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Casino gaming has quickly moved from desktops to smartphones. Players now expect to enjoy their favorite games on the go with no compromise in speed, design, or functionality. A mobile-first approach is no longer optional, it is the foundation of a successful casino platform.
Unlike apps that simply shrink a desktop version, a mobile-first casino app is built for how users actually interact with their phones. It focuses on fast loading, simple navigation, and a user experience that feels natural from the first tap. Every detail matters, from screen responsiveness to how games adapt to portrait mode.
In this blog, we will look at what it takes to build a mobile-first casino app like LeoVegas, that players trust and enjoy. You will find insights on design, performance, scalability, and user engagement, all tailored for a world where mobile is the first and often only screen that matters.
Overview of the LeoVegas App
The LeoVegas app, developed by the Swedish company LeoVegas AB, is a leading mobile platform for online casino games and sports betting. Designed for both Android and iOS devices, it offers users a smooth and immersive gaming experience right from their smartphones or tablets.
Here’s how the app works,
Download and Installation
The LeoVegas app is available for download from the official LeoVegas website as well as from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android. The installation process is quick and straightforward, ensuring users can start playing without delay.
Account Creation
New users need to register by providing basic personal information and completing a verification process to secure their account. Returning players can simply log in using their existing credentials to access their profile and game history.
Deposits and Withdrawals
The app supports multiple secure payment methods, allowing users to deposit funds easily and withdraw their winnings without hassle. Transactions are encrypted to maintain user security and privacy.
Playing and Betting
Once logged in, players can browse through a wide range of casino games, including slots and table games. The app also offers live betting, fantasy sports, and virtual betting options for a diverse gaming experience.
Responsible Gaming Tools
To promote safe play, LeoVegas includes features such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. These tools help users manage their gaming habits and maintain control over their activity.
Key Market Takeaways for Casino Apps
Source: MordorIntelligence
This rise is fueled by faster internet, widespread smartphone use, and digital innovation that’s making casino gaming more accessible than ever. With mobile apps now at the center of entertainment, casino platforms are becoming smarter, safer, and more engaging.
Today’s casino apps offer more than just games; they’re personalized, secure, and immersive. AI tailors the experience to each user, while blockchain and crypto simplify payments and build trust.
Features like virtual reality and live dealer games are drawing users in by recreating the real casino atmosphere right on mobile. With over 819 million users expected by 2029, this shift to mobile is reshaping the industry.
Big names in the space are doubling down on exclusivity and content partnerships. In April 2025, Caesars Entertainment brought popular titles like Triple Coin Treasures to its digital platforms through a deal with AGS.
Bally’s teamed up with Ruby Seven Studios to launch Bally Play, a social and gamified casino experience. These strategic moves show how branded content and fresh experiences are driving the next wave of user acquisition and retention.
The Best Time to Invest in Building a Mobile-First Casino App
Mobile casinos are growing fast as more people turn to their phones for entertainment. Players want apps that are easy to use, quick to load, and offer exciting games on the go. LeoVegas has shown how powerful a mobile-first approach can be, meeting this demand and setting a high standard in the market.
Creating a mobile-first casino app means tapping into several solid revenue streams. These include real-money deposits, buying extras inside the app, subscriptions, and ads tailored to player interests. Mobile platforms also let you engage users with timely offers and keep them coming back, which helps build steady income over time.
Looking at the biggest winners in this space makes it clear how profitable it is. Monopoly Go! brought in over $100 million monthly from in-app purchases as of early 2025, while Coin Master earned $60.6 million monthly and totaled $769 million in revenue in 2022.
These figures show that with the right approach, casino apps can capture big market shares and deliver strong, recurring revenues in today’s expanding online gambling space.
Business Model of the LeoVegas App
LeoVegas is a top player in the online gaming space, offering a wide variety of casino games, live dealer experiences, and sports betting through its mobile app and website. The company’s clear focus on a mobile-first experience allows it to meet the demands of the growing number of players who prefer gaming on their phones. Fast loading times and easy navigation are central to their user experience.
