Modern web development aims for simplicity, universality, and speed. In recent years, among front-end specialists, methods of adaptive layout that do not require the use of media queries have become increasingly popular. This approach is especially relevant in projects with highly dynamic user traffic, such as in the field of online entertainment — from streaming platforms to online casinos, where it is important that the interface works equally well on both mobile devices and desktops.
Why Abandoning Media Queries is Becoming a Trend
Traditionally, media queries were used to build adaptive interfaces — conditional constructs that allow different styles to be applied depending on screen width. However, excessive use of them leads to bloated code, maintenance difficulties, and reduced performance.
Modern CSS tools allow for the implementation of flexible and adaptive interfaces without being tied to fixed resolutions. This is especially important for projects with a wide audience and a variety of user devices.
Using Flexbox and Grid
The two key technologies that enable adaptive design without media queries are Flexbox and CSS Grid. They provide powerful means of alignment, space distribution, and automatic content scaling.
Flexbox allows elements to adapt to the size of the container. Items are automatically wrapped and scaled without the need to define behavior for each resolution.
Grid provides a two-dimensional layout system that allows control over both rows and columns. When combined with units like fr, minmax(), and auto-fit, Grid enables interfaces that “breathe” with the browser window.
Units Based on Available Space
Media queries are often used to adjust font sizes and paddings. However, modern CSS approaches suggest using relative units such as vw, vh, %, em, and rem.
These units make layout more responsive and predictable across various contexts. Instead of multiple conditions, it’s enough to specify a value range within which the browser automatically adapts the display.
Container Queries
This is a relatively new feature, already supported in modern browsers, that allows styles to be applied based on the container’s size, rather than the screen size. This approach is especially useful for modular interfaces and components used in different contexts. For example, a card with slot games in an online casino can adapt based on the width of the block it is placed in, rather than the entire screen.
css
@container (min-width: 400px) {
.card {
flex-direction: row;
}
}
Flow-Oriented Approach
Modern layout is increasingly built on the principle of flow: elements follow one another, and wrappers with fixed styles are used only minimally. This is especially useful when content can be dynamically loaded — as is often the case in live feeds or slots with continuous updates.
The flow approach fits perfectly into the concept of scalable interfaces. It reduces the need for complex calculations and simplifies adaptation to new form factors.
Advantages and Limitations
Abandoning media queries makes the code cleaner and more understandable, reduces technical debt, and simplifies testing. Adaptation happens “on the fly,” and styles are applied logically without the need to write separate conditions for every breakpoint.
However, in some cases, media queries are still relevant — for example, when completely restructuring an interface (e.g., turning a sidebar into a burger menu) or adapting to specific devices. Still, their use becomes more selective and justified.
Real-World Applications
Banking platforms, news websites, and of course, online gaming services are increasingly adopting this approach. A particularly noticeable rise in interest is seen among developers of mobile versions of online casinos, where the user journey may begin on a smartphone and continue on a tablet or laptop.
These services often use a modular architecture, where it’s important to ensure predictable interface behavior at any resolution. CSS without media queries fits perfectly into this paradigm, allowing the interface to be composed of independent blocks, each adapting locally. This is especially relevant when the platform is positioned as a best online casino, where interface and accessibility play a critical role in retaining users.
This approach speeds up development, simplifies maintenance, and improves the user experience. Most importantly, it eliminates the need to manually track dozens of breakpoints in the code.
Conclusion
Abandoning media queries is not a trend, but a logical step in the evolution of adaptive design. Using flexible units, powerful tools like Flexbox and Grid, and implementing container queries opens new horizons for developers.
For projects with high load and scalability requirements — from banking dashboards to platforms with online slots and betting — this approach becomes the optimal solution. It enables the creation of an interface that is equally comfortable for players, clients, and content editors, regardless of device or platform. In the coming years, these principles will define the standard of quality for web interfaces.