Mobile Tech Canada – Betting on Today’s Smartphones and Tablets

ON Mobile Casino Apps & Devices

Everybody knows there’s an app for everything. We’re well past that fad-tastic slogan. Even mobile gambling applications enjoy a decades-old history at this point. Yes, decades – plural – as in, more than one! If that statement doesn’t make you feel old, be sure to read the brief history lesson below.

What mobile casinos have done for Ontario’s gambling community is tremendous. For the most part, we have tech companies to thank for it. Apple, Android, Microsoft, Google, Samsung – each one is contributing to the immense growth rate of the industry. We’ll talk more about this and other driving factors, as well as today’s latest technology, options and availability here in Ontario.

Let’s kick things off with a Table of Contents to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

1. Technological Gaming Innovation – A quick history lesson in mobile tech development as it pertains to iGaming in Canada.
2. Apps vs. Mobile Browsers – Many operators are bypassing casino apps for in-browsing gaming. Find out why it matters to some players.
3. Betting on Mobile Phones and Tablets – Learn what sets smartphones and tablets apart for today’s tech-savvy gamblers.
4. Making Today’s Top Tech – Learn who’s making the best mobile devices today and the features that make them special.
5. Go Get’er Canada – Discover what mobile devices are holding down Canada’s electronics shelves and where to get them.

Technological Gaming Innovation – When Mobile Went Global

Mobile gambling isn’t exactly new, but it is constantly becoming new-er, improving, evolving. The very first casino application came along in 2003 by Microgaming. It was for flip-phones. Not what you’d call an instant success, eh? It was, however, laying the foundation for a new era to come.

The real precursor to today’s mobile iGaming trend was the arrival of the first smartphone; the 2007 Apple iPhone. Suddenly, the future didn’t seem too far away. The biggest internet casino software firms, including visionary pioneer Microgaming, began developing new casino applications.

The biggest challenge was converting existing games, built for Java-based Flash and PC, over to mobile. It was a time-consuming process, but soon enough, the most popular online slots were appearing on smartphones across the world. Gold Rally (Playtech), Mega Moolah (Microgaming), Vikings Treasure (NetEnt), the best of the mid-2000s were quickly added. At the same time, crews were working round the clock to develop new games just for their new mobile clients.

Another major push for the mobile casino revolution was the introduction of HTML5. Appearing in 2008, casino software firms began toying with it around 2012. It went mainstream in 2014, and a year later, every mobile gambling site worth visiting was running HTML5-compliant games. The importance of this adaptation was simple – no more downloads. HTML5 made it possible for casino games to work in a mobile browser, much the way Flash-enabled games worked in PC/Mac internet browsers.

This brings us to our next topic of interest…

Apps vs Mobile Browsers – A Personal Preference

There was a time when everyone wanted an app for everything. And app developers made sure to accommodate. If a phone was capable of something, an app was made to do it. So many apps, so many features, and we wanted them all! That is, until those old smartphones ran out of space, which didn’t take long. Today, even with phones that can hold hundreds of apps without blinking a virtual eye, some of us still appreciate fewer apps clogging the mobile desktop.

HTML5 made that possible, and today, many of us really appreciate it. That’s not to say there aren’t still people who love having access to apps. But the truth is, more and more mobile gambling companies are shifting towards an appless casino experience. In the industry’s popular opinion, if the experience is virtually the same, why make more work for themselves?

To provide an app and in-browser gaming experience for mobile users, software companies have to produce the games on dual platforms. That means doing twice the work, or near enough to it. Ten years ago, they may have been more eager to do so, but today? Not so much.

From a business model perspective, it’s hard to argue with the logic. It’s the same reason we saw very few Mac-compliant downloadable casino clients in the early 2000s. There was a small demand for Mac casinos, but compared to the PC market, it wasn’t enough to warrant the effort and expense. Now, with mobile-browser gambling being what it is today, many companies just don’t feel apps are necessary. Of course, not all consumers agree.

