How The Internet & Mobiles Have Transformed iGaming Over The Years
The iGaming or online casino gambling industry is one of the most successful and competitive markets in the world. It is also one of the sectors that have gone through numerous changes over the years. The changes can be attributed to the constant and regular development of new and advanced technologies. These developments have been widely positive because they aim to improve and make the gambling experience better for players all around the world.
With the development of the internet, introduction of Wi-Fi, and creation of the latest smartphones, gambling became more accessible to adults in their own homes. Players no longer just had to go to land-based casinos as casino games and slot games started to become available online and on mobile. The latest developments in technology offer more comfortable and more straightforward access, enhanced games to name a few. The online casino industry has also seen much progress in responsible gambling too as many operators are paying more attention to the well-being of their players.
Changes that have impacted the gaming industry
Over the recent years, the industry has seen the rise of the internet and an increase in the number of people who access it daily on PC and mobile. The changes in technology, and also how it is used, have forced gambling operators to respond and adapt. For example, land-based casinos have had to make their websites more mobile accessible for more users to access or have even considered the advantages of having an online/mobile casino too.
Easy accessibility has helped boost both the gaming and iGaming industry in a huge way. Mobile applications on platforms such as iOS and Android have increased significantly over the years and as of 2019, mobile games accounted for 33% of all app downloads. In their article a few years ago, TechCrunch highlighted how stats like this has led to the mobile gaming industry to now be a $68.5b global business, and investors are continuing to buy in. As users spend more and more time on their phones, gaming companies are needing to prioritise mobile accessibility in order to reach their customer base.
The changes and advancements in technology and customer demands have also played a significant role in the development of new games. For instance, online poker was, for a long time, the most common online gambling activity. But many changes have resulted in the introduction of a wider range of digital games for online casinos. Adult players can now play roulette and blackjack, as well as online slot games, jackpots, and bingo.
Targeting a wider customer base through online and mobile games
Back in the old days, players had to visit physical premises to put money in slot machines or make bets at a card table. The advantages of technological developments means that there are now more games than ever that are available for players to play online and on their mobiles. There are many adult players around the world who decide to register with online casinos depending on their games available and which bonuses and free spins they offer. Registering with an online casino can not only provide access to a wide selection of slot games but players can receive 24/7 support from gambling operators too.
Two of the most popular types of casino games are:
Slots – One of the most played games for adults to play online are slot games. There are hundreds available to play, created by some of the best slot game developers in the world. A lot of the games take inspiration from a variety of intriguing themes such as superheroes, irish luck, movies, Ancient Egypt, and much more.
Table games – There are many online casinos that provide games similar to those one would find at land-based casinos, they’re just innovative digital versions. Players can try their hand at a wide range of table games like card games, blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker. Some casino game providers offer other table games like craps and roulette.
Developers that are making an impact in the industry
Another significant change that has been seen in the online gambling scene is the rise of a wide range of developers. The industry has seen the introduction of several new players and also old ones who have been making both history and big news with their latest developments. Some of the biggest players right now include RealTime Gaming, PlayTech, and Microgaming, as well as NetEnt and IGT.
RealTime Gaming – RTG was established in 1998 and they are providing a range of games for online casino operators, from progressive games to slots and speciality games. They are also providing multi-channel delivery for their games so that operators have a selection of options for providing their customers with the latest RTG games. Ensuring that their games are available on mobile can help leading operators in the industry reach a wider target audience. With consumers demanding to interact with content on the go, anytime, anywhere, it is mobile delivery that has helped to greatly change gambling over the years. As stated on their website, their commitment to innovation is what is keeping them at the cutting edge of the iGaming industry.
Playtech – Another long-standing company in the industry is Playtech who have been around since 1999. This game developer provides software for a range of online purposes such as for online casinos, poker rooms, bingo games, and sports betting. It’s currently one of the largest online gaming software suppliers in the world and is delivering cutting-edge solutions to leading gambling operators. One of their most well-known games for adult players to play on is Age of the Gods.
Microgaming – In terms of how online gambling has changed over the years, Microgaming claims to have made one of the most important developments in the gambling industry. According to their website, the company developed the world’s first true online casino software back in 1994. Throughout their history they have also developed some standout games in the industry too, such as Book of Oz and Immortal Romance. Paired with branded slot games too, such as Game of Thrones and Jurassic World, this developer is one of the best in the industry right now.