Looking for a pokies app for your smartphone or tablet? You have two options when it comes to mobile casino apps: the first is to download a native app like the ones you’re used to using for things like Facebook, Instagram and online banking. If native apps are your preference, we strongly recommend downloading the Royal Vegas Casino market app – just tap the link below to install the official RVC app to your device via your respective market (Google Play, the App Store, etc.). Other recommended casinos, Casino-Mate and Platinum Play, also offer downloadable apps with access to Microgaming’s most popular mobile pokies.
Reputable sites like Royal Vegas Casino and Casino-Mate offer thoroughly high-class native apps that don’t cost anything to download and install. However, there are other options for those who prefer not to download casino software to their phones or tablets.
Your second option is to access an instant-play mobile casino directly over your mobile Web browser, which you can do by tapping one of the buttons below to register for a free account at any of our recommended mobile casinos. You will be redirected to your chosen casino, and can then create a Web app to play AUD pokies just like if you had downloaded a native app.
These days, many of the best Web-based casinos are available for mobile use via browser-based play, while offering all the same games, services and security offered by the downloadable app. This is because Flash and Java technology used in modern smartphones and mobile Web browsers can replicate an identical gaming experience to one that can be found in apps. So, which one is right for you?
Native casino apps vs instant-play web apps
Casino apps, or ‘native apps’ which we download to our mobile devices are competent applications for those who like using dedicated app software to play real money pokies. Native apps were once the only option for mobile play, but major advancements in mobile casino software have enabled online operators to give access to mobile games directly over your the mobile Web browser of your phone or tablet, using what’s known as instant play. The introduction of instant browser play means that the need for downloadable apps is no longer entirely necessary, with users able to create their own casino Web apps, hence why not many native casino apps are available. We clarify the difference between the two app types below.
What is a native app?
Native apps are those applications that populate the official Android and Apple stores. They’re the downloadable software we add to our mobile devices, and are usually designed for and restricted to specific operating systems. When available, native apps are an ideal option, especially if you prefer having the mobile casino ready to load with the tap of an app rather than having to manually access mobile pokies through your Web browser.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy native casino app to play real money pokies on the go, we highly recommend Royal Vegas Casino and Casino-Mate, both which are free to download and available to both Apple and Android users. These mobile sites are also available in instant-play mode directly over your mobile browser.
What is a Web app?
Web apps are specific applications that you can create yourself while playing instant-play pokies through your mobile Web browser. Web apps take up little to no space on your mobile data reserve and can be much more specific to tailor your exact needs. For example, if you’re playing an instant-play version of Mega Moolah, you can create a Web app of that game alone, creating an icon that will appear on your mobile desktop for one-tap access, just like if you had downloaded a native app. When you tap the icon, it will load up the instant play version of the game.
The capabilities of no-download instant-play mobile pokies are fairly equal to the experience of playing via a native app, with the same games and features available in both modes. It’s up to the individual to decide on the suitable option and there is no right or wrong. Ask yourself these questions: do you have memory on your smartphone? Do you like using dedicated software apps which can provide more stability? Or do you prefer to keep your device clean of external apps and play directly through the Internet?
For the best instant-play mobile pokies, we recommend G’day Casino, All Slots Casino, Slots Million and House of Jack.
Royal Vegas Casino app
The Royal Vegas Casino mobile app for Apple and Android devices is one of the best native casino apps we recommend, well loved for its slick interface, easy navigation, safe deposit options and bonus features that aren’t present in comparable market apps. Royal Vegas is one of the few reputable casinos to host a thoroughly high class native app that doesn’t cost anything to install, and one that’s extremely user-friendly.
In terms of the games, the most popular progressive jackpots and video pokies are available for practice play and real money bets, along with other games like video poker, blackjack and roulette. The app offers an easy-to-navigate interface, where free-play in practice mode is also available under the ‘Regal Vegas’ banner, for those on the fence on playing with real money.
For more information, visit our review page to read more about the Royal Vegas Casino app.
Casino-Mate app
Casino-Mate is powered exclusively by Microgaming, with a solid selection of Microgaming pokies, table games, progressives and video poker games available over the downloadable app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The game catalogue is updated regularly, and includes popular new pokies releases like Win Sum Dim Sum, Pretty Kitty, Bikini Party and Dragon Dance. Upon downloading the app, you’ll be prompted to sign in or register for a new account, but there is also the option to tap the ‘back to games’ button to navigate your way through the app without having to sign up, with games available for free play and real money bets. In our experience, the Casino-Mate app can be slow to load and it doesn’t offer much in the way of promotional offers beyond the welcome bonus, but it still provides a good app to play portable Microgaming games.
Platinum Play
Yet another Microgaming powered venue, the Platinum Play casino app offers the same range of games available at Royal Vegas and Casino-Mate. It’s part of the Fortune Lounge Group, the same highly reputable group that Royal Vegas Casino is a part of, so you can rest assured that the app is reliable and trustworthy. Platinum Play offers one-off weekly and monthly promotions exclusive to registered players, so it’s well worth downloading the app and signing up for an account even if the game variety doesn’t differ much from other Microgaming apps. There’s a good selection of safe deposit methods available, including credit/debit cards, web wallets and pre-paid cards like Paysafecard and Flexepin.
What mobile devices work best for playing portable pokies?
The online casino apps outlined above are each available for use on both the iOS and Android operating systems, so they’re easily accessible regardless of what device you’re using. Likewise, instant-play casinos are compatible with a majority of smartphone and tablet makes and models provided your device supports Flash, Java or HTML5 mobile software, with games available directly over Safari, Chrome, Firefox or whichever mobile Web browser you use. Casino apps are highly recommended using the following popular mobile devices:
- Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch – all generations.
- Android OS – Samsung Galaxy, HTC, LG, etc.
- Windows Phone – Nokia and other licensed devices.
- BlackBerry – all web enabled models.
Instant-play mobile casinos can also be accessed on some older, WAP enabled mobile phones, provided your device can access the Internet and supports the casino software detailed above.
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