Another major contributor to the recent surge in popularity for mobile casino-style gaming is the ease in finding these types of apps. A simple search of “casino games” or “poker,” results in numerous high-rated apps. Nearly all are free to download and charge for in-app purchases only if players choose to buy premium features or go ad-free.
Because of the low threshold for entering mobile casino-style gaming has grown into a significant market, especially for people who like the strategic aspects of card games but don’t want to travel to a physical casino every time they want to play a hand. With that said, below are five of the most popular iPhone casino games worthy of downloading should you want to improve your skills or simply waste time.
Mobility Ware’s Blackjack app has been on the App Store for years now and remains one of the closest representations of the original card game. There is both a free and paid version of the app; the paid version removes ads and includes added features; therefore, you may try the free version first before deciding if it is worth purchasing. What sets this app apart from many others is that it closely mimics an actual blackjack table.
Payouts, rules and speed of the game are all simulated, thus, giving players a realistic way to develop card counting techniques or learn basic strategy before sitting down at an actual blackjack table. Because there is no pressure to make decisions, players can try different ways of doubling down, splitting pairs and determine when to stand. Any player looking to hone their blackjack skills this is probably one of the more functional apps for doing that.
Slot Machine graphics are surprisingly well-suited for touch-screens, and Big Spin Slots is one example of this. It takes a normal three reel slot machine and translates it into a modern digital experience complete with animated reels and nice sounds effects. In addition to adding animations and sound effects to an already familiar theme, it changed the control scheme slightly; where tapping once will start the reels spinning. Slot machines typically don’t require much strategy; therefore Big Spin Slots is ideal for casual players.
The app was made specifically for entertainment and has a clean design that makes it easy to continue spinning during a break in your commute or waiting in line. Big Spin Slots has bright colors but not too many images to confuse and delivers that feeling of saying “just one more spin” that slot machines in physical casinos deliver. If you’re looking for something fun and easy to understand, Big Spin Slots might be right for you.
Apple released Texas Hold’em – possibly the most famous variation of poker – for mobile devices. The app is intuitive, has held up visually since its release date and generally simulates what makes Texas Hold’em so popular. The biggest plus side of this app is its ability to let players set up a private game with friends and play wirelessly (via WiFi). Therefore, players can turn what would normally be a solo activity into a social activity. The app also provides in-game help for new players in regards to hand rankings, betting rounds and overall strategy; hence, it is both accessible for beginners and complex enough for experienced players.
For those who dream of playing in the World Series of Poker someday, this app lets you play like you are competing in the World Series of Poker. The main difference between this app and many other poker apps on the App Store is that players can compete against friends locally (Bluetooth) or online (worldwide) using either option.
The app uses the prestige of the World Series of Poker brand name; therefore, players have a feeling of moving closer towards competing in larger events regardless if they are free or not. Therefore, this app gives players an excellent place to develop skills needed for success in tournaments where things such as stack size, blind levels and table positions affect gameplay just as much as the cards given to players.
Unfortunately, Craps has a bad reputation for intimidating new players with a crowded table layout and an incredible amount of betting options. However, Aw Craps brings this game to life in a way that is accessible to anyone using their iPhone screen. Aw Craps includes suggestions/tips that assist players in selecting which bets to make; thus helping new players navigate unfamiliar territory.
From a visual perspective, Aw Craps has a fully realized 3D version of the game and the animation of rolling dice is wonderful; thus combining to give players a feel-good experience similar to what one would get from actually standing at an active craps table even though players interact with their iPhones instead of other people cheering on a shooter.
Players often dismiss apps like these as nothing more than ways to kill time; however, using these types of apps provide valuable experience when compared to not practicing using these types of apps. Familiarity with casino games builds confidence for new players before committing real money. Repetition is vital when developing strategies for blackjack, learning betting sequences for poker and getting comfortable with varying betting options for craps.
The safety of these apps provide an opportunity for new players to explore different betting strategies, watch how odds change as hands progress and lose without financial penalty. Players may view these apps as introductory training areas as opposed to an alternative for experiencing casino games using real money.
Some of the apps listed — primarily poker-based — enable users to compete against friends rather than just computer opponents; thus converting practice time into group playtime. Collaborative play increases learning rates greatly as users share thoughts/experiences about their hands/decisions among themselves, which enhances retention better than playing alone.
If you’re searching for casino-style apps on the App Store there are obviously many options besides the ones mentioned here. New titles are constantly coming out and many current titles are receiving updates adding new features/enhancing graphics/making adjustments based on user feedback.
Spend some time reading reviews and trying out free versions of the apps you discover will be helpful in choosing which apps align best with your interests/personal preferences; e.g., some users prefer card games such as blackjack/poker while others prefer simpler experiences provided by slots/craps-type games. Whatever way you decide to use your iPhone as a tool for enjoying leisure time/games/knowledge will be beneficial.
As noted previously, although none of the previously referenced apps allow you to bet with real money it is advisable to keep responsible gaming habits in mind as you may take what you’ve learned/developed on your iPhone with you when you switch to real-money gaming environments elsewhere. Establish rational limits for how long you spend using these apps; i.e., prevent yourself from continuing session after session (hours) playing spins/hands non-stop; excessive time spent on individual apps could lead to dependence on said app(s).
If you plan on eventually switching to real-money gaming with reputable licensed gaming operators, consider what you’ve practiced/learned from using these types of apps as foundation knowledge for making educated decisions when using legitimate licensed gaming providers (if/when applicable).
Lastly, keep in mind that free-to-play apps were designed to be entertaining; although many apps employ reward loops/visual indicators similar to those seen on actual casino floors; this doesn’t mean it’s always bad provided you stay cognizant of how much time you’re spending using individual apps — especially if you find yourself going back to an app repeatedly due to routine/habit.
There are many options available for players who like table games/slot machines such as simulated versions of common casino games such as blackjack, roulette slots, poker etc. While these apps mimic an actual casino experience, they also allow users to develop strategies/enjoy casino gaming without risking real money.
No. Even though the previously mentioned apps aren’t designed for playing with real money they were created for entertainment/practice and provide users with a chance to experience casino gaming without risking their finances.
Amongst the most-downloaded titles are Blackjack by Mobility Ware / Big Spin Slots / Apple’s own Texas Hold 'em. Combined these three titles provide a wide range of options between card games/slot-machine style entertainment — all optimized for smooth operation with crisp graphics/respondent controls on iPhone equipment.
Big Spin Slots recreates the classic three-reel slot machine that most land-based casino patrons recognize. Since Big Spin Slots operates directly off your touchscreen, you can interact directly with the screen when spinning reels which adds an immersive element missing from purely digital versions of slot machines.
Yes. World Series of Poker Hold’m Legend provides users with practice playing poker against friends locally or worldwide via Bluetooth/Wifi; therefore providing users with a practice tournament-style poker experience prior to putting their skills on trial in competitive environments.
Aw Craps stands-out thanks to the direct support/guidance provided to new players regarding which bets to make; therefore reducing unfamiliar territory into something manageable for new players. The rich textures/animation included within Aw Craps combine visually stimulating elements (similar to standing at an actual craps table) while still allowing users to focus on learning how to play craps from their iPhone screens — instead of watching and listening to other spectators cheering on a shooter.
Spin Palace Casino
Jackpot City Casino
Fairgo Casino
Ruby Fortune Casino
Lucky Nugget Casino
Platinum Play Casino
All Slots Casino
Fortunium Gold Moolah Slot
Lara Croft Fortune Slot
Area Link Phoenix Slot
Major Millions Slot
Mega Vault Millionaire Slot
Amazing Link Zeus Slot