The Advantages of Mobile Gambling Apps

The most notable benefit of downloading a casino to your phone or tablet is security. Mobile applications integrate security keys that offer a considerably higher degree of safety than traditional browsers. Everything from your personal information to financial data is better stored and transmitted across casino apps. That’s not to say that in-browsing gambling lacks security. It’s just not capable of operating on the same level.

Another advantage is the expedience of apps. Anytime, anywhere, you’re just a tap away from your favorite slots and table games. Apps are more stable. The gameplay is smoother. Since the majority of the data is already on the device, games load faster. These factors are especially noticeable when connection speeds aren’t at their best.

Why In-Browser Casino Games Still Win the Race

As nice as all that sounds, there are similarly beneficial reasons why mobile browsing gambling is more popular. Yes, companies save time and money by skimping on downloadable apps, but there are perks for players as well. Things like universal compatibility, space-saving, larger game variety, and instant updating.

Android and iPhone are the only operating systems that get any attention. If you own anything else, no one is making a casino app for your device. Browsers offer universal compatibility across all devices.

Not having to download an app means saving space on your devices. If you have multiple accounts with various betting websites, or enjoy a variety of betting verticals – casino, poker, sports betting, etc. – the amount of space you save can increase dramatically.

Game variety goes hand in hand with space-saving benefits. Apps generally offer fewer games, often with an option to download more at your discretion. With in-browser gaming, every game is available, at no detriment to your internal storage capacity. Plus, when new games come along, or other improvements are made to the casino, you won’t need to install an update. It just works better.

Betting on Mobile Phones and Tablets – Is Bigger Better?

Now that we’ve covered the app-vs-browser debate, let’s move right into smartphones vs tablets. Both are fully capable of delivering a fantastic gambling experience. They’re both comfortable, portable, and adept at loading both app-based and in-browser casino games. Most of the differences come down to preference, but as you’ll see, there is at least one area where smartphones prevail.

Once again we see commendable arguments on both sides of the fence. Smartphones fit in your pocket, they’re always connected to the web, and they’re already linked up to everything you need to bet online. Tablets are bigger, making them more fun to game on, and all that extra space under the hood can mean better hardware (e.g. graphics card) to boost processor speed.

Pros of Gambling on Tablet Devices

I’ve chosen to start with tablets because, to be honest, the list of advantages is shorter. It starts with the most obvious of all – screen size.

Like phones, tablets are lightweight and portable, but that larger screen is much easier to see. You can hold it up, lay it on your lap, rest it against a pillow – it doesn’t matter. You’ll be able to see the screen very clearly, and appreciate all the intricate details that games developers put into each of their titles. It’s especially good for poker players who need to be able to see and recognize numbers quickly and accurately. Mistaking an 8 for a 3 can be very costly when you’re under pressure to call, raise or fold!

The only other notable mention for tablets is the hardware it can fit behind that big screen. This doesn’t count for all tablets. Just having the space doesn’t mean companies are putting it to the best use. You can generally determine the quality of the hardware by the price tag. There are cheap tablets that do the bare minimum, just as there are tablets with 4-figure price tags that can do far more than your average smartphone. But the idea is that a tablet is capable of holding a big, juicy graphics card that can significantly accelerate your casino games. 

What most tablets lack is a mobile network connection, as opposed to relying solely on WiFi. This brings us to…

Perks of Playing Casino Games on a Smartphone

Smartphones win the debate hands-down because of their mobile network accessibility. Mobile networks are more secure. Your carrier service provides state-of-the-art security as part of your overall cellular package. It’s a government-regulated industry that mandates strict protections. WiFi, on the other hand, is only as safe as the person, or people, who are using it.

Most tablets don’t come with a mobile network option. If you want it, you’ll pay extra, plus the cost of another monthly mobile plan. But without it, your tablet is only safe to gamble on from a secure WiFi connection. Public WiFi is by no means secure. Hot spots are out of the question. Never connect to these if you intend to do any that involves the transmission of sensitive data.

