Online casinos are one of the fastest-growing sectors in an already fast-growing gambling industry. It is a sector which is continuing to innovate and make technological advancements and looks set to maintain its growth over the coming years. We take a look at some of the most exciting and intriguing changes in the pipeline.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality technology has the potential to allow for a much more immersive live experience for the consumer, giving them the ability to enjoy the game and interact with other gamblers within a virtual environment. Players will be able to get closer to replicating the sense of being in a real-life casino from the comfort of their own home as they engage with live dealers. The technology can allow for a ‘360-degree experience’ which helps the player to follow the full-table situation and make more informed decisions.
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Virtual Reality, similarly, could go even further towards building a sense of immersion in the future as it can allow gamers to envelop themselves in a completely virtual environment which can reflect a full, physical casino. It would also allow for faster-paced gameplay at any time of the player’s choosing, giving them full flexibility and the ability to customise their own casino experience tailored to their own preferences. As VR develops players will be able to transport themselves to Macau or Vegas at the click of a button.
As these developing technologies become more prevalent and fully functional more generally, they have the potential to gain mass adoption amongst online casinos as they start to bring together the vibrant diversity of online games with the sensation of a physical victory.
Live Casino
Live online casino is also beginning to trend for similar reasons as the presence of a live dealer helps to satisfy the demand for greater immersion. It helps to improve the social aspect as it opens up interactions with both the dealer and your fellow players; again moving further towards the sense of being in a real casino environment.
Source: Pexels
Live gaming is also linked to the growing popularity of streamers, with an increasing number of people streaming their exploits at online casinos and slots. The ability to watch streamers play slots or roulette will help open up the world of online casinos to a great number of new people. With the rising prominence of esports, the online casino industry is also taking steps towards offering bets on certain esports tournaments. Live gaming and online casinos are evidently moving towards an interlinked future.
Blockchain technology, via cryptocurrencies, is becoming more interlinked with making payments and deposits online. Cryptocurrencies allow for greater transparency as they operate digitally, without government regulation, and don’t require the player to reveal any bank or personal information. This helps to make casino websites even more secure and is mutually beneficial in helping for smoother transactions between both the casino and the player. Like Virtual Reality this technology has yet to be adopted by many online casinos but serves as an indicator of a potential future path once it has been thoroughly means-tested.
The future of online casinos, therefore, appears to be bright as it keeps up with the latest emerging technologies to keep the industry ahead of the game. Its focus on cultivating the most immersive experience possible for the player, as well as providing them with a range of diverse gaming options, points to a very solid foundation upon which online casinos will continue to grow.