Putting ACE333 on a phone or PC, and checking the lobby you end up in

Three headings and three buttons: Iphone IOS, Android Phone, Windows Computer. That was the whole of the old ACE333 download page. No steps, no warnings, and the links pointed at a host that's long gone. The files may have moved, but installing an app like ACE333 still works much the same way, and the risky parts are still in the same places.

We don't link or host any ACE333 file. The only place to get one is the provider who gives you your game ID.

Android

ACE333 for Android is an installer file that you download in your browser. Because it's not from Google Play, Android blocks it the first time and says the browser isn't allowed to install unknown apps.

1. On that message, tap Settings.
2. Turn on Allow from this source for the browser you used, and nothing else.
3. Go back and tap Install.
4. Then open Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps and turn that browser off again.

Play Protect will probably flag the app as unrecognised. Expect it, but don't click through without thinking. Check what the app asks for when it first opens. A slot lobby needs internet and maybe storage. If it wants your SMS, contacts, call log or accessibility access, uninstall it; that's how banking malware gets in.

When you update, the new file should install over the old one. If Android says the package conflicts with an existing one, stop and ask for a clean link rather than uninstalling and carrying on.

iPhone

The iPhone build came through Apple's enterprise programme, meant for companies installing internal apps on staff phones. After it installs, tapping the icon gives an Untrusted Enterprise Developer message.

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, find the developer name under Enterprise App (it won't say ACE333; it's whichever company the certificate belongs to), tap it and choose Trust.

These certificates get revoked when Apple notices them being used for public apps, and when that happens the app just stops opening. Nothing is lost from your account. While you're in that settings screen, delete old developer entries you no longer recognise.

Windows

ACE333 also had a Windows program, the third link on the old page. If a provider still offers one, run the installer through your antivirus first, and be wary of anything that wants administrator rights without a clear reason. Running the Android app in an emulator is another way players get it on a PC; the file-source rule applies there too.

What the real lobby looks like

A genuine install opens on the gold ACE333 crown with a spade in the middle, then menu tiles along the top. In the capture at the top of this page they're SLOT, MARVEL SLOT, ARCADE, TABLE and FISHING, with a big JACKPOT bar at the bottom. Menus change between versions (another capture in the ACE333 overview shows a LIVE tile marked COMING SOON), but the logo and layout stay recognisable. Game tiles here include Golden Tour and Dolphin Reef.

A few habits:

• The app never needs your online banking login, card number or a TAC. Top-ups and cuci go through your provider.
• Change the password you were given if the app allows it, and don't reuse it elsewhere.
• Cover your ID and balance before posting screenshots.

Every game we've written up is on the ACE333 games page, and install notes for the other apps are under install notes. If you haven't got an account yet, get an ACE333 game ID first; the app does nothing without one.

18+ only. Online gambling is restricted in Malaysia. Set a spending limit before your first top-up and read responsible gaming.