Casino Apps vs In-Browser Play: What’s Better for Crypto Gamblers?
A single crypto online casino can appear quite different depending on how you access it. The desktop view features numerous visible functionalities, while mobile screens are more compact and straightforward. This isn’t the only way the casino UI/UX varies; the experience also hinges on whether you are using a dedicated casino app or accessing the casino through a browser.
In this Crypto Gamba guide, we analyse the differences between using a casino app and in-browser play. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have the best possible mobile gaming experience with cryptocurrencies.
App vs In-Browser Play: Key Differences
Before defining the main differences between casino apps and in-browser play, we need to understand what they entail.
To access a crypto casino through an app, you must download software onto your device. The downloadable apps are generally designed for Android and iOS platforms. However, many crypto casinos provide Android APK files directly from their websites due to strict app store policies regarding crypto gambling.
In-browser play does not require downloading an additional app. The full set of casino functionalities can be accessed using a browser like Google Chrome, Opera, or Mozilla Firefox. These crypto casinos are designed with HTML5 and JavaScript, making them lightweight and compatible across devices.
Many believe that you must use apps to play at online casinos on the go, whereas browser play is typically reserved for desktop. However, that is not always the case. Many crypto casinos offer downloadable apps that can also be used on Apple and Windows laptops and computers. Meanwhile, numerous casinos provide browser-based play for mobile with no download necessary.
Accesibility
As mentioned earlier, casino apps require users to install software from the store or download the APK file from the site. Typically, Android users can sideload using the APK, as the Play Store has several restrictions. iOS users often don’t have the option to download casino apps, as they are pretty rare. However, some of the top-ranking sites, like BC.Game Casino, do offer them.
Better for Accessibility: In-Browser Play.
They offer greater convenience, and players have a wider selection of available crypto casinos.
User Experience
The primary purpose of casino apps is to provide a full casino experience through a dedicated application. They are optimised for various mobile device hardware factors, such as screen size and processor capability. Typically, they offer faster loading times, smoother game animations, and improved responsiveness. In some instances, casino apps allow limited offline access to certain features. In contrast, browser-based play often relies on internet speed and browser performance. You cannot access any casino functionalities without an internet connection.
Better for User Experience: Casino Apps
They offer faster speeds without interface delays. The design of apps is generally more sophisticated.
Crypto Transactions
Casino apps sometimes have integrated crypto wallet management and direct API links. However, they don't often feature support for browser-based wallets like MetaMask. On the other hand, mobile casino versions often integrate browser-based wallets. You can manage transactions faster and easier with on-page extensions like autofill on any trusted device.
Better for Crypto Transactions: In-Browser Play
Although the transaction speed and quality mainly depend on the casino and cryptocurrencies you use, the software can still make a difference. In-browser play narrowly prevails due to on-page extensions.
Gaming
When you play on a dedicated crypto casino app, you gain access to exclusive bonuses, faster loading times for games, and even unique mobile games. Moreover, since you control the app settings, you can enable push notifications to alert you about new promotions, tournaments, or perks. Some popular slots developers might even provide exclusive mobile app slots that function smoothly and offer numerous in-game bonuses. For example, you might want to explore Hacksaw's crypto mobile slots and enjoy brand-new, high-volatility games with payouts exceeding 15,000x.
When you play in a casino using the browser, you get access to the full game library. However, you don't access the exclusive perks, and you might miss out on real-time engagement features.
Better for Gaming: Casino Apps
With casino apps, you might get access to new or better perks like bonuses, exclusive access to games, tournaments and more.
Privacy
Apps typically feature robust security measures. Many popular crypto casinos implement biometric login processes and utilise app encryption. App data is stored locally, which minimises data exposure. In contrast, browsers are often associated with vulnerabilities and cookie-based tracking. Players can use a VPN to mitigate these risks, but this introduces additional steps and potential costs for paid VPN services.
Better for Privacy: Casino Apps
Casino apps offer a considerably higher level of security without affecting convenience.
Flexibility
All online casino apps are naturally tied to the device where they are installed. If you prefer to gamble on your tablet, phone and computer, for example, you need to download the app, log in on each device, and set up a wallet for each device. Browser-based crypto casinos are easy to use on any device at any time as long as you have a steady internet connection. You only need to remember your login credentials.
Better for Flexibility: In-Browser Play
Players who prefer switching between devices will have a smoother experience playing in a browser, as no download is required.
Final Thoughts
Mobile crypto casinos provide an excellent gambling solution, offering various options for flexibility, speed, and convenience. However, you should determine for yourself whether in-browser play or a dedicated app better suits your needs. The points mentioned above can help you make that decision.
Whichever option you choose, ensure you remain responsible, uphold high levels of crypto gambling security, and never deposit money you can’t afford to lose.
Bonnie Gjurovska
Crypto Expert
Bonnie Gjurovska has been a gambling enthusiast since 2017. Her crypto journey began in 2019 when she first read a Twitter post. She then purchased Verge and Bitcoin as her first cryptos and developed a deep interest in blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, altcoins and protocols, scouring forums and communities for sharing knowledge. She is a strong believer in decentralization and digital economy, which stems naturally from her legal educational background.