The online gaming industry – and in particular, the online casino industry – has come a long way in the past 10 years.
And, if current technological trends and advances are anything to go by, there’s still a lot of potential for online gaming yet! Here are four predictions for the future of online gaming:
The Rise of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Games
With the rising popularity of virtual reality software and equipment, such as the Oculus Rift, virtual reality – constructing a whole new world, which can be explored – and augmented reality – experiencing everything as you see it in real life – with some added extras thrown in – is already making headway into the world of online casino gaming.
And according to past research by the International Data Corporation, by 2020 one billion people will regularly be viewing and using VR and AR content. The report also predicts that by that time, 30% of all internet surfing worldwide will be carried out without any screen, instead being powered by voice-activation software, such as Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant.
With this in mind, the ramifications for the casino industry are limitless. In the future, casino will be brought to life: players could soon see themselves wandering around a virtual casino, playing poker with other players and a VR dealer, or even visiting real places around their neighbourhoods, on a casino-style search and find mission to discover hidden casino bonuses – all of these things previously would have been in 2D or 3D, but nevertheless limited solely to a desktop or smartphone screen.
Fewer Market Competitors
As recently seen with the impending closure of William Hill’s Israel and Australia operations, large, respected brands are being forced to make tough decisions, either by closing gaming industry operations, or by taking steps to merge with other companies, just as Gala and Coral did back in 2016. There could be attempts at competitor buyouts, similar to the ongoing Amaya acquisition saga.
The Rise of New Markets
Up until now, markets have been strictly limited to a few choice locations. But, in a post-Brexit world (alongside general changes in the geopolitical climate), new power players could emerge, such as Brazil. The South American power has been looking to diversify its industries and exports, and has been mulling a gambling-legalization bill in recent years.
Germany too looks set to become an online gaming powerhouse. Due to their in-progress sports betting laws, a side move to permitting online casino gaming is a distinct possibility.
The Rise of Bitcoin – and Other Niche Payment Methods
Payment methods are one aspect of online gaming which can vary wildly from site to site. But, in the past few years, the availability of payment methods is getting wider and more varied.
While there are no online casinos (which we can think of) currently accepting Bitcoin, it’s surely only a matter of time – and even presents an opportunity as the online gaming industry veers towards further technological advances. Otherwise, brands can diversify and strengthen their offered payment methods by accepting PayPal (a fan favorite), Skrill, Neteller and others, which are highly flexible, multi-currency and most importantly – popular with players.
