Downloading casino software is such a chore.
The first step is to make sure that your computer is compatible with the casino's software. This will almost always prevent Mac and Linux users from playing.
Next, wait for all the files to download to your computer. This can take a long time, depending on the number and size of the files-or if your Internet connection is spotty.
And then you need to install the software.
But you’re still not done yet.
Once you have casino installed, you need to open it and create your account. Then make a deposit.
You got to do all of this before you get to play.
Well, let me be frank - having to download software is really a first-world inconvenience. You do it; you push a few buttons, and then you leave it alone. You let it wait to finish while you do the work of not doing work.
But there is a quicker option. One that doesn’t deplete any of your PC’s precious resources.
Want to know what it is? No download casinos.
They are available in most casinos (along with their downloads). Both US and non-US players can access them. And they allow you to bypass the download altogether.
Many reasons exist to consider taking the 'no download' route. We will cover them in just a second.
If you're already familiar with instant play casinos, we don't have to tell you how great they are. You probably just want to find the instant play casino that's best for you. Well, no problem! Check out our list of recommended instant play casinos below.
For everyone else the following guide will be a primer to no download casinos.
What’s a No Download Casino?
Simple –
A convenient gaming website is an online version of the downloadable software. But instead of installing and playing it on your device, you enjoy it from your browser. This option is quite fascinating.
You may have seen this option before. But it may have appeared under a different name. No download casinos are also known as: browser, instant play, Java, Flash, and HTML5 platforms. They come in a wide variety.
Each tag represents a different technology or programming language designed to make or support the games. But they all do the same thing.
They let you play casino games from your browser window. No download required.
Why Do Casinos Offer a No Download Option?
We’re not sure.
This much we do know: it allows online casinos to cater to a greater number of players. This is because the vast majority of casino software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
Our findings show that just over 12% of computer users are running either Mac or Linux operating systems. A no-download alternative allows them to play online as well.
And, it’s more convenient than the alternatives.
In the days before downloadable casinos, players using Mac and Linux systems had to find alternative methods to join in the fun and play their favorite online games at today's top casinos.
One alternative is to set up and run an emulator. This allowed them to run Windows-centric applications on their Mac OS. It is still a viable option today. Some gamers use it.
Another option is to set up a dual-boot system. You can then choose which operating system-Windows, Mac, or Linux-you want to run at startup.
It's not that these alternatives aren't effective. They are effective. However, none of them are as convenient as a no-download casino unless your needs or desires extend to programs other than online casinos.
Otherwise a no download casino is the better choice.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Choose a casino. You can pick one from our list above. Another option is to read our reviews.
You don't have to worry about finding a no-download casino. Almost all casinos fit this description. Instead, focus on finding a reputable online casino that offers the games, payment options, and bonuses that interest you.
- Signing up
- Every casino is different. However, the majority will offer you a 'Join Now' or 'Sign Up Now' button somewhere near the top of their web page. You'll want to click on this and fill out their form
- Confirm your account and login
- Most casinos will send you a confirmation email to make sure it's really you. Click on the link in the email they sent you. Then log into your account. The login button or field is usually located in the same area as the "Join Now" button;
That's all there is to it. No-download casinos are similar to downloadable casinos, except that you do everything through your browser.
Which brings me to my final point - everything you need or want that can be accessed online, whether it's banking, bonuses, games, customer support or account history, is located right here in the backend of the casino.
And that’s all there is to it.
No Download Pros and Cons
No-download casinos are something we really like. But we understand that our audience might want an unbiased look at them, so they can make their own decision about whether no download casinos are right for them.
So, with that in mind, here are the major pros/cons to instant play casinos.
Pros
Pro: Downloading software increases your chances of getting a computer virus. No-download casinos reduce your chances of getting a virus.
Pros: Download-free casinos are perfect for older computers that might otherwise have trouble running casino software that requires a lot of resources.
Pro: Today's no-download casinos are usually powered by HTML5. This modern, mobile-friendly programming language makes HTML5 games extremely accessible. In addition, as an "all-in-one" programming language, there is no excessive need for additional scripts, which reduces the chances of bugs/glitches, viruses, and other technical problems.
Pros: Unlike downloadable software that requires manual updates, software and games are updated seamlessly. You don't have to download an update and wait to use the software until the update is complete.
Pro: No-download casinos provide faster access to your games than waiting for casino software to download and launch.
Pro: You can maintain 50 different accounts at online casinos (not that we recommend it), and your computer won't be slowed down by all the files associated with those accounts.
Pro: Log into any download casino from any computer that is compatible and has internet access.
