What did we even do before mobile games? How did we manage to fill all the empty time that we have riding the bus or train to commute, waiting in line or to destress before a big meeting? And what did we do when it was our partner’s turn to pick something to watch and we needed a distraction?
Mobile games have filled a massive void and have in fact become a bit addictive. They are generally based on a simple repetition and reward framework or they’re pared down versions of our favorite video games. Even Rollercoaster Tycoon has mobile versions!
As much as we love them, there are still a lot of complaints to be made about mobile games. They have too many ads and too many in-app purchases are required. They can also be quite repetitive and get boring. There are only so many match three puzzles you can solve before you completely lose interest.
Classic table games provide a welcome alternative. These games are traditional casino games that can be played at online casinos with the added perk of playing with and for real money. The possibility of winning adds some extra excitement and the fact you’re paying to play means you don’t have to deal with surprise purchases or constant ads.
As the online casino industry has grown, the quality of the games has improved. There are now hundreds, and even thousands, of high-quality online table games to play. Here are our suggestions for the best table games available as alternatives to mobile games:
Online casino laws
While mobile games have little to no official oversight, it’s important to keep in mind that online casinos are far more heavily regulated. Being aware of what the laws are where you live is the best way to avoid getting into any legal trouble or being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous scam casino.
Part of the reason that these laws are so varied is that the government always lags behind the internet. As new technologies develop, old laws may not translate completely, and new ones need to be created. These laws and regulations can be a bit complicated, so it’s worthwhile spending a bit of time researching them before you start playing.
Across the United States, online gambling laws vary dramatically. One alternative option available is a sweepstakes casino, where you can buy tokens to play but there are no cash winnings. Instead, players can use the points they win to enter sweepstakes drawings for prizes.
In the United Kingdom, regulations are much more relaxed. Playing at online casinos has actually jumped in popularity an impressive amount over the last decade in the UK. Perhaps surprisingly, bingo is actually one of the top casino games in the country!
In Ireland, playing at online casinos is well regulated and legal. It was one of the first countries to realize how much potential a healthy online casino industry could have for the economy. While many European countries only allow foreign licensed casinos, Ireland also issues domestic licenses. It’s likely that most other countries will eventually see the potential for additional revenue and follow the same path.
Poker
When playing poker online was introduced, the gambling world went crazy. It was such a massive innovation. Of course, there were some traditionalists who hated even the idea of online poker. There is some truth to the fact that having the cards in your hands and sitting around the table trying to figure out your opponents is an experience that can’t be beaten.
It’s also true, however, that playing poker online is a great way to get in some practice before the next time you have a poker night with friends. Who doesn’t want to surprise their buddies by going from a total novice to a card shark?
One of the main reasons that poker is our top table game is due to its variety. The most popular types of poker include 7-card stud, Texas Hold‘em, 5-card draw and Pineapple. This isn’t even considering all the different table styles and themes that online casinos offer as well.
The introduction of live casino games has made online casinos so similar to the real experience that even many traditionalists have finally accepted them as a great substitute for a trip to the tables. If you want your mobile table gaming to feel like you’ve stepped onto the casino floor in Las Vegas, live casino poker is probably what you’re looking for.
With live casino poker, the dealer is a real person that players can interact with. The cards on the dealer’s table are the ones the players can see and play with. This is all achieved through the combination of clever software programs and tech developments.
Optical character recognition (OCR) software scans the cards and converts the physical cards into data that is then transformed into digital cards in the hands of players. Cameras and livestream technology allow the dealer to been seen, while monitors and chat functions make it possible for players to message the dealer and for the dealer to respond.
Some people see online casinos as a cheap alternative to real casinos, since they can’t really capture the same glamour. In reality, the top casino brands, such as MGM Grand and Caesars, run their own online casinos. Many online casinos even have high roller poker tables for those players who have the talent and the finances to take big risks.
Slot machine games
Strictly speaking, online slot machine games aren’t table games. They are, however, one of the absolute best alternatives to mobile games that you can find. This is because of the versatility of the slot machine format and the creativity that game developers have applied in delivering a huge variety of slot games with great graphics, engaging soundtracks and simple but fun gameplay.
The best online casinos will have dozens and dozens of online slots to play. The themes range from classic to fantasy, sports, video games, music and everything in between. It’s basically impossible to not find at least one that you’ll enjoy.
The creativity is a big part of what makes slot machine games so much fun. One of the most popular series features an Indiana Jones-type character going on various adventures. Greek and Egyptian mythology are also popular topics.
As we mentioned above, one of the biggest problems with mobile games is that they get repetitive and boring after a while. We’re not going to argue that slot machines have complex and diverse gameplay, but they do have a very simple game mechanic.
The huge variety, though, keeps them from getting boring in any way. Tired of playing Starburst? Move on to Book of Ra. Ancient Egypt getting boring? Then it’s time for the Motörhead slot game. Rocking too hard and need to relax? The Wizard of Oz slot is a lovely vintage break.
As you can see, online slot machine games are a great alternative to mobile games for the player who wants to be entertained but doesn’t necessarily want to invest too much time or energy in the games they’re playing.
Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games of all time. The spinning wheel and bouncing ball sit alongside dice and poker chips as the objects we most associate with casinos. Online casinos also offer roulette, and it is a top choice for many players. Many have live options where there is a real dealer and wheel instead of just a digital one.
One reason that many people enjoy roulette is that it’s a very simple game with an adaptable betting strategy. It’s the kind of game that lends itself to complicated thinking and superstitious betting, which can really add to the fun.
Just steer clear of the Martingale system, as it sounds better in theory than it works in reality!
Blackjack
Of course, blackjack rounds out our list. It is another casino staple and one of the easiest games to learn to play. Blackjack is ideal for beginners because it has very simple rules.
Unlike poker, you don’t have to figure out the relative value of your hand or any complex betting strategy. You just need to get your cards as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Blackjack is also a good game to play on your phone because the rounds are quite quick. You can play in any spare moment without needing to worry about having to drop the game partway through. Similar to online poker, live casino blackjack makes the experience as close as you can get to the real casino experience without leaving the couch.
Final thoughts
Playing table games at online casinos is a great alternative to playing mobile games. Finding the right table game for you really depends on your experience level, interests and desire to learn. You can stick with simple, fun slots or hone your poker skills at the live tables or play any combination of games that you enjoy.
