Jan 28, 2021 An upcoming change to Google’s Play Store policies will allow gambling and betting Android apps that use real money in 15 more countries, including the US, according to 9to5Google.Currently. Jan 29, 2021 Google is ending its ban on gambling apps and will soon let casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports apps back on the US’s Play Store. Certain states allow certain games.

The 2020 global pandemic might seem like an ideal time for new board game app releases, but the increasing development time for more complex games means we're going longer between initial announcements and final releases than we have before. Below, I’ve ranked my nine best new board game apps of 2020 based on app quality, play experience, and purchase price. I'll give a quick honorable mention to Lorenzo il Magnifico, which I tested out a year ago when it was still in beta on Steam and of which I thought highly—but which I haven't gotten to try in its newest version.

9. Viticulture (Digidiced)

The first game from designer Jamey Stegmaier (Scythe, Charterstone) gets the app treatment from Digidiced, whose apps all have the same general look and feel. You're running a vineyard and placing workers in spring or in winter to plant vines, build up your farm, and run tours for money. It's a relatively complex economic game at heart, and the app works well, but the tutorial here isn't detailed enough; it might be better if you have some familiarity with the physical game.

8. Finished! (Eric Snider)

Friedman Friese is probably best known for his complex game Power Grid, but he's produced a number of solo games, all of which have titles that start with F, including Friday (which has a pretty great app version). Finished! is a game of a single deck of 48 numbered cards, shuffled except for card #48, that you'll try to sort into their order before you go through the deck 7 times. The cards also have functions like letting you put cards back into the deck and drawing new ones, or letting you retrieve the last two cards you've discarded. They might also show candies, which you'll need to use the actions on other cards. It's way harder than it sounds, which gives the game good replay value, although the amateurish art and color scheme leave something to be desired. It's only available for iOS.

7. Clever Cubed (Brettspielwelt)

If you've played That's Pretty Clever or the sequel Twice as Clever, this is more of the same and from the same developers—but this app is smoother and more polished than its predecessors. You roll six dice in different colors, then score them in the matching area on your scoresheet (with the white die as a wild). Each die color scores in a different way, and there are bonuses all over the scoresheet for filling in certain spaces, rows, or columns. Scoring 300 is a reasonable challenge, and 400 is doable but hard, while good players have gotten well over 500 (but this player still has not). The original game is probably still the best, but I'd rate this higher than the second one. The board game is multiplayer with a solitaire mode, but the app is solo only.

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6. Charterstone (Acram Digital)

Charterstone is a legacy game from Jamey Stegmaier, whose Viticulture appeared earlier on this list. This game is a very traditional worker placement sort of game, but one where the rules—and even the workers—change a little bit in each of the 12 games you'll play in a complete campaign. It's beautifully rendered, with lots of cute animations for the various buildings you'll construct, but the physical board is wide and detailed. This app has some trouble translating that to the screen, which is a limitation because you can place a worker on any building, even if it's not one you placed yourself. The app does still work well with competent AI opponents.

5. Cartographers (Brettspielwelt)

The physical game was nominated for the Kennerspiel des Jahres award this past year, losing to The Crew, and it plays an unlimited number of people (like fellow roll-and-write Welcome To…). The app is a straight solo game with several modes, including an unranked one, but it's the same game. You have a giant sheet with a grid on it, and you try to fill it out in a way to score the four unique scoring cards for that specific game. You do so by coloring in the shapes on the cards that are drawn each round in four different colors, although each card either gives you a choice of two colors or a choice of two shapes. There's a “cost” associated with each scoring card, so it's very easy to score in the negatives. I've done so many times, in fact.

4. Roll for the Galaxy (Temple Gates)

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Funny story about this app. I never loved the physical version of Race for the Galaxy, the predecessor to Roll for the Galaxy, but its app is one of the best board game apps ever created. I liked the physical version of Roll for the Galaxy even less... but, once again, the app is spectacular. The general gist is the same in both games–here you're trying to build a series of tiles, up to 12 total, which you'll do in part by producing and selling trade goods for money or points. You roll a series of dice that show all the different possible actions and then assign them to their matching actions, picking one of these as your chosen action for the round; other players (or AI players) do the same, and then you take only the chosen actions that each player picked—and only if you have dice assigned to those actions. The AI players seem strong, and games move very quickly.

3. Wingspan (Monster Couch)

Wingspan is the best new board game to appear in the last five years, and it's gotten a digital port worthy of the physical version from developers Monster Couch, who made their first splash in the board game space with this app. Wingspan is a card-drafting and hand-management game, as players try to bring diverse bird species to their three habitats by gathering food, playing cards, and hatching eggs, all of which can also lead to more points. It's more complex under the hood than it first appears because of the myriad ways to score points and build your ecosystems, but the digital port is tremendous. It takes the physical game's art and adds animations, and it allows for online play, play against AI opponents, and play with the 'automa' solitaire variant from the physical game, which works well since Wingspan doesn't have that much player interaction. Wingspan appeared for Steam this fall and is coming to Switch at the end of December, so there's some reason to think iOS and Android versions might be somewhere down the line, which is the only major issue with the app right now.

