App Store Casino Games
Apple’s App Store offers over one million gaming apps as of 2023, catering to a vast range of preferences, styles, and genres. Casino fans are not excluded from the fun, either, as they face a broad choice of gambling games and applications they can download for free on their iOS-powered smartphones and tablets. Applications that facilitate gambling for real money can only be distributed to users based in markets where online gambling is legal. Such real-money apps must be properly licensed and regulated by the authorities of the respective jurisdictions where they are distributed, or else the tech giant will take them down.
Many of the biggest iGaming brands have launched dedicated applications on the App Store, allowing iPhone and iPad users to play their favorite slots and casino games for real money and potentially land impressive payouts. Players unwilling to risk real cash can choose from an even greater number of free-to-play gambling apps where they can bet with virtual credits and in-game currency instead. They offer varied selections of slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker variations, and more. There is a social element to these free casino games since players can usually share big wins and other achievements with their friends on social media, exchange in-game credits, and chat with each other.
If you are new to iOS gambling apps, this article may prove useful as it tackles the main differences between real-money and free casino apps and contains listings of the top-ranking options from each category. We walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of playing casino games on iOS devices and provide additional information about Apple’s policies on distributing gambling content on its official marketplace.
Best Real Money Casino Apps
There are plenty of reputable online casinos that have developed native applications compatible with the iOS operating system, giving players access to their favorite casino games while on the go. What is even better, they have the opportunity to actually win real money while enjoying themselves in a safe and regulated mobile gaming environment.
Royal Panda
Royal Panda has established itself as one of the most recognizable brands in the iGaming industry thanks to its quirky panda mascot, extensive selection of games, and superior customer service. Licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the casino is home to over 2,000 fantastic slots and table games furnished by top software suppliers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, and NetEnt. Fully optimized for play on iPhones and iPads, Royal Panda offers a slick web application that enables customers to enjoy their favorite casino games without downloading additional software.
The site looks impressive on mobile devices, with large-sized buttons and chunky menus that greatly improve the browsing experience of users.Read More
Casumo
If you are looking for the ultimate casino experience while on the go, you can head to the App Store and download the mobile application of Casumo. The native app comes with minimum system requirements of iOS 15.0 or later, and features north of 4,500 scorching-hot slots, including staples like Starburst, Book of Dead, and Rainbow Riches. IGT, NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Blueprint Gaming are some of the leading software brands to furnish Casumo with top-quality games. Highly intuitive and easy to navigate, the native app supports six languages, namely Swedish, Spanish, Norwegian, German, English, and Danish.
While focusing on slots, Casumo also caters to fans of live casino games, offering them hundreds of live tables powered by Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech.Read More
bet365 Casino
Launched in 1999, bet365 is a long-standing provider of quality online gambling services operating with licenses issued by the MGA and the UKGC. The company offers a full-fledged suite of gambling products, including sports betting, peer-to-peer poker, online casino games, and live dealer products. Separate native apps are available for each type of product. The casino app requires iOS 14.0 or higher to run properly and supports over a dozen language options, including Dutch, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Italian. There you will find hundreds of thrilling mobile slots designed by Playtech, including iconic progressives like Age of the Gods, Gladiator, and Jackpot Giant. Table games like blackjack and roulette are also on offer.
Committed to delivering a fresh and versatile gaming experience, the casino updates its mobile library with new games as soon as they are released.Read More
32Red Casino
Fully compatible with iOS, 32Red offers over 1,000 exciting titles across all popular categories but continues to grow its mobile portfolio by adding new games each month. The mobile lobby is powered by eminent software studios like Microgaming, Evolution, NetEnt, and Real Dealer Studios. The main lobby is divided into multiple categories, including Slots, Roulette, Blackjack, Slingo, Jackpot and Latest Games. Mobile players looking for specific titles can make use of the search tool built into the 32Red app. The featured games are all pure entertainment, with crisp and vibrant graphics that look all the more impressive on iPhone screens.
New players who register at 32Red can enjoy a very generous welcome bonus, while returning customers can boost their gaming balance by collecting comp points via the 32Red loyalty program.Read More
PlayOJO
PlayOJO is among the most reliable and rewarding online casinos as it offers wager-free bonuses and promotions with no limits on maximum withdrawals. The excellent reputation the brand enjoys is further consolidated by the UKGC and MGA licenses it carries. The casino runs effortlessly on all portable devices, including those based on iOS. The native app PlayOJO released on the App Store is your gateway to a world of premium entertainment as it contains thousands of exciting mobile slots, table games, live dealer options, and bingo variations. Just keep in mind the app requires at least iOS 12.0 to perform on par with expectations..
50 free spins for new customers on 1st deposit only. No wagering requirements or max cashout limits. Min $10 deposit. Terms and conditions apply.Read More
Differences Between Real Money Casino Apps and Play Money Casino Apps
Several primary differences distinguish real-money from free-to-play gambling content on Apple’s App Store. The main difference is quite obvious as real-money casino apps generally require iOS users to deposit cash into their balance before they can play. Many mobile casinos offer free play where customers can use virtual credits to test the available games. These demo versions give players the valuable opportunity to test the games risk-free and get a proper feel of what the casino offers but you cannot win any real money this way. For this purpose, you must open an account within the app, verify it, and top it up with actual money. Deposits at iOS casinos are typically instant and free, allowing newly registered customers to jump right into the action shortly after signing up.
