This means that developers need to do everything possible to not only get customers to download their app, but also to ensure those users follow through and continue to engage with the app.
Can You Block Gambling Apps On Your Phone Calls
There are a plethora of simple tactics to best optimise in the Play Store and all of them come down to good graphic design and effective marketing.
If the goal is engagement, everything you design and write should be critically analysed with three questions in mind: Would users want to download? Would users find it easy to download? Does this compel the users to use the app beyond download?
Critically analyse your app and your advertising in the Play Store by making sure your visuals are sharp and catch the attention of your potential users. Your images need to lead them to download and engage. Design copy, your title, short description and long description, with strong keywords to efficiently communicate your app’s purpose, what it does and why people should care.
If you’ve not already taken steps to capitalise on this opportunity, or you’re in need of help with App Store optimisation, get in touch with our team today. We are experts in getting apps to rank competitively in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Get in touch with the team at Digital Fuel Marketing today
Kristian heads up the content and SEO team at Digital Fuel having worked in digital marketing for ten years. He’s as passionate about creative content as he is about Brighton & Hove Albion FC and when he’s not following football he’s writing about Brighton’s bustling pub scene.