When online casinos first launched, players had only one option: downloading a massive software client to their desktop.
While downloadable clients still exist, the vast majority of players now prefer the convenience of instant browser access.
The Benefits of Browser-Based Gaming
The biggest advantage of instant play is the incredible convenience; you can log in from any device anywhere.
You never have to worry about updating the software or freeing up hard drive space to accommodate a new casino.
- Memory usage on your device is kept to an absolute minimum
- Updates are handled server-side, meaning you always play the newest version automatically
- Incredibly easy to clear your browser history for privacy if playing on a shared device
The Pros of Installing Casino Software
Despite the shift towards browsers, downloaded software still offers a few niche benefits for dedicated players.
Because the heavy graphic assets are stored locally on your machine, games often load slightly faster.
| Feature | Instant Play (Browser) | Downloadable Client |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Extremely High | Low (Tied to one machine) |
| Storage Space Required | Zero | High (Multiple Gigabytes) |
Ultimately, unless you have severe internet bandwidth limitations, instant play is the superior choice for almost everyone.
