As technology advances, online gambling and casinos are now more popular than ever. The casino industry has been following and embracing the latest technological trends. Here are some of the most recent trends in gambling that are making headlines around the world.
1. Casino Goers Still Prefer an Online Dealer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had an increased role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Some games like online slots, for example, don’t usually require a player to interact with a human casino worker. Even though humans can be replaced for many online functions, research has shown that visitors to online casinos prefer a live, human dealer to an entirely virtual one. Players of casinos like Baccarat and Blackjack especially welcome the interaction with a live dealer to put them more fully at ease.
2. Physical Casinos are Losing Ground to Online Gaming Operations
With the increased use of computers, smartphones, and wearables, more casinos are finding that their brick and mortar locations are losing visitors in favor of their online operations. While the majority of physical casinos are in places like Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City, online casinos can be accessed anytime and anywhere there is a connection to the internet. Industry experts realize that people tend to gamble more when they are in the comfort of their own home.
Young adults who have gamed all their lives, whether on a gaming console or a computer equipped with a mechanical gaming keyboard, are finding the possibility of earning money doing something that they’ve always done particularly appealing.
3. Broader Acceptance of Cryptocurrencies
While cryptocurrencies might have recently received a beating in the markets, casinos are more widely accepting of them. Gambling establishments continue to more readily accept both wagers and issue payouts to their visitors who prefer to use cryptocurrencies. One reason for their wider adoption is that cryptocurrencies provide additional levels of security and can prevent patrons and gambling establishments from losing money.
4. Higher Security for Players and Casinos
Along with the higher security that is gained by the use of cryptocurrencies is the rise of quantum cryptography. Through the use of an encoded key, casino owners are now able to safeguard much of their operations to keep cybercriminals from being able to hack both betting and payout systems.
Another way that casinos are tracking the behaviors and transactions of their visitors both online and off is through the use of RFID technologies. Through the use of Non-Obvious Relationship Awareness (NORA) software, all behavior is tracked. Casino operators can figure out the favorite games and betting habits of each player. This information can assist them in customizing future offers and incentives to keep them playing.
Brick and mortar casinos have been using RFID technologies to track their chips and recognize cheating players. When used with facial recognition software, casino operators can quickly be made aware of players who have been flagged in the past for any unfavorable behaviors.
5. Access Through Wearables
Industry experts predict that by the end of 2020, smartwatches and other wearable devices will have reached an estimated $343 billion. Many who either own or are planning to purchase a smartwatch or wearable device say that the ability to game is a large part of the trend. Casino owners have taken the hint and are ready to help accommodate those customers’ needs.
For those who use the devices, it’s becoming easier to play casino favorites, but some of the new games that are being developed to further entice players to visit either physically or virtually.
6. The Rise of Virtual Reality Casinos
Those same young adults who grew up gaming also have come to appreciate the increase in the number of casinos that offer a virtual reality experience. Though most have a long way to go, players do have the opportunity to “walk through” a virtual casino, sit down at virtual gaming tables with other players, place bets and earn real money.
Are there any technologies that you’ve noticed taking over?