The bulk of LeoVegas’ revenue comes from these main areas
Online Casino Games
This is the heart of LeoVegas’ business. Slots and traditional table games dominate, accounting for 75% of gross gaming revenue in Q4 2020. The variety and quality of games attract a broad spectrum of players, from casual slot fans to high-stakes gamblers.
Live Casino
Live dealer games have become increasingly popular, delivering 16% of GGR in the same quarter. These games replicate the social and authentic feel of brick-and-mortar casinos, enhancing player engagement and time spent on the platform.
Sports Betting
Though smaller in share, sports betting accounted for about 9% of revenue prior to the pandemic disruptions. The sportsbook benefits from strategic partnerships with prominent sports teams, driving brand recognition and credibility among sports fans.
Strategic Acquisitions and B2B Ventures
LeoVegas has grown through strategic purchases, including Royal Panda (€60 million), Rocket X, and Expekt (€5 million). It also invested in esports betting and streaming platforms, broadening its reach.
Geographic Revenue Mix
Revenue is well balanced across regions. In Q4 2020, Europe outside the Nordics contributed 47%, the Nordic countries made up 36%, and other markets comprised 17%. This mix helps balance risks tied to regional regulations or market changes.
Financial Highlights
Financially, LeoVegas demonstrates resilience amid industry fluctuations:
- Revenue in Q1 2023 was €95 million, reflecting a slight decline of 3.5% compared to the prior year. However, the company saw a rebound in early 2025 with €89.4 million in the first quarter and a 23% month-over-month increase in April alone.
- Full-year 2020 revenue reached €387.4 million, marking a 9% increase over 2019, although 2022 revenue dipped to €327.8 million, influenced by market pressures and competition.
- Profitability remains a focus. Gross profit was €61.5 million in Q1 2023, with EBITDA at €3 million. Despite some quarters showing operating losses driven by marketing and personnel investments, net profit grew by 18.5% year-over-year to €8.5 million.
- The EBITDA margin hovered at 8% in Q4 2020, with a full-year figure of €51.8 million.
- Customer acquisition is strong, with depositing customers rising 24% to 461,983 in Q4 2020, and a 26% increase to 438,691 for the full year.
Funding and Ownership Details
LeoVegas initially funded growth through its public listing on Nasdaq First North Premier in 2017, later transferring to Nasdaq Stockholm to enhance market visibility. It bolstered its market position via acquisitions, allocating significant capital, Royal Panda at €60 million, Winga s.r.l. at €6 million, and Expekt at €5 million.
- A major turning point came in 2022 when MGM Resorts International acquired LeoVegas for $607 million. This acquisition transitioned LeoVegas from a publicly traded company to a private entity under MGM’s broader hospitality and gaming portfolio.
- Financing activities in Q3 2022 reflected this strategic shift, with €23.8 million raised via revolving credit facilities to support ongoing operations.
Strategy and Market Positioning
LeoVegas focuses on mobile-first design to keep pace with consumer habits. It targets regulated markets to secure long-term, sustainable growth, aiming for EBITDA margins of 15% or higher. Partnerships with major sports teams like Manchester City and Inter Milan help raise brand awareness and drive sportsbook revenue.
Key Features of a Casino App Like LeoVegas
Here are some of the key features of a casino app Like LeoVegas,
1. Wide Variety of Casino Games
A leading casino app offers an extensive selection of games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games. This variety keeps players engaged by catering to different tastes and skill levels.
2. Live Casino Integration
Real-time live dealer games streamed in high definition give users an authentic casino atmosphere from their devices. Features like live chat with dealers and other players enhance the social and immersive experience.
3. Secure and Convenient Payment Options
Supporting multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, with fast processing and robust encryption to protect user data and transactions.
4. Provably Fair Gaming and RNG Certification
Players want to know the games are fair, not rigged. Using certified random number generators and independent audits ensures the results are genuinely random. Showing these certifications openly reassures players that the casino is transparent and trustworthy. This kind of honesty goes a long way in building a loyal player base.
5. Personalized Bonuses and Promotions
Customized welcome offers, loyalty rewards, and ongoing promotions help attract new players and retain existing ones. The app should include mechanisms to deliver these incentives based on player behavior and preferences.
