Irishluck's Case Study in Ireland: How Mobile-Friendly Casino Sites Boost Engagement

Mobile casino sites are crucial to enhancing user engagement because they are convenient. If a gambling site is optimised for mobile devices, Irish players are more likely to interact with the games even when on the move. Accessing a casino from a smartphone or tablet is more convenient than opening a laptop or sitting in front of a computer when you’re looking to play a quick game. 


As more Irish gamers transition from desktop to mobile, what does that mean for operators lacking mobile-compatible websites or dedicated applications? In this article, we'll discuss why mobile accessibility matters in online casinos and how they boost engagement in Ireland. We will also share helpful facts and recent trends.

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This page is written by
Dermot Heathcote
Dermot HeathcoteOnline Casino Specialist
Fact Checked By
Rebecca Mackay
Rebecca MackayHead of Content
According to our Editorial Guide

Why Mobile Accessibility Matters in Online Casinos 

Casinos with mobile accessibility automatically provide more engaging experiences for Irish gamers seeking the flexibility to choose when and how to play. Since a major advantage of online gambling is not having to visit a physical casino, playing on a desktop can feel restrictive and impractical, as it’s less portable. That’s one reason why more Irish players choose cross-platform compatible casinos.

Ireland has one of Europe's highest mobile internet penetration rates. According to a report from Statista, as of January 2024, approximately 89.58% of the Irish population uses mobile internet. As this number increases in subsequent years, so will the demand for more easily accessible online gaming experiences.

Consequently, mobile-friendly designs are essential for casinos looking to remain relevant in the Irish online gambling market. These designs ensure the desktop sites' functions, features, and looks are consistent across different mobile screen sizes. One way to achieve this is for operators to build their websites using HTML5 or create native apps for various mobile operating systems. 

mobile casino games

The Rise of Mobile Gaming in Ireland 

Mobile phones were the device of choice for most Irish online casino players in 2020. In fact, available reports suggest that three-quarters of Irish online gamblers between 18 and 34 years old played on smartphones over desktops in the same year. COVID-19 did have a role in the increased adoption of mobile gambling, as many Irish players took to their mobile devices for entertainment during the lockdown.

Due to recent advancements in smartphone and tablet capabilities, mobile gambling sites and apps have become more convenient for the average player to operate. The overall user experience for features like real-time live dealer game streaming is now comparable to those on desktops. 

These features and the freedom to game on the go have gradually changed users' preferences from desktop to mobile gambling in Ireland.

Key Findings About Mobile-Friendly Sites

From our research and analysis, we found the following key findings:

1. Rise in Mobile Gaming

As of January 2024, 89.58% of the Irish population uses mobile internet, marking one of the highest mobile internet usage rates in Europe.

2. Quick Shift to Mobile Gaming

In 2020, three-quarters (75%) of Irish online gamblers aged 18-34 preferred playing on smartphones over desktops. The global pandemic brought this significant shift, and this indicates a growing trend that online casinos must cater to.

3. Mobile-Friendly Design:

Casinos like 22Bet, Luckydays, and Spinaway have succeeded in the Irish market due to their mobile-friendly designs. Key factors contributing to their success include responsive design, fast load times, and the availability of dedicated mobile apps. We talk about these success stories in more detail below.

a graph depicting mobile usage in irish online casinos

Success Stories of Mobile-Friendly Irish Casinos 

Lucky Days Casino, Spinaway Casino, and 22Bet Casino have established solid presences in the Irish market using their mobile versions. They have each enjoyed a fast-growing customer base because their websites are designed for small screens and can be accessed on iOS and Android devices.

Before picking these 3 casinos, our team of 10 reviewers tested over 50 online casinos in Ireland on mobile devices with different screen sizes. We reviewed each site to judge how accessible and user-friendly it was based on specific criteria. All 3 operators had the best user experience possible during the test on our portable devices. For context, here are the things we looked at with a focus on 22Bet's success with its mobile platform:

1. Cross-platform compatibility

We visited the 22Bet website on a desktop to view its layout and features before trying it on smartphones. Using a web browser on an Android device and an iPhone, the website effectively mirrored the desktop version. All buttons were within easy reach, and none were oddly placed or missing. Scrolling through and navigating from one page to the next was a breeze, which was expected, considering it is an HTML5 website. We went further and visited the site on iPads and Android tablets with 7.9", 10.9", and 12.9" screens, respectively, as these are the screen sizes commonly used by tablet gamers. Like Luckydays and Spinaway, the 22Bet website fits each screen nicely and is easy to navigate.

2. Appearance

Unlike some of the casinos we tried, where the mobile version looked cluttered with icons owing to the desktop version's original design, 22Bet mobile was clean. There were no distractions, which made it easy for us to find games, make payments, contact customer support, and browse other features.

3. Load time

No page or game on the website took more than a few seconds to load. The only time we noticed a 1-minute delay was due to an internet disruption on one of the devices we tested with. That means that only slow internet and an outdated browser can negatively affect your experience using the 22Bet mobile web version on a smartphone or tablet.

4. Mobile-compatible games

22Bet website only features games from the best software providers. As such, most of these titles are designed to run on any mobile device you play with. We randomly tested table games, live dealer blackjack games, and Pragmatic Play's The Dog House Megaways successfully.

irishluck casino apps

5. Mobile app

While all 3 operators have superb mobile websites, 22Bet takes the cake with its dedicated application for iOS and Android users. That makes it easy for Irish players to access the platform in 1 click from their mobile devices instead of first launching a browser. 

