The online gambling industry is expected to reach a revenue of over $107 billion in 2024, about 19.5% more than the initial $88 billion projected for 2023. That’s a massive amount of growth. The more the market grows, the more tech and gadgets associated with it evolve resulting in a new batch of online casino trends every year. Buckle up, players. We’re about to tell you all about the trends that we expect to see this year.
VR / AR Integration
In traditional online gaming or e-sports, virtual reality is a norm. In fact, are you really a gamer if you haven’t played around with some VR gaming tech? Now, imagine having that interactive experience in iGaming!
There’s a slight difference between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) gaming. AR can be explained as an altered version of the real world by way of computer-generated input. That input, or code, is what brings in-game elements into the real world, adding to your current environment as opposed to creating graphics and gameplay entirely from scratch. Traditional gaming examples of this would be apps like Pokemon GO, Jurassic World Alive, and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
VR is a completely computer-simulated reality that creates completely artificial environments that do not factor in, nor can they be projected into your real-world space. Using VR usually requires a headset, a controller, and enough space for you to not knock things around while playing. Some of the best VR games include upgraded versions of cult classics like Grand Turismo, Resident Evil, and Star Wars. This is all cool, but how would this improve the online casino experience?
AR and VR can elevate both the interactive, and live gambling experience, making you feel like you are, indeed, inside a casino. Lifelike environments and Metaverse-style casinos could possibly change the entire casino gaming experience for the better, attracting a more youthful crowd and introducing advanced tech to iGaming.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
Let’s face it – crypto is going nowhere. And we honestly don’t want it to. Why? Not only has it changed the way we use money, but it’s also helped in forming communities, improving security, and allowing affordable cross-country transactions with ease.
Crypto casinos have been doing quite well over the years, and some of them accept fiat currencies as well. As more players switch from fiat to crypto such as Bitcoin for their gambling payments, the greater access they get to lightning-fast transactions, cost-effective deposits and withdrawals, and transaction transparency. You also get to keep your identity private to reduce the risk of fraud and ensure fairness.
In our opinion, if you had to choose, we’d recommend you use crypto when gambling online. Other than the fact that it’s more secure than the Pentagon, regular banking systems just don’t match up to the convenience of crypto. For example, some banks do not accept online casino withdrawal payments into your account, and some transfers can take days to get processed which wastes time and money.
Improved Security and Sustainability
2023 was a crazy year for cybersecurity news. News headlines about data breaches and the like were popping up almost every month, shedding light on online security practices and protocols, and making space for IT giants to figure out how to improve them.
Online casinos must have been some of the first to take heed and make the necessary changes because of how sensitive the information they store is. Information like accurate banking details and identity verification documents are used by some casinos for security reasons, and keeping that information, your information, safe is a number one priority.
Some casinos use crypto and blockchain technology (which we’ll discuss in the next section) which highlights anonymity – something more players prefer. So, how do you know if an online casino is safe? If you haven’t yet settled on a favorite, it’s super important to visit new sites reviewed by industry professionals every once in a while. These sites only use the latest security technologies to keep your personal and financial information secure.
AI and Personalization
How would you like it if your casino game list was tailored exactly to your liking, the same way your social media is? As AI and machine learning continue to positively dominate our daily lives, it seems only fair that these technologies make the same impact on your casino experience.
In 2024, casino operators will use AI to study players’ behavior to predict each individual’s preferences and recommend games, tournaments, and promotions you’ll most likely appreciate.
Casino operators will use AI to help detect any problems and repair any bugs that may cause an interruption in your gaming experience. Customer support functions will change as well, using AI chatbots to help with any queries and concerns. This will lead to high levels of efficiency, help build brand loyalty, and enhance player satisfaction across the board.
Mobile-First Gaming
There’s an app for almost everything we do, but we have to give an honorary nod to how much mobile gaming has evolved over the years. From glitchy, sup-par graphics to high-quality, high-speed gameplay that doesn’t make your phone overheat, online games have certainly taken things up a notch.
Payment methods on mobile casino apps or modified websites are now made easy. Casinos will allow direct digital deposits and withdrawals via platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, crypto, debit, credit, and bank transfers from the palm of your hand.
Also, to attract more millennials and Gen-Z, casino operators will have more skill-based casino games. A lot of Millennials and Gen-Z already play strategy games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and video slots in their free time, so enhancing the live game experience will definitely keep them entertained.
For an online casino to truly stand out, they have to have excellent mobile compatibility. This means a smooth user interface, modified imagery and compatibility, new features, new functions, and great graphics so players can have a seamless experience overall.
