Over the last decade, due to its heightened popularity and increased user demand, the iGaming industry has seen an almost unprecedented rise. With interest and involvement ever-growing within the sector, the industry itself is valued at approximately €46 billion in the United States of America alone. The continually intertwining relationship between iGaming and technological advances has been at the very forefront of the sector’s vast growth and will continue to be in seeking a sustained, yet evolving, future.
With online users regularly searching for the most realistic casino experience available on the market, it is no mystery as to why the introduction of virtual reality technology has changed the game for many real-money gamers. Along with the implementation of virtual reality in the industry, the contemporary developments in the smartphone sector also looks to be a key platform in growing the future of online casinos.
Virtual Reality
Following the success of smartphone-based gaming applications, the iGaming industry has turned to virtual reality to entice the next generation of users who feel less attracted to the traditional card game experience. Since its release in March 2016, the Oculus Rift, along with other virtual reality gear, has changed the whole nature of the gaming and iGaming sector. After the launch of the Oculus Rift, the online industry quickly sought to exploit the opening in the market and centre their focuses around the launch of virtual reality technology in attempts to enhance the online casino experience. Virtual reality, as a concept, offers real-money gamers the opportunity to view their virtual environment through their VR equipment. From simply perusing the virtual environment, or participating in casino games, the development of virtual reality has the potential to have a significant impact on the future of online gaming for many years to come. Additionally, with the technology only likely to continue improving, the possibilities seem endless.
“Samsung Gear VR” (CC BY 2.0) by pestoverde
The Oculus Rift, however, is not the only piece of virtual reality gear which is being favored in attempts to encourage millennial involvement in the iGaming sector. At the 24th International Casino Expo (ICE) Totally Gaming exhibition, one of Europe’s largest and most influential gaming and gambling conventions, exhibitors also sought to demonstrate the possibilities on offer through the Samsung Gear VR in attempts to draw in and encourage immersion into the world of virtual reality gaming. With the equipment compatible with Samsung devices, the online casino experience from the comfort of your own home has never been so easily accessible.
In regard to potential growth and virtual reality technology, analyst firm Technavio report that the global virtual casino market will enjoy an annual growth rate of approximately 55 per cent by 2022. Whilst they remain confident of a steady growth in the coming years, it is believed that gamers, on a wider scale, remain unconvinced and skeptical of a gambling future with virtual reality technology at its very core. However, with the industry likely to continue flourishing in the coming years, it remains to be seen as to whether the virtual reality experience will dominate the online casino world in the future, but there is no doubt that it will be a prominent feature in the industry.
Smartphone Developments
Whilst virtual reality represents one avenue for the potential future of online casinos, the recent developments of smartphones have made the on-the-move and in-home experiences more and more appealing. The smartphone market has enjoyed real growth in recent years with a wider array of viable options now beginning to surface. Whilst it is widely considered that Apple and Samsung have dominated the smartphone market for much of the previous years, Huawei, HTC, Nokia and Sony have unveiled new releases which have sought to provide a competitive option for those looking to enjoy mobile gaming on their smartphone.
“Huawei P30 Pro” (CC BY 2.0) by Janitors
Many of the latest smartphones contain high-spec processors ranging from the A12 Bionic, Kirwin 980 and the 7nm 64-bit Octa-core, which look to take the online mobile casino industry into a new era. Furthermore, with viewing at a resolution of 1440p available in many of the modern smartphones, the mobile experience has never felt more lifelike. Moreover, with more releases providing viewers with prolonged gaming experiences with the very latest in battery technology featuring heavily across the market, users are able to enjoy hours of gaming across various secure and trusted mobile casino platforms. Additionally, with the online casino market now more competitive than ever with incentive-based opportunities such as casino bonuses, offers and free spins being promoted by providers such as Oddschecker, selecting the right smartphone to get the best out of your experience is crucial.
The Future is Technological
Ultimately, there can be no doubts that virtual reality technology will develop into becoming an instrumental player in the modernization of real-money betting and the gambling sector. Key figures within the industry are looking to persist with modern technology in order to continually provide an incredibly lifelike player experience. Furthermore, the continued use of VR technology within the industry seeks to attract both new and younger gamers who previously distanced themselves from the traditional card-based methods of play.
Along with the virtual reality approach, the continued technological advancements being made in the smartphone industry is likely to be a major component in the future of the iGaming sector. The growth of the smartphone gaming market has grown in recent years, and with software and hardware expected to enjoy further developments in the near future, the smartphone casino platform could be at the very core of the online casino market in the coming years.