As for other mobile casino perks, your mobile phone is more portable, gets regular updates, and should be capable of handling any casino-style games you throw at it. Most gambling software is intentionally built to require fewer resources. Some developers give players the option of high or low graphic quality, or toggle on/off animations and immersive camera angles. Even today’s live dealer casino games come across as well as any live streaming service like Netflix or Hulu.

Making Today’s Top Tech – The Who’s Who of Mobile Devices

This is where things get really interesting. Whether you prefer a smartphone or tablet for your gaming needs, your choice of device will impact the overall experience. Some phones and tablets are built for gaming, and some are not. At the same time, a ‘gaming-grade‘ tablet isn’t necessary for most types of mobile betting.

The term ‘gaming tablet’ generally refers to video games. You know, the hardcore stuff, mass multiplayer online (MMO) games like Battlefield, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. These games rely on supreme graphics and ultra-high frame rates, not just for the player holding the device, but for everyone, anywhere in the world, who may be competing in the same match.

Do I Need the Best Smartphone / Tablet for iGaming?

Most likely, no. The most resource-intensive experiences you’ll come across in mobile gambling are live dealer casino tables and 3D poker rooms. Live casinos provide real-time streams of table games (e.g. blackjack, roulette and craps, etc.). They can accommodate an unlimited number of active participants. 3D poker rooms are among the most immersive variety, featuring graphics similar to the hottest MMO video games.

Having the best smartphone or tablet on the market will surely give you the quickest load times, but it’s not necessary. If you can view a standard live stream without lag, you can partake in live dealer casino games. 3D poker rooms are another matter. The higher the graphic quality, the more power you’ll need from your device.

With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at what mobile manufacturers are doing these days. We’ll check out some of the latest tech improvements and why we do (or don’t) need them. Specifically, we’ll see what iGaming-useful features mobile operating systems like iOS and Android are bringing to the table.

The Latest Developments in Mobile

Mobile technology is advancing at the speed of light these days. It seems like every time something new comes along, there’s something even better right around the corner. Let’s take a quick look at the latest and greatest, as well as what developers are currently pioneering.

AI – Artificial Intelligence

The biggest topic in mobile right now is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s been a major subject of development for the last few years, with many more advancements in the works. Take a look at all the voice assistants available today. Apple has Siri. Android has Google Assistant. Microsoft has Cortana. Search engines are getting smarter, too, thanks to new AI software.

Before we know it, our phones will be picking everything from sports teams to Keno numbers, and placing the bets for us! Okay, that might be a bit more dramatic than future reality, but plenty of day-to-day tasks are moving in that direction.

5G Connectivity and Beyond

Every few years, we gain another “G”. It began with the very first cellphone featuring 1G, but no one talked about it then. 2G came along in 1991, but again, very little fanfare outside the exclusive realm of cellphone owners. When 3G was introduced in 2001, it was a big deal, as was 4G in 2009, and now 5G in 2019.

What does that extra G mean? Without getting too technical, it simply means our mobile devices are working faster than ever. Connections are more stable, more reliable, and capable of transmitting far more data in the blink of an eye. If you thought your 4G smartphone was quick a few years ago, these newer 5G phones are up to 100x faster.

5G has a feature known as URLLC, which stands for Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication. URLLC contributes to real-time data processing. Perhaps the best feature, however, is bandwidth usage. 5G connections are designed to work fast on low, medium and high bands. So even when your phone shows a single bar of connectivity, you’ll get fast load times. How does this help iGamers? Well, it means you can still play live dealer blackjack while camping in the woods.

Beacon Technology – Ultimate Consumer Ad Targeting

This one sounds annoying when you first hear of it, but the more you think about it, the better it gets. Beacon technology requires two things – a transmitter point (the beacon) and a receiver to transmit to (your mobile device). When a receiver enters the proximity of the transmitter, a signal is sent, activating transmission.

The practical use for this is ad-targeting. Let’s say you pull into the parking lot of a strip mall with a pizza restaurant in it. If you have its mobile app installed, the beacon can send a push notification to your phone, via that app, alerting you to any pizza specials available.