6. Comprehensive Sportsbook Integration
The sportsbook section is a core feature that lets users place bets on a variety of sports events, from popular leagues to niche competitions. Real-time odds keep the action fresh and allow bettors to make quick, informed choices. Live betting takes this further by letting users wager while the game is underway, which keeps engagement high.
Development Steps for a Mobile-First Casino App Like LeoVegas
Here are the steps to develop a mobile-first casino app Like LeoVegas,
1. Market Research and Competitor Analysis
Start by understanding the online casino landscape. Look closely at what leading apps like LeoVegas offer and what players expect. Identify gaps in the market and learn from competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your audience and the rules they play by will set a solid foundation.
2. Define Core Features and User Experience
Decide on the essential features that make the app easy and enjoyable to use. This includes a wide variety of games, smooth navigation, and a mobile-first design that feels natural on phones. Keep onboarding simple and ensure players can quickly access their wallets and games.
3. Choose the Right Technology Stack
Pick tools and frameworks that guarantee fast, stable performance on both Android and iOS. Whether you go for cross-platform options like React Native or native development, make sure the backend can handle real-time updates and a growing user base without hiccups.
4. Game Integration and Provider Partnerships
Work with trusted game providers to offer a broad and exciting selection. Integrate their games through APIs so players can enjoy everything from slots to live dealer games without leaving the app. Quality and variety here keep users coming back.
5. Implement Secure Payment Gateways
Give players multiple safe ways to deposit and withdraw money. Support common payment methods and add strong security like encryption and compliance with financial standards. Fast and reliable transactions build trust and encourage continued play.
6. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Make sure your app is legally cleared to operate where you want it. Obtain licenses from recognized authorities and include features that promote responsible gambling. Age checks and identity verification protect both players and your business.
7. Develop Real-Time Multiplayer and Live Casino Features
Create a smooth, lag-free environment for live dealer games and multiplayer sessions. Use technology that supports high-quality video streaming and interactive controls so players feel immersed, as if they were in a real casino.
8. Build a Robust Backend and Admin Panel
Develop a backend system that efficiently manages users, games, payments, and data analytics. Provide an admin dashboard for easy monitoring and control over promotions, user activity, and compliance tasks.
9. Thorough Testing and Continuous Optimization
Before launching, test the app extensively on various devices and networks to catch bugs and improve usability. Listen to user feedback after launch and keep refining the app to maintain performance, security, and player satisfaction.
Cost of Developing a Mobile-First Casino App Like LeoVegas
Creating a mobile-first casino app like LeoVegas involves thoughtful planning, creative execution, and reliable tech. The cost can vary based on the app’s complexity, game types, and expected level of polish.
| Development Stage | Details | Estimated Cost Range |
| I. Research and Planning | Market analysis, feasibility check, MVP feature list, and basic project roadmap. | $500 – $2,000 |
| Wireframing | Structural layouts of app screens. | $300 – $1,000 |
| UI Design | Visual design with colors, icons, and branding. | $800 – $5,000 |
| Prototyping | Interactive mockups for usability testing. | $400 – $2,000 |
| II. UI/UX Design | Wireframing, visual design, and interactive prototyping. Costs depend on screen count and complexity. | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| III. Front-end Development | UI implementation, avatar design and interaction, workout interface, and basic motion tracking. | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Avatar Customization | Base avatar development and personalization features. | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Workout Interface | Screens for showing workouts and basic user controls. | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Motion Tracking (Basic) | Simple motion detection or avatar animations. | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| IV. Back-end Development | User accounts, content delivery, avatar data, and backend infrastructure. | $3,000 – $12,000 |
| User Authentication | Secure login and registration setup. | $500 – $1,500 |
| Workout Data Management | Store and manage progress data. | $800 – $3,000 |
| Avatar Data Storage | Save and load user customization. | $700 – $2,500 |
| Content Delivery System | Setup for workout video or text delivery. | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Server and Database Setup | Cloud infrastructure and database configuration. | $500 – $2,000 |
| V. Feature Development | Key features like workout library, notifications, and progress tracking. | $500 – $5,000+ per feature |
