The casino industry has been at the forefront of introducing new technologies. Highly saturated markets continue to drive corporate innovation and recent trends. The core gaming experience isn’t much different from a brick-and-mortar casino, but technological advancements in mobile phones and the availability of broadband internet have given iGaming incredible growth.
The online gambling market will reach $127 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of nearly 10%. What is the driving force behind this remarkable market expansion? The online casino industry has embraced several trends that will shape and support its growth. This article looks at some of the most interesting new directions.
Superior Graphics
Video games, in general, have become more realistic over the years – so have casino games. Of course, one of the reasons is the advancement of computer and smartphone technology, and game developers have also played a role. Smartphones are like mobile computers with excess power. If you play the latest casino games, you will notice improved graphics. Game developers use more computing power, and modern networks like 5G can deliver games to users with zero latency.
We can expect more graphics improvements, better graphics, and higher resolutions. Additionally, more polygons ensure an immersive experience.
The age of smartwatches
Smartwatch makers introduce new models every year. For example, the Apple Watch appears in the 7 series, and Samsung has the Galaxy Watch 4. Most smartwatches work with smartphones, and some of their jobs include measuring our athletic performance, fitness metrics, and sleep. They also have fun apps like a music player.
Game developers recognize the massive growth of smartwatches and are researching and developing smartwatch-compatible apps and games to provide users with more convenience.
Accepting Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have multiple benefits for casinos and users. First, payments are secure, and transaction fees can be lower since there is no central digital token authorization.
Enhanced crypto value and distributed ledgers are something that online casinos can leverage beyond just accepting crypto as a method of payment.
Although cryptocurrencies are not legally regulated in many markets, you will find more and more online casinos using the most popular digital currencies as payment methods. A potential downside for users and casinos is the volatility of Bitcoin and other crypto tokens, which means you may lose or gain more value between depositing and withdrawing coins.
Live Casino
Modern technology around fast and reliable internet connections in both fixed and mobile networks is driving the trend towards an ever-increasing number of live casino games. However, the main difference between land-based and online casinos is that you are playing against other players.
Live casinos eliminate this disparity and offer games to play with live dealers and other players who interact while playing poker, blackjack or other casino games. You can find more poker rooms, blackjack live dealers and other live casino games on the iGaming website—no need to worry about lag and poor customer experience. Live casino games can adequately replace some brick-and-mortar gaming experiences.
Virtual reality is developing
Virtual reality headsets are an established technology, and you can find quality standalone devices from numerous manufacturers. The iGaming space has a broader reach than the current VR niche technology, but developers have created content that supports virtual reality. For example, NetEnt has a Jack and Beanstalk slot game VR version.
Overcoming the lack of VR headsets for the target audience remains a challenge, but VR can provide a more profound sense of immersion in live casino games. Imagine playing live poker with live dealers and players in illegal clothing in a smoky salon in the Wild West.
Further push for mobility
By 2026, the mobile gaming market will reach $140 billion. Mobile gamers already make up the majority of gamers, and many AAA games have mobile versions of their popular titles. For the online casino industry, mobile gaming continues to dominate the trend.
For developers, this means creating new casino games with a mobile-first mindset. Mobile casino games can also attract new users from previously unexplored territories. For example, Africa is becoming a continent with more and more mobile users. In addition to the rise of mobile gamers in developing countries, smartphones have expanded the market to older adults in all countries.
The online casino industry will benefit from most new technologies. They are already using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the user experience. Big data is also a technology that the industry can benefit from.