Another thing worth mentioning is that real-money casino apps have slightly higher minimum age requirements compared to their free-to-play cousins. Players must usually be at least 18 years old to download the apps and use them, but the minimum age is higher in jurisdictions like Canada and the US. By contrast, free-to-play iOS casino apps have slightly lower requirements as users must usually be 17 or older to install them. Playing with real money gives you the opportunity to land tasty payouts and jackpots but losing your entire balance is also within the realm of possibility. Because of this, real-money casino apps are generally not recommended for risk-averse iOS users who cannot stomach racking up some losses.
On the positive side, installing a real-money gambling app on your iPhone or iPad renders you eligible to participate in promotions and claim welcome bonuses that can greatly boost your real-money balance.
Free-to-play iOS casino apps offer “simulated gambling”, meaning that players can enjoy slots and other gambling games for free by using virtual in-game currency. Users start with a specific number of free credits upon installing the free app but can earn more by playing the games, completing different missions, or leveling up. There is a social element to free casino apps as you can usually link your account with social media platforms like Facebook to share your achievements with friends, invite them over to join you in tournaments, and send or request in-game credits from them. This is precisely why some free-to-play casinos have earned the moniker “social casinos”.
Another peculiarity is that new players often have access to a limited range of free games and can unlock more gaming options by either leveling up or paying for them. Speaking of which, most social casino apps are generally free to download and play but feature in-app purchases, allowing players to buy more in-game credits with real money. You can continue playing with in-game currency for as long as you want but can never win any actual money at social casinos compatible with iOS. On the bright side, the same applies to losing money unless you splurge on in-app purchases.
Another difference between the two types of casino apps is that real-money mobile casinos are not legal in every country. According to Apple’s policies, real-money gambling content can only be distributed in the App Store in countries with legal and regulated remote gambling. Such apps should be geo-restricted in jurisdictions where mobile betting for real-money is illegal. Respectively, the developers and operators behind the apps must be authorized to distribute their products to iOS users from their target markets.
By contrast, Apple is far less stringent when it comes to social gambling. Developers can offer their apps on the iOS marketplace as long as they attach the 17-plus minimum age limit to their products. Social casinos are legal in most jurisdictions unlike their real-money counterparts, which makes them suitable for iPhone and iPad users based in countries that are yet to legalize remote gambling.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing App Store Casino Games
If you are still unsure whether you should install a casino app on your iOS device, we can help you make an informed decision by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of iOS-friendly gambling apps.
One of the positives of iOS casinos is that they cater to players with a great selection of games, offering thousands of unique titles in some cases. Players have hundreds of mobile slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games in the palm of their hand to enjoy while away from home. They can always have a spin or two on their favorite slots or roulette variations while waiting in queue, commuting, or having a lunch break. What is more, many real-money and social casinos are compatible with most iOS devices, ensuring seamless gameplay on modern iPhones and iPads.
In the case of real-money casinos, iOS users get the chance to win real money provided they play responsibly and manage their funds smartly. Most iOS-compatible casinos also offer progressive jackpot games optimized for play on portable devices, not to mention real-money customers often gain access to bigger and better perks if they play regularly. And playing consistently is easier than ever before with the advent of mobile-friendly casinos.
When it comes to the disadvantages of mobile casino apps, overspending on in-app purchases and losing actual money are undoubtedly the biggest downsides. Some iOS users end up wasting hundreds and even thousands on in-app purchases at social casinos. Real-money gamblers are not better off, either, as the risk of losing money is inherent to all casino games. Regardless of which type of iOS casino you go for, you should always spend within your means and stay on budget.
Some players are also concerned about safety when playing at real-money mobile casinos. There are indeed a few bad seeds out there but security should be no concern as long as you play at licensed and regulated casinos. They all implement SSL encryptions and advanced firewalls to protect real-money players and their transactions.
Some people frown at the idea of installing bulky apps on their iPhones, especially when their devices have a limited storage capacity. The good news is all native iOS real-money casino apps on Apple’s Store have HTML5 counterparts accessible in most browsers, sparing you the hassles of downloading additional content on your mobile device. A steady and fast mobile connection is required for the games to run smoothly, which may prove an issue for some iOS users, especially if they prefer newer and more graphically demanding slots. On the positive side, some apps allow you to adjust the graphics quality of the games in line with your device’s capabilities and connection speed.
Mobile Gaming Restrictions
As we mentioned earlier, some players cannot download or play real-money casino games on their iOS devices. Although there are numerous casino apps offered at the App Store, players can only download them if they reside in jurisdictions where mobile gambling for real money is allowed.
