Whether you’re trying to win money from online poker or you simply fancy playing slots for free, there are loads of online casinos and betting sites you can sign up to. What’s particularly great about gambling is that there are quite a few different devices you can do it on. In this article, we’ll look at the main options and offer some pros and cons about them.
Computers
The world’s very first online casinos launched in the mid-90s and were designed for use on computers. These days, many people across America enjoy using their home computers for online gambling. All you need is an internet connection, and you can access a huge number of gambling sites. From casino games and sports betting to lotteries, bingo and slots for free, you can enjoy all sorts of gambling that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
What’s great about using computers for gambling is that they have large screens and can be very technically advanced. Some of the best models can give players top-quality gaming experiences and make casino games as realistic and lifelike as possible. The key downside to computers is that they’re in a fixed location; you can’t exactly pick up your home PC and take it with you when you’re going out for the day.
Laptops
That’s where laptops come in. They can be just as powerful as PCs, but they’re smaller, lighter and, most importantly, they’re portable. Of course, they’re still quite a load to carry, but if you want to enjoy a big-screen gambling experience away from home, using your laptop is your best bet.
The disadvantage of using a laptop for gambling is that you have to be aware of battery life and internet connectivity. Even though many laptops claim to last a long time on a full battery, several factors can reduce your device’s battery life, including its age and settings. So if you plan on using a laptop for a lengthy online gambling session, make sure you’re not going to run out of power. As for internet connectivity, you’ll have to ensure your laptop has a steady connection if the gambling sites run properly.
Tablets
Tablets are in many ways a step up from laptops. They’re smaller, lighter and therefore easier to carry around. Their screens are slightly smaller, but still big enough that you can see things in detail and enjoy a good-quality gaming experience.
In America, tablets are very popular indeed. In fact, over half of all adults in the country own at least one tablet. As a result, these particular devices are a great option to consider if you want to do things on a computer or over the internet, but without having things like a keyboard or other pieces of hardware getting in the way.
Smartphones
It goes without saying that smartphones are top-rated devices for gambling in the US. Of the different devices mentioned so far, mobile phones are the easiest to carry and are a top option to consider if you want to do some online gambling while out of the house. In addition, thanks to data plans, phones can effectively provide their own internet connection, so you don’t have to rely on public Wi-Fi to stay connected.
While smartphones are great for gambling on the go, they’re not the preferred option if you’re after the best gambling experience. This is simply because phone screens are very small. While casino games and other gambling opportunities are designed to run on small-screen devices, playing on a phone isn’t quite the same as playing on a device with a large screen.
Loads of people throughout the US enjoy using smartphones for gambling. The small screen aspect doesn’t bother them – the ability to gamble when out of the house is more important. It isn’t just the US where people enjoy gambling on their phones. The world’s mobile market is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s said to have been worth $79.5 billion in 2020 and is estimated to reach a staggering $250 billion by 2027.
Virtual Reality Headsets
Virtual reality headsets are the newest type of device you’re able to gamble with. They offer an exciting new way to play online casino games, and they merge digital gaming with the experience of playing at a land-based casino. You simply put on a headset, and you’re made to believe you’re in a proper casino. Then, you can walk around it and play the games that are there, though everything’s completely virtual.
Many people enjoy using virtual reality headsets not just for online gambling but also for gaming in general. This is because of the very immersive and engaging experience they offer. Having said that, they’re not for everyone. Some find the headsets too expensive and cumbersome; others would rather stick with regular online casinos. Another factor worth mentioning is the games. At the minute, the number of games you can play at virtual reality casinos is very limited. Some of the best-known slots you can play through headsets include:
- Starburst
- Twin Spin
- Jack and the Beanstalk
While many players in the US love what virtual reality headsets bring to both gambling and gaming in general, the headsets will probably remain more of a niche device. They’ve been around for a few years now but haven’t really taken off in the same way other devices have. What limits their popularity is the fact that they’re better suited for use indoors. Even so, it’s still early days, and there’s still time for virtual reality headsets to become commonplace.
Summary
Gambling in the USA is still fraught with legal complications – each state gets to decide its own laws on gambling, and what’s legal can vary greatly from one state to the next. However, in places where it’s legal, people enjoy practising it on a range of devices. Even though some are more convenient than others, each has plenty of advantages and is well worth considering if you’re keen to do some gambling yourself.