However, we did not find much difference between the app and the site, so the application is just an alternative for those who want even more convenience. You can do everything from signing up or signing in to claiming bonuses, playing games, and making payments with the app.

6. Gaming portfolio

The casino has not cut corners when it comes to the quality or quantity of games on its smartphone or tablet versions. Irish players get the same offerings available on the desktop site on mobile. That eliminates the need to wait in front of your computer when you need to play a specific game since no title has been reserved for computer screens only.

7. Bonuses

22Bet's mobile version also has a bonus program that provides everything available on the leading site. The operator sometimes offers mobile app-specific bonuses for new players, which is an added advantage for Irish players who opt for their dedicated app.

Key Mobile Design Choices That Enhance Mobile User Engagement

  • Responsive and tactile buttons: All buttons should be large enough to tap quickly and provide precise visual and haptic feedback when pressed. This makes the controls intuitive and satisfying, encouraging Irish users to keep interacting.

  • Simple, intuitive navigation: Menus should be easy to access and navigate with minimal taps or swipes. A well-positioned menu streamlines navigation, reducing friction and keeping users focused on the features they want and the core gameplay.

  • Fast load times and smooth performance: Mobile websites should load quickly and run smoothly without lag or crashes, even on older devices. Consistent performance, like what we had with 22Bet, keeps players immersed and reduces frustration from technical issues.

  • Clear, glanceable UI and text: The user interface should be clean so that important information is easily read. A polished, legible UI makes it easy for players to spot whatever information they need.

profile picture for dermot heathcote irishluck's casino expert

🔥 Dermot's Hot Take on Mobile Casinos in Ireland

Mobile casino gaming is more convenient for modern players, as almost everyone owns a smartphone. However, only some smartphones or tablets are ideal for gaming. Players with low-end devices that run on old versions of their operating systems will not enjoy smooth-running games or fast-loading websites even with the best internet connection.

What Irish Players Want from Mobile Sites

Fast load times, simple navigation, and lag-free gaming are the main things mobile casino users in Ireland look out for. If an operator targets Irish mobile gamers on a general level, it is best to concentrate on delivering an experience centring around reliability and ease of use.

According to our research, a 1-second delay in loading an app or website on mobile devices reduces player engagement and retention by 7%. This significant abandonment rate highlights the need for performance optimisation to ensure smooth user interaction. 

People using mobile gadgets take nearly no time to form an opinion about a mobile application or website. If the loading process is delayed or the application crashes, the majority of Irish gamers will leave it and find something else.

Lots of Irish players have also expressed a preference for exclusive bonuses available on mobile devices only. These could be everything from signup offers to loyalty programs.

Future Trends in Mobile Gaming in Ireland 

The Irish mobile casino gaming market is set for tremendous growth and transformation in the years to come due to advancements in mobile technology and changing player tastes. One major trend is the rise in mobile gaming's virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology. This trend will see Irish gamers fully immerse themselves in more realistic live dealer game settings from anywhere. 

We will also see increased applications of AI and ML in mobile casino games. These innovations will allow operators to customise the gaming experience specifically for each player by providing them with personally tailored gameplay suggestions, promotions, and betting opportunities based on their actions and preferences. With this evolution of mobile technologies, we should anticipate the birth of entirely new forms of mobile casino games and experiences.

a graph showing future trends in mobile gaming in ireland

FAQs

What makes a casino site mobile-friendly?

A casino site is mobile-friendly when it can adapt to any mobile screen size and perform smoothly while retaining all its important elements and features.

Why is mobile accessibility important for online casinos in Ireland?

Mobile accessibility is important for online casinos in Ireland because more Irish players prefer to play on the go. In addition to the flexibility that comes with playing on portable devices, they are more affordable, with almost every Irish player owning one.

How do mobile-friendly features affect player engagement?

Mobile-friendly features ensure players can easily access and play their favourite casino games anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones or tablets. That makes online gambling within reach and more engaging than turning on a computer or laptop, visiting a site, logging in, and eventually playing.

Can improving mobile usability increase a casino’s revenue?

Yes, improving mobile usability increases a casino’s revenue. With the increase in mobile users, having a website or casino app with smooth functionality and fast load time would mean greater customer attractiveness and better retention.

What should I look for in a mobile-friendly online casino?

Before signing up with a mobile-friendly casino, consider its design and ease of navigation compared to its main website. Also, consider the quantity and quality of games, available bonuses, and mobile customer support options.

Are there specific technologies that make a casino site more mobile-friendly?

Aside from creating a native app for Android or iOS, HTML5 technology makes a casino site mobile-friendly. Websites created with this technology are cross-platform compatible, so they fit any screen size.

What future trends are expected in mobile gambling in Ireland?

Mobile gambling is set to become more immersive as VR headsets become more affordable. Players in Ireland can play in near-realistic virtual gambling environments with these headsets and their mobile devices. There will also be more tailored gaming experiences where casinos can suggest games and offer bonuses according to player preferences with artificial intelligence and machine learning.

How does mobile gambling in Ireland compare with other countries?

Mobile gaming has experienced a notable increase in Ireland lately as smartphones have become the most popular devices for casino visits. However, mobile gambling figures are lower in Ireland at 49% compared to the UK's rate of 50%-63%.

Casino Expert

Online casino expert of 9 years. Dermot provides quality and in-depth online casino reviews for Irish casino enthusiasts and the latest iGaming industry news. One of his best works, our New Online Casinos page, has helped many Irish players find the latest casinos to play at.

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FactCheckIcon Fact Checked By Rebecca Mackay