2. Sagrada (Dire Wolf Digital)

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Sagrada is an amazing game that also seems to lend itself perfectly to the digital sphere, and Dire Wolf, which developed the top two apps on this list, gave it the adaptation it deserves. It's a dice-drafting game, so in every round the app rolls a number of dice that players will choose in a snake draft and then place on their boards, which represent stained glass windows. The boards require dice of certain colors for some squares and dice of certain values for other squares, and you score based on objective cards that change in each game (such as having no repeated cards or values in rows or columns, for example). It's great, it's replayable, and my only quibble is that I wish the AI players were a bit stronger. Here's hoping some of the many expansions to the physical game come to the app at some point.

1. Root (Dire Wolf Digital)

Also from Dire Wolf, Root is a fantastic adaption of a very good but peculiar board game. It's asymmetrical, meaning that every player has different pieces, powers, goals, and even to some extent different rules. The theme itself is a funny one, as the players represent up to four warring animal factions competing for control of a forest, occasionally getting points by crafting different goods. Each faction requires its own strategy, and you will probably have a favorite or two. The app version does everything right, including the way that it translates the large board to the smaller screens of tablets and phones. The animations enhance the game-play experience, even though they don't add anything specifically to the game itself, and the tutorial here is among the best ever. It's a winner even if you haven't tried the physical game—and a great way to learn it, too.

These days, it seems as though we can do everything from our phones or tablets. From setting your thermostat, to ordering groceries, to completing detailed work tasks, your phone now has the capability to perform all of it. You are probably even reading this site from your phone, and that’s likely because you are looking for information about gambling apps to win money.

Well, there is good news for you – the app world did not leave the gambling world behind. In fact, many companies have developed very advanced online gambling apps for you to use their products. There has been no better time than right now to win real money with gambling apps.

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This has really changed the face of real money gambling as a whole, as creating a mobile platform that can be accessed from anywhere means that players don’t have to lug their laptop out every time they want to play a hand of poker or spin of a roulette wheel.

In the sports betting world, gambling apps have really changed the way a bettor can quickly access odds and bets in real time, opening up a whole new world of in-game betting that has created a brand new revenue stream for many operators.

Mobile Gambling Sites

Of course, there has been mobile betting for some time before the development of online gambling apps. Many operators have formatted their sites to be able to be accessed and read through the browsers of most mobile devices. When mobile devices moved from phone-and-text focused on the smartphone technology we know today, the gambling world was ecstatic as it freed many players from the shackles of their PCs. These players can’t help but be excited about gambling apps where you win real money.

Allowing a player to access a mobile gambling app can extend the time that player interacts with an operator, which opens the door to more potential revenue. It is with that in mind that all real money gambling apps should be focused on an excellent mobile experience. However, not all mobile gambling apps are built equally, which can leave many players frustrated trying to access their accounts and gamble via sub-standard offerings.

Below our team has broken down everything you need to know about the best gambling apps for real money. We’ve reviewed their mobile betting, casino apps, and much more to give you a full picture of what you’re in for. Click the links below to learn more about the sites with the best real money gambling apps.

Mobile Online Casinos

Mobile Casino gamblers have truly felt the benefits of casino game apps to win real money. It’s almost as though the Table Games and Slots Machines built for the original online casino sites were designed with mobile play in mind, as the size of the tables and games fit perfectly into the smaller screens of mobile phones and tablets.

With the advancement of non-download casino software development from Java to Flash and now to HTML5, players can have essentially the same quality of experience from the best gambling apps as they would from downloading a piece of software to their PCs.

There aren’t many real money casino apps that don’t convert well from a PC casino lobby to a mobile version of the same site, so players can get the same thrill from games like Blackjack, Baccarat and Video Poker as they would while playing on their laptops. Being able to take the casino games apps on the move means that even if it is only for a few minutes while waiting for a bus, a player can now entertain themselves with the convenience of mobile casinos.

Real Money Poker Apps

Poker is one game where players have really benefitted from mobile gambling apps. Poker tournaments can take hours to complete, and have having to sit in front of a laptop can become painfully uncomfortable for players after a long period of time. Luckily real money poker apps exist!

Being able to break away from the laptop and take the table with you via a real money poker app definitely improves a players’ comfort level over a longer period of play. With advancements in technology, players are even able to play at multiple tables with the best poker apps. Most online poker apps give their players the ability to join cash games, sit and go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments, all from their mobile device.

Sports Gambling Apps

Sports gamblers require information and odds that change all the time, so the key to being a successful mobile betting app is to be less concerned about graphics and more about the speed you can deliver information to your customers. When you look at the best sports gambling apps, they definitely don’t have the bells and whistles that you’ll see at online casinos or poker sites, but that isn’t that important to bettors.

They want a real money gambling app that displays odds in real-time as well as a secure knowledge that when they tap the BET button their bets will get to the site on time. The introduction of live betting for sports like soccer and tennis means that bettors who are sitting inside stadiums watching games can now pick up their mobile devices and find real-time betting value with the best sports gambling apps. This has really unlocked a door to the future of sports gambling and the popularity of online gambling apps.

