Best of 2012: Best Mobile Casinos

Mobile casinos reached an equal footing with online casinos in 2012. The increased use of mobile phones in the everyday lives of people around the globe has led many to realize that they prefer using their smartphones or tablet devices to access online casinos - after all, this means they can gamble wherever and whenever they like.

All the top online casino operators have been quick to catch on, and this year saw an explosion in mobile casino apps and platforms. Mobile casinos don't yet offer everything the online casinos do, but they are not far off the pace and they certainly provide a sufficient product to satisfy the average smartphone owner.

Here are some of the major developments in the mobile casino world in 2012:

More mobile casino games

The leading gambling software developers embraced new technology, and the result is that mobile players now have access to more titles than ever. 2012 saw the introduction of HTML5 platform, with Microgaming launching a number of compatible new games that can be found at top mobile casinos like All Slots and Jackpot City.

Rival provider Playtech was not to be done, as it launched its Mobile Web Apps - providing an easy, flexible and seamless gambling experience for customers of Bet365, William Hill and other mobile casinos. The apps bring to life many of the best-known and most popular Playtech online casino games.

Expansion of compatibility

Improved technology has seen operators expand the range of smartphones and devices with which their apps are compatible. Mobile gambling operators now know that they must make their product compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android devices, or they will fast fall away from the pack.

A number of top operators, including bet365 launched iPhone-compatible instant-play mobile games. Bet365 offers six titles available for play directly from your phone's browser, and a number of other mobile casinos are following suit.

Increased safety and security

Online casino operators have long focused on providing their customers a safe and secure connection, and providing them with all the tools to gamble responsibly. The development of mobile gambling has raised new issues, and this year saw improved awareness of the importance of prioritizing customer safety.

All the most reputable firms continued to provide the best and most secure content on their mobile platforms, backed up by licenses to prove that they adhere to the strict guidelines and regulations of the various jurisdictions. Top mobile casinos now incorporate the latest data encryption technology and have approval from independent watchdogs like eCOGRA.

More payment methods

Hundreds of payment methods have sprung up for mobile gaming users in the past few years. Big name operators like Bet365 Mobile and All Slots Mobile Casino now accept payments from all the major debit and credit cards, plus all the top e-wallets and other options already accepted online.