This could be beneficial for mobile iGamers, as well. Maybe you’re a member of Ontario’s Play Fallsview and your preferred payment method is set to Cash@Cage. If you happen to stop somewhere in the vicinity of that casino, you might get an account balance notification from your PlayFallsview app, recommending that you stop in and make a deposit or withdrawal, or take advantage of a special bonus promotion.

New from Apple – iOS 16 Key Features and Enhancements

Apple is touting exactly 241 new and/or improved ‘features and enhancements’ to iOS 16. The vast majority of these are trivial to the average user. For iGaming aficionados, however, there are two areas worthy of mention.

The first is Apple’s Passkey Security. Passkeys are a replacement for traditional passwords. They offer an easier and more secure way to sign into websites and apps. Passkeys never leave the device, making them monumentally safer. They are immune to website leaks, and “almost impossible” to phish. As an added convenience, they come with end-to-end encryption across the iCould so that you can share them across all your devices.

Next up is the iOS 16’s new Lockdown Mode. It’s Apple’s new fail-safe security mode. The company stresses that it is a “very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security”. Those who do will appreciate the “extreme protection” it provides. According to Apple:

“It further hardens your device’s defenses and strictly limits certain functions, sharply reducing the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.”

Both of these features could prove indispensable to mobile casino gamers; anyone who sends/receives monetary transactions through mobile apps and websites.

On the Horizon at Google – What’s New with Android

There are a lot of tweaks coming to Android 14, but one thing, in particular, caught our eye. It has to do with a key weakness in many Android devices – battery life. The developers at Google can’t tell smartphone manufacturers to supply a better battery. What they can do is optimize the system to reduce battery usage, or at least give users better access to battery usage settings. So they did.

The Android 14 DPI is getting streamlined broadcasts that will improve battery life on larger-screen devices. It’s something app developers need to be aware of so they can plan new productions accordingly. It’s also important for manufacturers looking to innovate the market with new foldables and flip phones as versatile layouts require comparable screen optimization.

Android’s end of the enhancement ensures seamless integration support across the display boards. And for users, it means more battery setting options and a longer-lasting device between charges.

Go Get’er – What’s Out There and Where to Get It

In this section, we’ll cover the top-rated devices for gambling on mobile in Ontario. We understand that budgets can vary immensely, so we’re splitting this into two sections. We list the best bang-for-your-buck iGaming smartphones and tablets on the market, as well as the most economical choices. Without further ado…

iGaming’s 2023 Best in Mobile Phones – Bang For Your Buck

Apple iPhone 13 – Top Choice in iOS Smartphones

If you’re a fan of Apple’s iOS, the iPhone 13 is hands down the best feature-rich value. It’s not cheap – not by any means. But it’s got almost everything the iPhone 14 has and will save you at least $100. Unless you simply must have the latest device, or have a great promotional upgrade offer from your carrier, the 13 really is your best bet.

iPhone 13 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• Mini – $949
• Standard – $1,099
• Pro – $1,399
• Pro Max – $1,549

Samsung Galaxy S23 – Top Choice in Android Smartphones

Android’s best-in-class in 2023 is the Samsung Galaxy S23. It’s the latest prime-choice smartphone from Samsung, perfect for those with an affluent budget or valuable upgrade promotion from their carrier. The upgrades from the previous model are well worth the additional cost, delivering a new chipset, beautiful display, and longer-lasting battery.

Galaxy S23 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• Standard – $1,099
• Plus – $1,399
• Ultra – $1,649

Canada’s Best Budget Smartphones for iGaming in 2023

Apple iPhone SE – #1 in Capable (Midrange) iOS Smartphones

It took Apple years to come out with a budget model smartphone, but they finally did. The iPhone SE gives cost-conscious users the option to buy a new iOS device without breaking the bank. Most of Canada’s carrier services offer cheap monthly payment plans on these, making them even cheaper. Best of all, it’s surprisingly efficient! The 2022 SE comes with the iOS 15 Bionic chipset, 5G connectivity, HD Retina display, and Touch ID. It’s a smaller display, coming in at just 4.7″, but this little device has more than enough power to host all your favorite mobile casino activities.

iPhone SE 2022 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 64GB – $579
• 128GB – $649
• 256GB – $789

Samsung Galaxy A53 – Best of Android’s Midrange Smartphones

The top Android for budget-minded iGamers is, of course, a Samsung model – the Galaxy A53. We were unimpressed with the previous year’s A52 model, but this new edition has a lot to be appreciated. It’s quicker, sleeker, cheaper (yes, cheaper and better than the older budget model!), and offers a far better 3D gaming experience. It also has 6GB of RAM under the hood – twice that of the iPhone SE – with better battery life, as well.

