The mobile device craze shows no signs of slowing as more and more people buy smartphones and tablets and other devices that they see as a necessity and not just a luxury as in the past. Dropping prices have also helped, with many consumers now buying either an iOS or Android-powered device simply to play the games available for them, especially touch-screen enabled ones such as Angry Birds and other games that lean heavily on that format. Apple is maintaining its large market share when it comes to mobile devices but the Android operating system is building some momentum, especially when it comes to Android games  that are devoted to casino games such as slots, blackjack, and poker.

Most game developers are focusing on building games for Apple products solely because the market is larger but Android has carved out some niches for itself, with gambling games being one of those. Apple has been reluctant to approve some gambling apps for distribution in its App Store, with the Android Market in general being more open when it comes to approving gambling-themed apps. This is especially true for apps from online casino and poker sites that enable customers to play for real money on their mobile devices, as only a handful of companies have gotten approval from Apple for releasing apps for that, with more similar apps currently available for Android devices at the moment.

You’ll find a wide range of Android casino apps and games currently on the market, with the chance to test your skills at video poker, blackjack, slots, poker, and more. They range from simple and quick games that let you try a few spins at your favorite games to more involved apps and games that can help you count cards at blackjack or polish up your video poker strategy. Other apps tackle related issues such as finding a good poker game running at various casinos to play at to running and organizing your own games at home, with apps taking the hard work out of running a poker tournament clock and managing the blind levels and payouts to players.

As far as specific games and titles currently available for for Android, poker fans should check out Live Hold ‘Em Poker Pro, WSOP Poker Legend, and Zynga Poker, while casino game fans can sharpen up their skills with Real Blackjack, Ultimate Blackjack 3D, Roulette Royale, and Astroware Casino. Many are free apps so be sure to check around and see what’s out there, as some games appeal to certain players due to graphics and ease of play while others gravitate towards different games.