Casino games and casinos have undergone radical changes over the years. With online casinos, live casinos and mobile casinos, we’ve seen a lot of changes over the past few decades. So, what does the future hold, and what technologies will most likely shape up the industry? Our guide walks you through all the prominent tech that can change how we gamble online.
New Frontiers
Online casinos are a product of technology themselves, having transitioned from land-based establishments to online websites. But as tech continues to get all the more sophisticated, online casinos are embracing new systems, platforms and mechanics that push possibilities and open new doors.
We’ve seen quite a few revolutionary technologies move into commercial markets in recent years, including virtual reality, augmented reality and blockchain technology. And with a new age of AI, player engagement and gameplay opportunities can be completely revamped. Online casinos have been toying with the idea of implementing these technologies for years now and we’ll be taking a look at the ones that show the most promise in the future.
VR/AR
Virtual reality and augmented reality have been making waves for the past decade. Sure, the technology behind them has been around for years, but they have only recently become part of the commercial market. Studies estimate more than 171 million virtual reality users worldwide and an even more stunning 1.4 billion active devices using augmented reality tech.
Both VR and AR initially popped up as gimmicks on camera phones and gaming consoles, but they’ve gradually gained more momentum, with companies finding better ways to implement them into daily life. Rather than a simple fancy gadget, VR headsets are now capable of taking on the tasks you’d usually do on a desktop, fully immersing you in its virtual world.
So, it makes perfect sense to have online casinos offer a VR experience. You could operate the site virtually and engage in all the new gambling experiences. Live casino is currently the closest thing we have to visiting a casino from the comfort of your home, but through VR you could physically feel like you’re in the space itself. It’s something that online casinos have been experimenting with for a while and will likely become a staple in the iGaming world.
Augmented reality is a much more subtle technology, blending digital elements with the real world. So, rather than stepping into a completely virtual world, you’ll be able to play your favourite online casino games while interacting with virtual objects and enhanced elements in your physical surroundings.
As AR and VR devices get more popular, online casinos are more likely to implement these technologies, bringing in a futuristic casino experience.
AI
Although AI has now become a new buzzword that everyone seems to be using, artificial intelligence has been around for as long as computers have. Any automated task your device performs is effectively AI. Of course, in recent years, the technology has been boosted to new heights, where it can now handle tasks and create work that would have been impossible just a few years ago. It’s a sector that’s changing industries and lives across the globe and it naturally affects online casinos too.
One of its primary uses in online casinos is security. AI can supercharge a site’s security systems to identify vulnerabilities and stop any potential attacks on the online casino. This can be incredibly effective in fighting off player fraud, money laundering and online hackers. It can also be used to more efficiently handle user registration and KYC processes like identity verification.
AI can also enforce online casino terms and conditions, making sure bonuses aren’t abused by players to illicitly cash in on bonus rewards. This also extends to responsible gambling practices, where the site can more efficiently monitor player behaviour for signs of problem gambling.
That’s how players will most likely be affected by AI in online casinos. But the tech has the potential to deliver so much more. AI can scan and analyse marketing data at unprecedented speeds. This can give online casinos insights into building better marketing campaigns and setting the right terms and conditions for promotional offers like welcome bonuses and reload deals. AI tools can even analyse traffic to assess the usefulness of affiliate partnerships and boost search engine optimisation by enhancing metadata and generating appropriate keywords.
So, overall, AI assistance can save online casinos money and give you a more efficient and secure experience.
Blockchain & NFTs
Blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrencies have had a significant impact on online casinos. Studies show that more than 30,000 players use cryptocurrencies at blockchain casinos and as the technology becomes more mainstream, those numbers continue to grow.
Apart from being incredibly fast and efficient, blockchain technology is a great addition to online casino safety features. The blockchain is clear and transparent in all its processes, making for strong security when it comes to player data and financial transactions. Its decentralised nature makes sure records cannot be tampered with, which in turn increases player confidence in knowing that their funds are secure and their games fair.
When it comes to payment methods, cryptocurrencies have almost become as necessary a requirement as e-wallets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum have given players the chance to make secure, anonymous and lightning-fast deposits and withdrawals. Lots of online casinos have even developed ways to make cryptocurrency exchanges easier, so even players with limited experience can take advantage of these benefits.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have also found their way into online casinos. They’re used as both a currency and a reward at blockchain casinos, awarding unique benefits for bonuses and tournaments through reload deals and loyalty programs. NFTs can be incredibly useful in strengthening a casino’s security protocols and stopping unauthorised access to accounts and events, while also making sure minors are strictly prohibited.
Online casinos fit in perfectly with the landscape that blockchain creates with its decentralised architecture. It has loads of great security benefits, eliminates third-party tech and significantly impacts fraud and illicit activity. Players have a lot to benefit from this and are gradually seeking blockchain casinos for their improved security and transparency.
Metaverse Casinos
Metaverse is another tech buzzword that has been doing the rounds for years, with companies like Facebook (Meta), promising a digital revolution the likes of which we have never seen. Essentially, the metaverse is a digital landscape where you can closely engage and interact with digital assets and environments. The concept is incredibly enticing and could potentially lead to a whole new way to play online casino games online.
Picture a virtual world where you can meet other players, interact with deals and play all your favourite games like poker, roulette and baccarat. It involves a lot of VR, AR and AI technologies too, but metaverse goes a step further, connecting you to an entire ecosystem of entertainment in real time. Loads of huge tech magnates are banking on this technology, with projections forecasting a mind-blowing overall value of $5 trillion by 2030.
As part of this concept, Metaverse Casino would completely change the way you play through innovative Web3 technology. Apart from the very obvious changes to navigation and gameplay, metaverse casinos would also integrate blockchain technology and deliver unprecedented withdrawal speeds.
In these virtual spaces, you’ll be able to customise your avatar, engage in social activities, cash in on bonuses and immerse yourself fully into the metaverse. The online casino industry is gearing up for this massive change, pushing for a near-seamless integration once the metaverse revolution begins.
Building on Existing Elements
New technologies can potentially change the very foundation of how we play online casino games, but they can also be more subtle, improving on existing elements to give us an even better experience. Here are some of the most useful aspects of online casinos that will benefit from new technologies in the future.
Responsible Gambling
Your well-being is of the utmost importance and online casinos have become better at supporting that through responsible gambling tools and practices. As time goes by, gambling regulators are taking firmer stances on online casinos which in turn has had sites embracing more responsible gambling elements that prioritise your welfare and implement ethical marketing practices.
In the future, online casino operators can assume more responsibility for educating players and being as transparent as can be about the potential risks that are associated with gambling. This comes through in sensible wagering requirements and detailed information about games.
Community, Social Interaction and Personalisation
Personalisation is yet another hurdle that technological advancement can help overcome in online casinos. Players aren’t satisfied with simply having a generic experience across the board and are always looking for tailored bonuses, promotions, games and support.
Online casinos can do this by giving you more relevant game and bonus suggestions based on your activity online. Sites take into consideration your preferred games, geographical location and accessing devices to add a personal touch.
A higher level of personalisation and engagement helps to create an even better community of players, with content that is both relative and interesting keeping them playing at the same site, instead of looking for the next best thing.
The Online Casinos of Tomorrow
As technology continues to change, online casinos are adapting even more techniques to deliver fresh, exciting and secure experiences. It may take a while until we see these technologies displaying their full potential but once they do, they could change everything about online casinos.
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