Technology is rapidly changing the world around us on a monthly basis, meaning different industries have to constantly adapt in order to keep pace with a changing market and consumer base. The betting industry is no different. As increasing numbers of people have their own portable devices, the industry has had to develop a digital presence that is continuously evolving to meet gambling demands.
Online gambling in the form of casino and bingo games, as well as sports betting, is a hugely growing industry. Technology is constantly changing how this industry operates – and this article examines the different ways it’s doing so.
Technology’s impact on casino games
Safety improvements
With increased technological advancements have come increased regulations and rules, all of which are designed to keep the consumer safe. Minors can’t enter websites or place bets, and the option of a time limit on gambling is frequently made available by websites. There are also a variety of alternative responsible gambling tools that have been implemented to ensure security for the consumer, as well as anti-money laundering technologies that minimise risk of phishing or fraud.
Cashless and alternative payment forms
Online casino games have had to enable different ways for players to pay, and technological advancements have unlocked this ability. Typically, players can use credit or debit cards to pay for games, and third-party providers also provide services. Gambling services use encryption to encode clients’ financial information, as an extra security measure.
There are also many casino games with bitcoin available, which allow customers to use these cryptocurrencies in order to pay for their gaming. These changes would never have been possible without technological development.
AR and VR gaming options
AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) are two technologies generating serious amounts of consumer interest, catching the imagination of gamers who want to enjoy an interactive on-demand sporting experience that simulates ‘real’ casino and betting games. With improvements in design and audio experience, customers get to enjoy the ultimate gaming experience from the comfort of their own home. Technological advancements are only going to improve this over coming years, bringing in new audiences looking for newly exciting experiences.
Live streaming services enabled by superfast 5G technologies have also changed casino gaming, as gamers can watch live sessions via apps or websites.
Artificial intelligence
AI is being put to several different uses by the online gaming industries. Chatbots improve the user experience by answering and addressing common queries, and can help to create a more personalised experience for consumers. AI is also beginning to be used in identifying gambling addictions among players by tracking behavioural habits and patterns. If negative activity is detected, the AI will automatically freeze or suspend a player’s account.
Fuelling industry growth
Now that (almost) everyone has a smartphone in-hand, there’s more chance for gambling on the go, offering convenience for players who can participate from the comfort of their own home – or wherever else they want to play. Improved technology means casino games are reaching wider demographics and attracting a global audience as players compete with friends, family, and strangers. With more variety through technological advancements comes more incentive to play, as technology further personalises the user experience in the form of targeted ads or emails.
