Did technology save the casino industry?
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When students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology invented the first computer game ‘Spacewar!’, they had no way of knowing that they were setting the scene for a fast-growing industry that would be worth billions of dollars just a few decades later. Computer gaming has both benefited from and contributed to the technological revolution, staying on the cutting edge of the latest developments for years.
Some of the first games to be digitized were casino games as their statistical basis and simple rules made them an ideal candidate for early methods of programming. As the internet became more widespread, online games were the natural progression, especially with games of chance such as online roulette.
Early games were fairly faithful reproductions of their traditional counterparts, relying heavily on the familiarity to appeal to players who would usually at least recognize the games on offer. Until relatively recently, gaming was a relatively niche pastime, largely appealing to younger players, but the last couple of decades have seen drastic changes in the way people play computer games.
- Advertisement -The rise of online gaming
As soon as the internet became accessible, gamers were ready for online games that could be played in real-time from wherever you were in the world. Being able to play web-based games that were always available changed the way people thought about video games, allowing much more engaging experiences.
All players needed was an internet connection and they could play their favorite games at their own convenience, rather than having to travel to a land-based casino. This meant that new players, who might have been unable or unwilling to travel to a casino, could play various casino games from home alongside made-for-video games that were becoming increasingly popular.
Casino fans were also taking to their computers as they could suddenly indulge themselves with a game or two online, making the most of their free time to play their favorite games without having to make a special trip out. Many traditional casinos have launched virtual casinos that replicate the visitor experience in their land-based sites, providing a combination of familiarity and flexibility that their fans appreciate.
The benefits of online gambling
Even the most ardent gambling fan would have to admit that there are some significant benefits to playing online, including:
Variety – Even the world’s largest casinos only have so much floor space, so there is a limit to the number and type of casino games they can offer. This is not the case with online casinos which can offer games with a wide variety of themes, options, and variations so that players can find the one that suits their playing style best.
Playability – With so many options to choose from, players have high expectations when it comes to their gaming experience and this has worked in their favor. With developers and designers constantly trying to find new ways to impress their target market, games not feature movie-quality graphics, studio-quality sound, and all the bonus features and extras that gamers have come to expect.
Offers – While traditional casinos may have plied their patrons with food and drink, online casinos tend to offer more tangible benefits to keep their players coming back. From free spins and jackpot bonuses to loyalty bonuses and referral codes, there are plenty of ways players can enjoy all the games they want without needing a massive budget.
Community – Many casino sites host their own online forums with chat rooms and social media designed to get their players talking to one another. There are also plenty of independent forums and chat sites that offer online casino gamers the chance to swap tips and share their thoughts on the various games on offer.
Gaming-on-the-go – As well as a wide variety of casino games being available online, gaming apps have made it even easier to take your favorite games with you wherever you are. Apps often feature mobile-friendly gaming options, such as simplified controls, and shorter rounds, that makes it even easier to fit gaming into players’ daily lives.
Live streaming – Even those that relish the chance to play live are well catered for when it comes to online gaming as the popularity of live-streaming means that the full casino experience is available online. Players can join live poker and blackjack games, play roulette, and try their hand at slots for a more authentic online gaming experience.
Payment options – Online casinos offer a choice of payment options, giving their players the option to pay with cryptocurrencies and NFTs as well as in a variety of traditional currencies.
Technology and casinos
With online gaming becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, the use of cutting-edge technology has enabled gamers and casino fans alike to embrace their enthusiasm for their favorite games. Game developers have made the most of artificial intelligence and virtual reality to bring gaming to life, making the most of the latest technology to create engaging games.
Online casinos provide players with the option to join live games from home, play digital versions of games while they are traveling, or just practice their favorite games in-between visits to a land-based casino. Although the allure of a traditional casino will always appeal to those that thrive on the atmosphere, there’s no denying that the digitization of casino games has given the whole industry a new lease of life.
