Legislators in many regions use the UK as a prime example of the benefits of legalising gambling. Through the UK Gambling Commission’s robust regulatory framework that protects both the casino operators, their players, and all other stakeholders, the legislators have created an optimal environment that has paved the way for billions of pounds in revenue. This growth has further been fueled by the rise in the popularity of casino apps. In this guide, we look at why casino apps have become so popular and the features that players consider. What’s more, we single out the apps that have won in this regard.
Why Have Casino Apps Become So Popular?
For anything to gain popularity, it has to benefit from underlying social, cultural, and psychological factors. So, which of these have played a part in propelling casino apps?
- The change in cultural norms. While gambling has always been acceptable in the UK, recent years have seen a much larger uptake of casino games. This normalisation has especially been present in the younger generations who have embraced online gambling.
- The need for escapism. Many people lead busy lives and barely have the time to unwind after a long day of work. Casino apps have stepped in to fill this gap. By enabling people to enjoy games on the go, these platforms work for everyone’s busy schedule.
- The rise in engagement levels. While previous casino sites had basic features, casino apps have elevated user experiences by using features such as near misses, bonuses, streaks, and more. Thanks to these additions, players have felt more motivated to not only play the games but also share their successes, thus promoting more people to try out the apps.
- The value of connection. With many people working long hours and separated from their loved ones, most players crave a social connection. Casino apps enable people to play games alongside other players with whom they can discuss everything from strategies to what’s going on in their lives. And with such connections, albeit virtual, many people feel driven to play more games.
It also helps that the UK has favourable gambling laws that have enabled more operators to offer their services in the region. As such, the high level of competition has driven casino operators to be more innovative and welcoming to players, fostering an environment that encourages people to try out the games.
Which Features Make the Top Apps Stand Out?
Players have always vetted casino sites based on their features. The same applies to casino apps. However, when it comes to the latter case, the focus has been on the following aspects:
- Compatibility.
In the past, casino operators would adapt their apps directly from their websites. While this worked to bring the platforms closer to the players, these apps were often plagued by issues such as frequent crashing and slow load times. Now, the operators are designing native apps suited to each operating system to address this issue, and this has made gaming much easier for their audiences. What’s more, casino operators have eased access to their games by designing mobile-intuitive websites that work like their apps.
- Variety.
Most players want a platform where they have so many options that they will not run out of choices. As such, the top apps have capitalised on collaborating with the top game providers who enable them to boast collections in the thousands. They also update their collections often to match the trending themes, e.g., seasonal games.
- Personalisation.
Players have different preferences and spending patterns. For example, a player who only wants slots will not see the value of a poker bonus ad. As such, apps have now integrated artificial intelligence with machine learning to learn more about each player. This way, players get tailored experiences that match their needs. While this may seem like a small thing, it engages players even more and paves the way for more loyalty.
- Legitimacy.
With time, players have become more conversant with the perks that come from playing in licensed sites. As a result, the apps that attract the most attention must have the following features:
- They must have valid licenses from reputable licensing authorities. Players go to the extent of checking if the licenses are valid and assessing the reliability of the licensing bodies. Apps that have the backing of trusted authorities, like the UKGC, attract more players.
- They must have transparent data processing policies. People no longer want to share their personal and financial data with operators without knowing who has access to the data and how they can use it. Many apps have met this need by providing clear terms and conditions. And some have even implemented ‘delete’ options where players can request the deletion of their data if they close their accounts.
Apps that also undergo frequent independent audits rank high as players can trust them to offer fair games.
- Convenience.
While many people use casino apps to pass the time, there is always the chance to make money from the games. Besides, for players to access the games, they must make a deposit. As such, payment methods are always a point of concern. The top apps have navigated this by offering the following perks:
- A wide range of payment methods. Instead of relying on the traditional forms of payment, such as wire transfers and card payments, apps are now allowing players to make deposits and receive their earnings through e-wallets, mobile pay, and other such methods. Some have also looked into cryptocurrencies, but the uptake of these methods is still in the initial stages.
- A faster transaction timeline. People no longer want to wait days or weeks before they can receive their money. As such, casino operators have been investing in payment methods that fast-track the payments, with some averaging a day.
In addition to these changes, many apps have scrapped or reduced the transaction charges, thus allowing players to save money and transact more often.