Generally the only thing we can download on our smartphone and tablets are apps, so when it comes to downloadable casino software we need an alternative.
Luckily, no-download, instant play, or flash casinos (all terms are used interchangeable) allow players to access the games catalogue via our mobile browser, such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and more, on our smartphone or tablet.
While downloadable casinos used to limit the market as this was the only platform available, the introduction of flash casinos, including HTML 5 flash for mobile devices, has meant more platforms are available and thus the number of users has expanded.
What is an instant play casino?
Internet casinos don’t require players to download any software in order to access the gaming catalogue. This has meant mobile users which were unable to play on these type of devices can now do so, as there is no-download required. There is also an additional bonus of no waiting time for an installation process to complete.
Additionally, flash casinos are also beneficial for desktop or laptop users in terms of accessibility and convenience, especially Mac users which we will explain below.
How do no-download casinos work?
No-download casinos work via flash technology, with software providers creating games to run via flash too so Internet gaming can all happen smoothly via your browser, whether its on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
When just download-only casinos were available, players couldn’t access the gaming establishment via their mobile device. With instant play casinos however, portable device users can access the gaming sites.
Android users were always able to easily access the mobile-friendly flash casinos via their mobile browsers, though Apple users struggled with compatibility issues. The rapid improvements of technology including mobile-friendly casinos being released via HTML 5 flash technology, Apple iPhone and iPad users are subjected to smoother gameplay.
All mobile casinos now use HTML 5 for their mobile platform so regardless what smartphone or tablet a player has, whether it is Android or Apple, they can quite easily access the mobile game catalogue, despite using completely different devices.
Improved technology means games operate smoothly, mobile and Internet browsers can handle the format and style of the flash casino, and players can quickly access the casino and the games.
This is also incredibly beneficial for Mac users, while Windows users can also still reap the benefits.
Mac & Windows flash casinos
When downloadable casinos were the only possible way to play online, Apple users missed out due to the requirement of Windows software to complete the installation. This was said to be put down to Apple not having enough percentage of the market.
With an increase in popularity for Apple products, platforms were created so Mac users, as well as Apple smartphone and tablet users, can access online casinos. This is all done so via the flash casino version accessed through an Internet browser.
Windows no-download casinos: Windows players can still access the downloadable version, but they can also access the instant play platform, meaning they don’t have to clear space for the installation. Downloadable casinos can take around 5MB just to install, then another minimum of 2MB per game, depending on what software developer the online casino uses. Now players can access the games via their browser and save space on their disk.
How to access a flash casino on smartphones and tablets
Access is easy for all devices. To visit a reputable mobile casino follow any of the links provided with our list of recommendations via your mobile browser. Once the page has loaded you will instantly be at the HTML 5 flash mobile-friendly version of the online casino. There aren’t as many games as the desktop version but there is a substantial array of titles and variants which operate smoothly on the go.
Additionally, some mobile casinos will offer web apps they have created for you to download from their page, which will see an icon sit on your home screen that will instantly take you to the mobile site as soon as you tap on it.
Desktop flash casinos: For desktop users follow our links to a regulated Internet casino and here you will find either an online casino which has the option to download their software and the option to click a link which will open a new window or tab to their instant play version. Or you will find you can access the online casino straight away without following any links as that specific Internet gaming establishment only offers an instant mode version.
If you find yourself at the former online casino where both the downloadable software is available and an instant play version, it is important to note many online operators host their entire catalogue on their downloadable version, and a limited version via their flash casino. However, their catalogue is still quite big and sees an array of standard titles, such as roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, slots, and all of their variants. If you find you want to see all of an online casino’s catalogue, visit one which only has the instant-play platform available.
Advantages of mobile flash casinos
Aside from the above advantages, there are even more when it comes to instant play casinos, specifically on our portable devices.
Play casino games on your smartphone or tablet: Mobile casinos mean we can play our favourite casino games on the go. There is no downtime while we wait for anything to install, due to the HTML 5 flash software allowing instant access, nor do we have to be on a Windows compatible device. With instant mode, players can log in anywhere they have an Internet connection and a mobile device.
Additionally, if you do use a downloadable version of the online casino on your PC, you can use these same log in details to gain access via your smartphone or tablet as they work with instant mode versions too.
Future potential for wearable technologies: Due to the popularity of instant mode casinos, we can now look further into the future in terms of growth and the likelihood we will one day be able to play games on wearable technology such as smartwatches, including the Apple iWatch, or Virtual Reality headsets, such as Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR.
If casinos and software developers stuck to downloadable formats accessible generally by Windows users only, the industry would be extremely limited.
Flash casino games
Originally, software developers provided for the market which was downloadable software games only. However, with the increasing popularity of instant play casinos, software developers have turned to creating instant play games only which can be played via our mobile browsers and Internet browsers. These software developers include Play’n Go, Betsoft, and more.
Both Net Entertainment and Microgaming still have flash and downloadable software games for their catalogue. However, NetEnt doesn’t market their downloadable games as much as they did, rather they tend to stick to the instant play versions only and offer a large catalogue of mobile games.
Microgaming on the other hand boasts an extensive downloadable games catalogue, which you will find at Microgaming-only casinos via their downloadable software. They also offer flash games, with some compatible with mobile devices, but their catalogue isn’t as big as the downloadable version.
What are the system requirements for flash casinos?
Unlike downloadable casinos which requires the operating system to be Windows, instant play casinos have a bit more freedom, though there are some system requirements.
It does vary between software provider, but if you find a software provider compatible with your device at one casino, another casino operating on the same software provider will also be compatible.
Generally, if your device isn’t too old and you have a solid Internet connection, you will be able to play the games and navigate the flash casino smoothly.
As mentioned above, mobile casinos run on HTML 5 flash technology, which supports most mobile devices. However, the minimum system requirements generally see a minimum operating system update in place which you can double check by checking the online casino’s FAQ section.
Best instant play mobile casinos
We have found some of the best flash casinos available on mobile devices. Follow our links via your mobile browser to play your favourite titles on your smartphone or tablet.
- G’day
- Slots Million
- Royal Vegas
- Thrills
- Jackpot City
- 32 Red
- Leo Vegas
- Roxy Palace
- Guts
- 7 Sultans
- All Slots
- Casino-Mate