Have apps genuinely improved the online gambling experience?

The rise of mobile technology over the course of the 21^st century has been nothing short of spectacular. In particular, the development of app-based platforms has transformed the way virtually every industry operates, from business marketing and e-commerce all the way through to healthcare and the legal sector. To give a sense of the steady growth of the technology, in 2008, the App Store launched with 500 apps, as of January 2025, there are over 2 million available to download.

One industry that has evolved significantly thanks to app development is that of gambling, with iGaming’s rapid growth closely linked to the rise of app-based platforms. With hundreds of dedicated apps for online casinos, sports bookmakers, and virtual poker, the consensus is that, generally, apps have improved the online gambling experience. However, just because the latest technology is being used, does it necessarily mean that the pastime has become more enjoyable? Let’s talk about this.

The argument for…

Optimized for a mobile world

When apps first launched, laptops and desktops still very much dominated, with the traditional webpage format still the go-to for those using the internet. However, the smartphone revolution has turned this upside down, with mobile devices being used more than anything else to access the internet. And while webpages must be designed for all screen types, apps are specifically created and optimized for touchscreen mobile devices. Therefore, gambling apps are smoother and sleeker than their webpage counterparts, offering intuitive interfaces that make it easier for players to find their favorite games and bets. In essence, the user experience has been drastically improved.

Improved gameplay and features

These tailor-made gambling apps have also enhanced the quality of gameplay, offering users titles with superior graphics and smoother game mechanics. With reduced lag and faster loading times as well, apps offer a more immersive experience to players, making them want to carry on playing. Many operators also offer exclusive features and bonuses to mobile players to further keep them engaged. For example, if you’re looking for bonus codes on an online platform, you are likely to find them by using a mobile app. Furthermore, by utilizing the push notifications feature available on smartphones, apps can keep players updated with the latest promotions.

Convenience

The most obvious way in which apps have improved the online gambling experience, however, is through the massively increased accessibility of gambling platforms and the increased convenience of having them ready to tap on your mobile home screen. As gambling has transitioned from land-based venues to desktop screens and now to smartphones, it has become easier and easier to play. Now, users can play anytime, anywhere, so long as they have internet access. This has been revolutionary for things like sports betting, which relies on the user being able to access the latest odds in real-time with the sporting event. It, therefore, comes as little surprise to see the boom in popularity of apps that have been built in the betting sector, like DraftKings and FanDuel. We’ve even seen it expand into less traditionally app-based sectors like restaurants and coffee shops. While some don’t love the digitization of everyday life, it certainly looks like it’s here to stay.

The argument against…

Storage and compatibility restrictions

Unlike traditional webpages that take up no space in a device’s storage, apps can take up significant space in a smartphone’s memory drive, which can be an issue if a user reaches their maximum storage capacity. Therefore, those with a significant number of apps may prefer to simply access the online version of a gaming platform. Furthermore, as hardware technology continues to advance, so too does the software used to develop the latest apps. This means that many users’ smartphones are simply incompatible with the latest versions of gambling apps and cannot use them. Additionally, while websites can be accessed all over the world, particularly if using a VPN server, many apps are region-locked due to licensing restrictions and regulatory issues. The result of this is that apps may not be as accessible to everybody as traditional browser platforms.

Occasional technical issues

No matter the type, everyone will have experienced technical issues when using an app where, for no apparent reason, the platform crashes, disrupting whatever activity you are doing. This can be particularly frustrating when using gaming apps, where glitches can interrupt gameplay, leading to losses or missed bets. And, while these technical issues are sometimes the result of poor connectivity, often they seem to happen at random with the user having little ability to mitigate their occurrence. Some players, therefore, may prefer to access their favorite games using traditional websites to minimize the risk of technical glitches impacting their gaming experience. It is worth remembering, however, that even websites are at risk of crashing, and occasional issues are unavoidable.

Are gambling apps over-accessible?

While there is no doubt about the improved convenience and accessibility of gaming apps, questions have been raised surrounding the issue of responsible gambling and the effect such easy-to-reach games may have on a player’s welfare. The ability to play from anywhere at any time can make it harder for players to place suitable limits on their own playing time, which in the long term could increase the risk of problem gambling and addiction. This is an important issue and one in which operators and regulators must work together to ensure a safe gambling environment is maintained. Already, many platforms have installed betting limits, exclusion tools, and time reminders to help instill responsible playing practices, while app stores now must enforce strict regulatory policies on gambling apps to help tackle the issue of irresponsible gambling.

Assessing both sides of the argument, there is a strong case to suggest that apps have indeed improved the online gambling experience. As smartphones have come to dominate how we access the internet, in a sense, the app presents the technological advancement of the webpage, simultaneously improving the quality of gameplay and its convenience to players. As with many things, however, it presents a double-edged sword with increased accessibility opening the door for heightened risks of irresponsible gambling. As apps continue to develop, mitigating these issues will be paramount to ensure continued success.

Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Ian Naylor