| Basic Workout Library | Pre-recorded or text-based workouts. | $500 – $2,000 |
| Progress Tracking | Log workouts and simple performance stats. | $800 – $2,500 |
| User Profiles | User accounts and settings. | $500 – $1,500 |
| Notifications | Reminders for scheduled workouts. | $300 – $1,000 |
| Social Sharing | Simple integration to share progress. | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Gamification (Basic) | Points, badges, or milestones. | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Wearable Integration (Basic) | Basic sync like step tracking. | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
| Real-time Interaction (Advanced) | Instructor or user live sessions (complex feature). | $5,000 – $15,000+ |
| VI. Testing and Quality Assurance | Functionality checks, usability feedback, bug fixes, and performance tests. | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Functional and Usability Testing | Ensure everything works and flows well. | $800 – $3,500 |
| Bug Fixing and Performance Testing | Responsive and stable app experience. | $200 – $1,000 |
| VII. Design Iteration (Optional) | Post-launch design refinements based on user feedback. | $500 – $3,000+ |
Estimated Cost: $10,000 – $50,000+
These costs are simply estimates meant to guide your planning. The actual investment may shift depending on features, team expertise, and development choices.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a Casino App Like LeoVegas
Building a mobile-first casino app like LeoVegas comes with some unique costs that go beyond the usual app development expenses. Understanding these factors helps in planning a realistic budget.
Gaming License and Regulatory Compliance
Getting licensed by gaming authorities isn’t optional, and it can be pricey. Different regions have different rules and fees, whether you’re targeting Malta, the UK, or Curacao. Plus, staying compliant means ongoing checks and updates, so it’s a continuous investment.
Game Development and Integration
Your app’s game lineup matters. Creating your games takes time and money while adding popular games from providers like NetEnt or Evolution Gaming involves paying licensing fees and making sure everything works smoothly. Live dealer games cost more since they require real-time video streaming and actual dealers.
Security and Fair Play
Players expect their information and money to be safe. That means you’ll need strong encryption, fraud detection, and certified random number generators to keep games fair. Following KYC and AML rules also add complexity and cost.
Payment Gateway Integration
Offering easy, secure payment options is essential. Every payment method you support, credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, comes with its own setup costs and fees. You’ll also want to build solid fraud protection within these payment systems.
Conclusion
Creating a mobile-first casino app like LeoVegas is about more than just games, it’s about building an experience that’s seamless, engaging, and easy to access anytime, anywhere. Prioritizing smooth performance and user-friendly design helps keep players coming back. With the right balance of technology and thoughtful features, your app can bring the excitement of a casino directly to users’ fingertips.
Looking to Develop a Mobile-First Casino App Like LeoVegas?
At Idea Usher, we leverage over 500,000 hours of coding expertise, backed by a team of ex-MAANG and FAANG developers, to create seamless, engaging casino experiences optimized for mobile devices. We focus on delivering smooth gameplay, intuitive design, and robust performance to keep your users coming back.
Check out our latest projects to see the high-quality work we can bring to your casino app development.
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FAQs
A1: Creating a casino app begins with a clear vision of what players want, focusing on intuitive design and smooth gameplay. The process includes selecting the right games, integrating secure payment options, and building a reliable backend to manage user data safely. Testing for performance and regulatory compliance is crucial before releasing the app to ensure a trusted and enjoyable experience.
A2: The cost varies widely depending on the app’s complexity, the number of games, and the platforms you want to support. Features like live dealers, advanced graphics, and multiple payment gateways add to the budget. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and licensing fees also play a role. Planning your feature set and scale carefully helps keep costs aligned with your goals.
A3: A successful casino app includes a broad selection of games, user-friendly navigation, and secure ways to deposit and withdraw funds. Features like player profiles, social interaction, tournaments, and personalized promotions create a more engaging environment. Strong security and responsible gaming tools are essential to build player trust and loyalty.
A4: Casino apps earn through the built-in advantage of their games, which ensures the house makes a steady profit over time. They also generate income by selling bonus packages, VIP memberships, or in-game credits. Additional revenue can come from advertising and affiliate partnerships, all designed to keep players engaged while supporting the business.