Pros: Games that are played online and are not downloaded (at least those that use Flash) leave no electronic trail. Neither the game session nor the fact that you visited the site at all is revealed. Downloads and installations leave different kinds of footprints that can be traced back to you. In the past, it was said that in gambling it is not only "the house that always wins", but also "the house that always knows".
Pro: Because you're not using your computer's resources and you're playing from your browser, the casino's games and software may run more smoothly without lag or delay.
Pros: Play at no-download casinos before committing to downloading their software. If you decide you don't like the games, you don't have to uninstall anything! Just cash out and close your account! No muss, no fuss!
Advantage: Modern technology, such as HTML5, is universally compatible with mobile devices. What's more, unlike the native applications offered by many online casinos, it is compatible with a wider range of devices. This includes those for which compliance with the mobile standard has been hit or miss, such as Windows and BlackBerry users.
Cons
Disadvantage: There are some no-download casinos - especially older platforms powered by Real Time Gaming software - that offer a diminished selection of games. Their game library is about 70% of what you'll find at their download counterparts. The bright side is that the missing games tend to be low-profile variants, not the kinds of games that drive the casino experience. You'll find plenty of slots to enjoy.
Cons: You may need to think about privacy in a more focused way. If you're going to summon the ghosts of your computer from various locations (i.e., work, friends' houses, etc.), and you don't want your dealings to be public, you really need to remember to do a comprehensive digital scrub every time you log off. This means deleting not only the obvious things (history, cookies, etc.), but also some not-so-common knowledge files that can reveal a surprising amount about what's been going on in the computer's brain.
Disadvantage: If you use a public computer to play, be careful with your debit/credit card. You may not want to store your login information. You do not want to attract a potential thief and be the person whose information/money is stolen because you played on the public computer.
Counterpoint: While the no-download games at newer casinos perform and look just as good as their downloadable counterparts, the same can't be said for older online casinos. They may require a download to provide a satisfactory gaming experience. If the layout and appearance of the downloadable games are not a problem for you, then it's really not a problem at all.
Disadvantage: Many (older) casinos run their games on Java and Flash. These environments may not work on many devices, especially cell phones and tablets manufactured in the earlier years of this decade.
Disadvantage: You may need to get or set up Adobe Flash or Java before you can play the casino's games. And if you are not aware of your status with these programs or know how to check, you will be left wondering and waiting until you have logged in and launched a game.
Counterpoint: Reports indicate that Adobe Flash will be phased out. Online casinos that use Flash and their customers may be affected in ways we can't yet foresee.
Cons: Both your browser and your computer may have Flash, which could cause them to try to use Flash in conflict, resulting in a crash. If you are not particularly tech-savvy, this could make for a frustrating troubleshooting process. Best case scenario: No Flash conflicts with your browser; if your computer has Flash, it is being used by the correct application on your computer.
Oracle is discontinuing support for its Java plug-ins. In the next year or two, this will most likely change the way these games work in online casinos.
8 Facts About No Download Casinos
Here are 8 facts about no download casinos. These answer the most common questions we receive about no download casinos.
- If you’re reading this right now, your computer is more than likely strong enough to handle a no download casino.
- No download casinos ARE NOT just for Macs, Linux or mobile users. Any device compatible with Java, Flash, HTML5, etc. will be able to play on a no download casino.
- You will get all the same bonuses, promotions and VIP offers players who download the software get.
- There are instant play casinos who accept US players. A couple that come to mind include Bovada, Ignition and 5Dimes.
- Instant play casinos are just as safe and secure as downloadable software. They use the same encryption software the downloads (and your banks) use.
Be careful when playing on free Wi-Fi connections. Scammers love to hack unsecured connections and steal people's credit card and personal information.
- If you already have an account, you can use the same login information to enter the no download casino
- playing no download casino games is a free, no-risk opportunity. At some online casinos, such as Bovada and Ignition Casino, you don't even need to create an account to get started. Just select 'Practice Mode' at either of these sites and you can be playing free online casino games in no time
- you can participate in all the same game categories that the download offers. These categories include: slots, keno, blackjack, table games, video poker and live dealer games;
Conclusion
Web-based casinos are a fantastic alternative to their downloadable counterparts. In fact, they may be your only option in the future.
That's fine with us. Download-free casinos are safe, convenient and, in the case of newer or updated casinos, offer games that look and play just as well as the download version.
And they're nearly identical to download casinos in every way that matters. You get the same gambling options and the same games and bonuses as download players.
We encourage you to visit an instant play casino without the need to download. You will enjoy the experience as much as we do.