Gambling Apps Still Have Some Hurdles to Clear

While the mobile gambling boom is definitely in full swing, and the appetite for real money gambling apps is stronger than it has ever been, there are still some issues restricting the full growth of this part of the market. Most notably, the legal climate surrounding real money online gambling. This has complicated the existence of both online gambling sites and real money gambling apps.

If you look at the difference between the UK and U.S. markets, you will see two very different sides of the mobile gambling story. For example, while there are hundreds of online game apps to win real money available to bettors in the UK from sites that have been licensed in that country, the United States still has not legalized online gambling in enough states for Apple and Google to allow real money gambling apps to be distributed to users in that country.

Each country has its own rules when it comes to both mobile gambling and gambling apps. Here at GamblingSites.org, we have an entire team dedicated to keeping you up to date on the latest movements in gambling regulation.

The other hurdle facing mobile gambling apps and sites alike is that players accessing games on their phones are more likely to come across new games that they have never played before. Gone are the days of sites dedicated to one individual game, so it can be intimidating coming to an online gambling app that features sports betting, in-game live betting, or casino games that aren’t the most popular.

We love all forms of online gambling, and our team of experts wants to pass along that information to our readers. If you check out our complete guide to gambling, you will find information on literally any game you may come across at real money gambling apps, including how to play each game and where to find the best places to play.

Where to Start When Looking at Gambling Apps

We know that with so many choices in the app store, it can be a chore deciding which gambling apps to download and use. What we have tried to do is give you several ways to think about starting the process, which will hopefully lead you down a painless path to finding the best gambling app or apps for you. Whether you start your search based on the type of game you want to play, or by the device you are using, or by which apps we think are the best, we are confident that your wide search will be narrowed down very quickly!

Online Casino Apps

There are many things to look for selecting a casino games app. This can include the number of real money casino games the app offers, the bonuses available to mobile players and the payment options amongst other things. Click here to review everything we think you should investigate before downloading a casino app.

Horse Racing Apps

Horse racing is such an exciting sport that it makes you want to be a part of the action. Horse racing apps range in quality based on the number of racetracks, the types of bets and the ability to stream the races live to your device. Our experts break down all the pertinent functions an excellent horse racing app should feature.

Sports Betting Apps

As we discussed earlier, the most important component of a sports gambling app is the speed of making the bets and seeing the odds. However, many other factors come into play when it comes to making the decision about which real money betting app to download and use. We reveal the most important factors for any novice or seasoned sports gambler on this page.

Best Poker Apps

Whether you are looking to jump into a cash game to play a few hands or are settling in for a long grind trying to win a major online tournament, picking the right real money poker app can make the difference in your overall playing experience, which in turn could have an impact on your profitability. Check out this section for everything you need to know to find the best poker app.

Lottery Apps

The online lottery world gives you access to playing lotteries from different countries right from your tablet. While this industry is being regulated slowly around the world, you still need to know what these online gambling apps will offer you – which games you can play, how you get paid, where to find results, etc. Our team has compiled everything you need to make an informed decision.

iPhone Gambling Apps

If you are less concerned about the game you want to play and more worried about which gambling apps are best for the iPhone, then this is the section for you! We cover what countries still do not allow real money gambling apps for the iPhone, as well as which companies have built the best gambling apps for the best phones on the market.

Android Gambling Apps

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With the majority of mobile users around the world using the Android operating system, you would think that the gambling world would make building amazing Android gambling apps a priority. We look at what attributes make a great gambling app for Android users as well as which apps are limited to different regions of the world.

Real Money vs. Play Money Apps

There is a subset of players out there who want to play traditional gambling games without paying any money to do so. This section looks at what to expect from gambling apps where you win real money versus those focused on social or entertainment-based gambling, and the differences between the two.

Gambling App Reviews

If all you are looking for is our advice on which real money gambling apps we think are the best, then we have you covered as well! Our expert team of reviewers has looked at every app we can find and written honest, comprehensive reviews of each, providing you with a list of top-rated apps that will not steer you wrong.

Answering Your Questions on Gambling Apps

What Are the Most Important Features to Look for in Gambling Apps?

Do Online Gambling Apps Need to Be Downloaded?

What Kind of Games Do Mobile Online Casinos Offer?

Are Sports Gambling Apps Available in Every US State?

How Much Money Can I Win Playing at a Real Money Casino App?

What Games Does the Best Poker App Currently Offer?

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Closing Thoughts on Real Money Gambling Apps

Good Sports Betting Apps

The world of gambling apps is really in its infancy, with the rise of real gambling apps happening in the last few years. It is without question a major piece of the future for the gambling industry, and with all the changes coming in both regulation and technology shortly, it can be hard to stay on top of everything that is happening. Using this site and these pages as a resource will help keep you informed on all the important news in the online gambling app industry.

Our reviews are constantly being updated, and any pertinent information will be added to these pages as soon as we receive it. Bookmark this page, and you’ll always be just one click away from the latest news on mobile casinos and other gambling apps!