Mobile devices have become the predominant way to enjoy online casino games. Internet-based casinos in regulated markets recognize this, which is why they’re compatible with mobile devices.
California hasn’t legalized online casinos yet, but it’s likely to do so in the near future.
Assuming the Golden State does regulate online gaming, it will undoubtedly feature plenty of mobile casino apps.
Here, we’ll give you an idea of what to expect from California’s mobile casinos.
Features of California casino apps
Nobody can say for sure what California’s potential mobile gaming sites will look like if the Golden State legalizes mobile gaming.
However, we can conclude by looking at mobile casino apps in other regulated states. Here’s a preview of the typical features we may see in CA casino apps.
1. Android and iOS compatibility
Regulated US online casinos only work with two operating systems: Android and iOS. They’re not compatible with Blackberry OS or Windows Phone.
Of course, the vast majority of smartphones and tablets run either Android or iOS. If your device features one of these systems, you should have no trouble playing at California mobile casinos.
2. Geolocation
Any state that legalizes internet-based casinos must ensure that its residents and visitors are only gambling online within its borders.
Geolocation technology determines whether a device is within state lines before allowing you to gamble through a mobile device.
3. A large variety of casino games
Regulated mobile casinos have collectively done an excellent job of offering a variety of games. Some sites in New Jersey even feature 500+ games.
With nearly 40 million residents, California is four times the size of New Jersey. You can, therefore, assume that the Golden State will offer a significant selection of mobile casino games in the US.
4. Low stakes available
Low stakes are one of the key advantages of playing at California online gaming sites over land-based casinos. The same should hold at California online casinos.
Many internet-based slots allow you to adjust both paylines and bet per line. In these cases, you can play for just 1 cent per spin.
Some regulated mobile casinos offer blackjack for only 10 cents per hand. This amount is a significant departure from brick-and-mortar casinos, which require a minimum wager in blackjack between $5 and $25.
5. Simple navigation
Gaming sites don’t last long if their usability is poor. Legal mobile casinos realize this and have worked hard on improving website navigation.
The average casino app presents the signup button clearly on its homepage. It also offers helpful menus that lead you to the games, banking options, customer support and promotions.
6. Plentiful banking options
Many financial intermediaries are unwilling to serve states without regulated online gaming. However, the same companies freely serve regulated markets like Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania.
As a player in California, you will no doubt enjoy access to many deposit options if and when the state legalizes mobile casinos. You should be able to use credit or debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards and wire transfers.
Using mobile casino apps in California
CA mobile casinos will likely follow other gaming sites in their download and signup process. Below, you can see how to use such apps.
Determine if you need to download an app
Some regulated mobile casinos require you to download an app.
You may be able to get the app directly through the site. Otherwise, you need to visit the Apple App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) or the casino’s website.
Each casino that features an app provides instructions on downloading it. However, the process is usually self-explanatory.
Other sites let you play directly through your browser with no app download. These casinos utilize HTML5 to offer browser-based play.
Register for an account
You need to complete account registration to become a member of a mobile casino. This process involves filling out the required fields and submitting your account for approval.
Casinos ask for details like your name, date of birth, address, email, and username and password. After filling out the form, you need to agree to the site’s general terms and conditions.
Also, you need to visit the provided email address to verify your account. Once the account is approved, you become eligible to place a deposit and receive email offers.
Play California mobile casino games for free
All regulated gaming sites let you try their games for free in hopes that you enjoy their casino and eventually make a deposit.
Some mobile casinos don’t require you to download an app or register for an account before playing, the game you select instantly loads in your browser.
Other sites require you to download an app and complete account registration.
Deposit if you want to play for real money
You need to make a deposit to bet real money. Future California mobile casinos should offer plenty of deposit options.
Here are some deposit methods in regulated states:
- ACH (e-check)
- Bank transfer
- Mastercard
- Neteller
- PayPal
- Prepaid cards
- Skrill
- Wire transfer
- Visa
You can also deposit in-person via cash at the cage. This method involves visiting a casino and using cash to fund your online account.
Credit cards are widely used to deposit at gaming sites. However, Visa and Mastercard come with a higher rejection rate than any other banking option.
E-wallets are popular because you can use them for both deposits and withdrawals. Unfortunately, they also carry fees that go as high as 3%.
You should weigh the pros and cons before choosing any banking option at CA mobile casinos, which can help you find the perfect deposit and withdrawal methods based on your preferences.
Consider bonus options before depositing
Mobile gaming sites offer welcome bonuses. Many of these deals are comparable, but some stand out due to their size or favorable terms and conditions (T&Cs).
Like other states, the CA market should feature deals worth more than $1,000. If you’re going to make a large deposit, you should go for one of the largest California mobile casino bonuses.
Assuming you’re seeking the most bang for your buck, favorable T&Cs are crucial. Pay attention to wagering requirements, which determine how much you need to bet before cashing out a bonus.
You can learn about quality welcome bonuses by checking out the reviews here at PlayCA as they become available.
What advantages will CA mobile casinos offer?
The Golden State offers no shortage of gambling opportunities. It is home to many tribal casinos and card rooms.
So, why should you choose a mobile casino over these land-based options? Here are some unique benefits that California casino apps are likely to offer.
Convenience
The most obvious advantage of mobile casino games is convenience. Once this gambling form is legalized in the Golden State, you can look forward to using mobile gaming apps from anywhere in California through a smartphone or tablet.
You also won’t need to visit a land-based casino to enjoy gaming. Mobile casinos are perfect for when you want to quickly play a few hands or make a couple of slot spins.
Higher RTP
Brick-and-mortar casinos are stingy with their return-to-player (RTP) percentage. They tend to offer lower RTP for slot machines and table games to cover their high overhead costs.
Mobile casinos are cheaper to operate as they don’t require lavish complexes or human dealers. Therefore, they can afford to be more generous with RTP.
For example, most mobile slots offer between 95%-98% RTP. Contrast this to land-based slot machines, which typically feature between 88%-94% payback.
Wide range of stakes
Mobile casino apps offer stakes that can satisfy both low- and high-rollers.
Online blackjack, for instance, features betting limits ranging from $1 to $500. Mobile slots offer bets ranging from 1 cent to $250.
Land-based casinos provide the same high stakes, but they don’t feature anything close to mobile sites’ low limits due to their overhead costs.
Regulation
Regulated online gambling markets offer protection for casino players.
They require operators to follow strict rules, such as ring-fencing player deposits and watching out for problem gamblers.
Online casinos are required to separate customer funds from the operating and payroll budget. They also need to provide resources for problem gamblers, including a self-exclusion option.
The online gaming industry in the Golden State would probably be overseen by a combination of the California Gambling Control Commission and tribal gaming interests. These entities would ensure fair gaming and a secure depositing process.
Are there any potential downsides to CA mobile casinos?
Regulated California casino mobile apps would offer many upsides. However, they would also come with a few potential drawbacks.
The first downside is that geolocation doesn’t always work. You could be within state lines yet not be able to play at a casino if the system mistakenly placed you outside of CA.
Another disadvantage is that mobile casinos don’t offer the same atmosphere as land-based venues, which allow you to enjoy the sights and sounds of casinos amidst other gamblers.
Additionally, regulated online gaming isn’t perfect in any state when it’s first introduced. CA online casinos would likely need to work through a host of technical issues before everything runs without a hitch.
Overall, the benefits of regulated California online gaming outweigh the disadvantages. Hopefully, state legislators and tribes can come to an agreement on mobile casinos in the coming years.