The Latest Trends Rocking the Online Casino Industry

Online gambling is constantly evolving and has been since it became popular at the turn of the century. In 1997, there were more than 200 online casinos, which generated annual revenue of $1 billion. In comparison, according to a report from 2020, the sector was worth over $66 billion and should exceed $92 billion by 2023.

This shows the online gambling industry knows how to make money, and by using the latest technological trends, it should continue to do so in the coming years.

Many trends have been predicted for this year. If they want to stay at the top, online casinos worldwide (but particularly in Europe and the UK) will have to stay on top of them.

Here are some of the trends we can look forward to in 2022:

More Security and Safer Gambling

Players in the UK look for the most trusted casinos to enjoy their games. Cybersecurity is something every company pays special attention to, giving its best to provide customers with a safe and reliable gambling environment.

We can expect that maintaining legal compliance will further grow in importance during this year. KYC (Know Your Customer) processes will continue to play a vital role in protecting minors and preventing fraud and other criminal activity. The focus will still be on responsible gambling policies, including self-exclusion and setting limits.

Two-factor authentication, advanced login, and faster withdrawal are among notable trends as well.

More Cryptocurrency

More and more online platforms are accepting cryptocurrency, including some of the leading names in the business.

Although traditional fiat payments will continue to be the preferred option for most players in Europe and the UK, cryptocurrencies will become more widely used. The reasons behind the popularity of crypto are simple: security, anonymity and fast depositing and withdrawing.

With NFTs and the Metaverse becoming more popular, the demand for crypto casinos will further grow.

VR and AR Gaming

Although there are several VR casinos already running, the evolution of the Metaverse will undoubtedly push VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), and MR (mixed reality) further. At this moment, online casinos offering a VR experience deliver more than just games. More advanced technology, such as gesture imitation, 3D avatars, and live interactions, is part of their offering.

VR and AR have the power to revolutionise the digital gaming experience, although we’ll probably have to wait a couple of years before this technology takes off. The cost of the headsets and other gear needed to fully enjoy the experience slows down its progress.

Narrative Driven Slots

Slot games resemble blockbuster movies, offering complex narratives and characters that put players in the centre of the action. Modern technology and internet connectivity allow slot enthusiasts to access these stories whenever they want. The industry is yet to fully use the power of storytelling. That’s why we expect to see more narrative-driven releases in 2022. With more players looking for interactive and social experiences in their games, the popularity of narrative drives slots will further grow. These games push the boundaries, delivering next-level engagement. It’s a powerful combination that has the power to make the online casino industry a preferred entertainment option for customers all over the world.

Upgrading the Existing Gaming Experience

New generations are not into traditional slots and casino games. That’s why providers will have to offer an experience that includes not only gambling but social and skill as well. Online casinos need to find new ways of keeping their players returning for more. The best way to do so is through incentivised gamification features. It includes tournaments, challenges, and point collecting.

The online gambling experience needs to be smooth and seamless, without a lengthy registration process and with instant withdrawals. Easy navigation and a responsive UI will also help improve the overall experience.

Mobile and Wearable Tech

Operators will have to make sure new customers can easily open an account using mobile devices. Also, apps should come with a module tech stack allowing them to enable or disable features when necessary. Further optimising discoverability will also be vital, as it will allow quick access to games.

The use of wearables, like smartwatches, for gambling is set to grow in popularity. Creating a seamless playing experience on these devices won’t be easy. But providers are discovering the potential for this market and have already begun adapting. Playtech has already started designing apps for Apple Watches.