Galaxy A53 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 128GB Expandable – $589

Best Tablet Devices for Mobile Gambling – Top Performers

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 – iGamer’s Best of 2023

If it’s the best of the best you seek, look no further than the ASUS ROG Flow Z13. It is impressive in every possible way – except the price, of course. It’s going to set you back $2,500. What you get in return is a giant 13.4″, laptop-convertible screen and 1TB storage that packs unparalleled processor and GPU speed. Dubbed an “incredible feat of engineering” by numerous tech firms, it offers all the versatility of a tablet, with the powerful performance of a Windows desktop.

The biggest problem is going to be finding one. As of writing, every major in-store retailer in Canada is sold out, and has been for months. You might get lucky and find it on Amazon, but you may pay extra for it.

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 1TB, 16GB RAM – $2,500 and up

Apple iPad 10 (2022) – Top Tablet for iGaming on iOS

The best all-around value for iOS tablet gaming points to the 2022 release of the Apple iPad 10th-Gen edition. It has all the features necessary for a stellar 3D gaming experience, at a better price than the newest/largest models. It comes with an A14 chipset – not the newest, but perfectly fast – and a 10.9″ Liquid Retina display for stunning visuals. Long story short, the 2022 iPad 10 is a fantastic value at a reasonable price point (comparatively speaking).

iPad 10 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 64GB – $599
• 256GB – $999

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Android’s Top Gaming Tablet

From the lab techs at Samsung, iGamers are privy to an extensive line-up of versatile tablets. The top performer among them is the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Bigger, brighter, bolder, and more efficient than previous models, the S8-Ultra is a super-size tablet with a beautiful 14.6″ OLED display. It’s surprisingly thin and lightweight,  making it easy to hold when cozying up on the sofa.

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 256GB – $1,599
• 512GB – $1,899

Greatest in Budget Tablets for iGaming 2023

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 – #1 in Midrange Tablets for Casino Gaming

It’s not the greatest, nor the worst – not the cheapest by far. But the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the lowest-priced tablet that still offers an admirable experience for iGamers in 2023. A 10.5″ WXGA+ touchscreen display and Unisoc 618 8-core processor combine for responsive speed and aesthetic appeal. Its 64GB internal storage is less than impressive, but you can expand it with MicroSD. Best of all, these capable tablets come with an affordable price tag, unlike anything on the shelves of the Apple warehouse.  

Galaxy Tab A8 Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 64GB Expandable – $379

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus – Android’s Cheapest in Capability 

Lenovo’s budget electronics aren’t the fastest, but they do get the job done for a lot less money. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the cheapest tablet on the market that’s reasonably equipped to handle today’s mobile casino, poker and sportsbook websites. It takes place on a 10.61″ FHD IPS screen, powered by a MediaTek G80 processor clocking in at 2.0GHz. It’s got just enough space with 64GB Flash Memory and 4GB of RAM – nothing too impressive, but adequate.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Models + Average Starting Prices in CAD

• 64GB – $259

Older, Used & Open Box iPads – When it Has to be Apple

There is honestly no such thing as a new, cheap iPad. Apple never built a ‘diffusion’ model in its tablet series. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a good deal on an older, used or open-box model. You’re going to have to do some digging for it. Best Buy and NewEgg often sell ‘Open Box’ electronics, and Amazon is famous for its ‘Certified Renewed’ products. These come and go on a regular basis, so we can’t make any specific recommendations. Just keep an eye out and stick to reputable retailers – you just might find a great deal!