A handful of online casinos have mobile applications that can be downloaded on iOS devices. However, some players may not be able to bet real money due to the regulatory restrictions in the countries they live in. It is important to acquaint yourself with the legal framework of your country before you attempt to play real-money iOS casino games.
In the United States, for example, gambling at landbased casinos is legal but few states have passed laws to regulate mobile casino games. At the time of publication, real-money casino apps are generally only available to iOS users based in New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Due to strict regulations, many casino operators started developing and offering their mobile casino applications on their own websites. Players can download them directly from their favorite online casino’s website without visiting the App Store. Thankfully, many virtual casinos run smoothly on iOS devices via browser-based web apps. This saves you the trouble of downloading additional software on your iPhone or iPad. Web-based applications that provide real-money wagering, including lotteries, poker and other types of online betting, must also hold valid licenses to distribute their content via Apple’s official marketplace.
Best Play Money Casino Apps
If you are looking for a fun gaming experience to enjoy on your iPhone or iPad without running the risk of losing real money, you can always try some free-to-play social casino apps. These can deliver the entertainment you are looking for at no cost unless you buy extra credits through in-app purchases. Below, you will find brief overviews of the 5 most popular free-to-play casinos on the App Store.
Zynga Poker – Texas Hold’em
If you opt for downloading Zynga Poker- Texas Hold’em, you will be able to enjoy one of the most popular peer-to-peer poker variations while on the move and bring the excitement with you wherever you go. The application offers many tables with different buy-ins and betting limits to accommodate the bankroll requirements of poker players from all experience levels.
The app features a VIP program that rewards users with different perks, especially at the higher tiers. As soon as you install the app, you get free chips and become eligible for daily prizes consisting of more in-game credits to play with. You can compete against fellow players and meet new friends who share your passion for poker. Bundles of free chips are available once every 24 hours.
Big Fish Casino: Slots & Games
If you are craving more thrills in your life, you can get your daily dose of excitement by playing different casino games via the Big Fish Casino app. This mobile application provides a choice from over 100 virtual slots and table classics like roulette, blackjack, and house-banked poker. Players can participate in regular tournaments, join existing clubs, or make their own.
The slots featured in this social casino all boast free spins and bonus games to keep you entertained for hours on end. The option to redeem free chips every thirty minutes is yet another great feature of Big Fish Casino. You can also play with your friends and enjoy the games in the app together. Players will additionally benefit from custom avatars and daily jackpot prizes that can further boost their balance. The app is compatible with all iPhones and iPads running on iOS 12.0 and up.
Slotomania Slots: Vegas Casino
It is no secret that slots outperform all casino games in terms of popularity, which is why social casinos like Slotomania are predominantly catering to reel spinners. The app is home to a versatile collection of over 100 free-to-play slots, including Eagle Blitz SlotoWays, Vegas Cash, and Crazy Train. Regular players have access to exclusive rewards, massive jackpots, and tasty level-up bonuses. New players can start their reel-spinning adventure with one million in free in-game credits.
Sloto Cards is one of the rewarding and fun features of this mobile casino app. Players can enjoy amazing rewards granted when they complete different sticker collections and albums. You can choose to play games with your friends or even find new ones while enjoying the best mobile slots with millions of other users. Players can compete in different tournaments and sweep big prizes. This casino app can definitely provide a huge amount of entertainment no matter where you are.
DoubleDown Casino Slots & More
If you are a casino fan, you probably have a favorite game or two. If you want to enjoy some of the most thrilling slots, table games or video poker variations, you can try DoubleDown Casino by downloading its free application from the App Store. This will grant you access to over 200 slots and table games guaranteed to entertain you and reward you with massive wins.
Frequent free spins and the chance to play with your friends are among the best features DoubleDown Casino has to offer. Another perk you can take advantage of is the Diamond Club. Members gain early access to the newest slots added to the portfolio, free bonuses, and many other perks. If you are bored while you are out and about, you can always play your favorite slots with this easy-to-use casino app designed for portable devices running on iOS 10.0 and later.
myVEGAS Slots – Casino Slots
For all fans of the slot genre, myVEGAS has prepared an abundance of games that can provide entertainment, thrills, and amazing rewards. When you are looking for a dose of fun to change up your boring daily grind, you can go to the App Store and download this casino application provided that your device runs on iOS 12.0 or above. You are guaranteed to find at least a few games that will perfectly suit your taste.
The social casino app offers players daily free spins and free-chip bonuses that can make their gaming adventure more exciting. If you play every day, you can go on Bonus Quests to earn many impressive prizes and enjoy different perks. The myVIP program offers some exclusive benefits and rewards. On top of that, the featured games all have amazing graphics and fun themes that offer players hours of free entertainment. Trust us, there is a good reason why the myVegas app boasts a user rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars at the App Store.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Visa Card | YES | YES |
 | Mastercard | YES | NO |
 | InstaDebit | YES | YES |
 | PayPal | YES | YES |
 | Skrill | YES | YES |
 | PaySafeCard | YES | NO |
 | Citadel | YES | YES |
 | Neteller | YES | YES |
 | Sofort | YES | YES |
 | PayForIt | YES | NO |