Meta: Here is a closer look at how mobile betting from smartphones and tablet devices is helping fuel the growth of the US online gaming industry.
Online gaming from a mobile device in the United States is now more popular than ever, as more people turn to their Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones and tablets to play their favourite games instead of playing from a PC desktop computer or laptop.
From almost any location, at any time of the day, people of all ages and backgrounds can play their favourite content using their preferred mobile device. Here is a closer look at why mobile gaming has become the platform of choice for people who like to unwind in their spare time.
Why is mobile gaming more popular than ever in the US?
Mobile gaming is extremely popular in the US and across the globe because of how convenient this way to play is. People can now enjoy playing their favourite digital games while standing in queues, sitting at the airport, and travelling long distances on a bus, plane, car, boat, or train with relative ease.
There are several reasons why mobile gaming has really taken off over the past few years, but mainly because technology is now at a point where it’s possible to game from almost any location on the planet.
People can play hundreds of computer-generated and live dealer online slots and table and card games at sweepstakes casinos (aka social casinos) and regular online casinos. Exercise games are also popular to play on mobile, along with puzzle games, RPGs, simulation video games, MMORPGs, casual games, and so much more.
THe real driving force, however, is the synergy between developers and gamers. Gamers want versatile options – titles that they can feel engrossed in, but without needing to devote a few hours to their consoles uninterrupted by anything other than mealtimes and package deliveries. True, us devoted gamers love those sessions, but, unless you’re a streamer or game tester, you can’t do that every day.
As gamers, we’re demanding more and more from developers in terms of fun and engrossing gaming titles that can be played on the go, and developers are responding in kind. It’s a classic case of supply and demand.
What technologies have helped make mobile gaming so popular?
Some of the most significant technological innovations that have helped mobile gaming take off in recent years and revolutionize the digital entertainment sector are the following:
- Cloud gaming/computing technology
- Live streaming capabilities
- Faster internet speeds (e.g., 5G wireless)
- HTML5 technology and better/more efficient web browsers
- More reliable online payment processing gateways promising rapid/secure transactions
- Websites are now protected by 128-bit or higher Secure Socket Layer encryption, enhancing security
- Games are better than ever, thanks to advances in computer programming, generative AI, and other AI-powered tools. They have better graphics, features, animations, sounds, and overall gameplay
- Security on websites and mobile apps is now much better, thanks to MFA and 2FA (multi-factor and two-factor authentication), preventing unauthorized account access
- Market-leading software providers have optimized their games for almost every modern smartphone/tablet, and they work well in most web browsers
- The mobile devices people use to play games online are also now better and more reliable than ever
Are all mobile games designed for all ages?
No. Not all games are designed for players of all ages. For example, the real money games players in some US states can access on legally permitted iGaming sites are age-restricted, just like the First-Person Shooter video games and several graphically demanding, triple-A video games are PEGI-18 age-restricted.
In several states across the US that have fully legalized online casino gaming, for example, players must be 21 years old. These sites are free to join, but to play online slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and many other classic favourites on these sites, players must make a deposit, which usually starts from around $10.
On sweepstakes sites, even though they are not considered real money gambling sites, you must also be at least 21 years old. When you sign up to fully licensed and regulated online casinos, you must also prove that you are of legal age to gamble on that site.
This means that you must complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) account verification process. Anyone joining one of these websites must be prepared to send at least two documents to the casino’s account verification department.
One of these documents is to prove where you live, and the other is proof of ID. If you don’t provide them with the correct documents when required, temporary restrictions may be applied to your account.
The documents typically accepted are gas or electricity bills, bank/mortgage statements, mobile phone bills, or a scanned colour copy of your valid passport or driver’s license.
The entire process of getting your documents verified so you can gain full access to the games on that site usually only takes a few hours at most, but it can take longer, so be prepared to wait. The ID must be valid (i.e., not expired/out of date), and the proof of address must be no older than three months (12 weeks).
Final thoughts
The internet and mobile phones have provided a new way for people to relax in their spare time. The important thing to remember to ensure your safety when you play games on your mobile device is choosing a safe and reputable site that won’t disappoint you.
It’s worth reading the expert reviews before signing up anywhere to play games, and it’s always a good idea to read the rules before playing anything. Finally, remember to have fun when playing mobile games, and don’t take things too seriously. You’re supposed to be having fun.
