Worldwide Trends to Be Aware of That Are Moulding the iGaming Industry

Online gambling industry has always been a fast-changing environment dependent on technology to deliver its promise, so it’s only natural that it continues to evolve in response to the latest trends. In fact, we could argue that the pace of change is accelerating together with the overall growth of this sector. Websites and apps offering casino games like slots and poker are increasingly become more sophisticated and user-friendly, introducing smart features that make life easier for the players.

The trends are progressing fast, so if you haven’t played online games of chance recently you might not be aware of the major forces that are shaping the industry in 2024 and beyond. We’ll help you stay up to date and understand the direction in which the industry is heading.

Gaming is Going Crypto

There was already a race between gambling websites to offer a wider variety of payment methods than the competition, but this year the expansion was mostly focused on various crypto coins. Bitcoin payments are quite common on sites of this nature for a while, and they are now increasingly available alongside a dozen or more crypto options. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies allowed at online gaming sites are Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Tether, etc.

It’s easy to see the appeal – crypto payments are fast and anonymous, which makes them well-suited for transactions in iGaming. Players can effortlessly move money internationally using crypto, and the funds typically arrive within minutes. This method allows the players to bypass traditional banks and instead rely on decentralised finance to control their money. Many online casinos even have special bonuses to incentivise their users to make crypto deposits and withdrawals.

The Rules Are Getting Stricter

Online gambling is becoming more socially acceptable, but at the same time more strictly regulated. In many jurisdictions around the world national regulators are catching up with modern advances and requiring casinos sites to fulfil obligations aimed at preventing money laundering, compulsive gambling, and other chronic issues associated with this industry. The goal is to hold the providers accountable and weed out those that operate illegally.

In particular, the rules regarding responsible gambling mechanisms are becoming more effective. Multiple countries including the UK and Canada have specialised programs for helping individuals struggling with a gambling addition to avoid the temptation of continuing to play and rack up losses. Most websites now offer self-exclusion schemes that keep the player away from the games, so there are more resources available to control the negative impact of gambling than ever before.

Hybridization of Games

After years of trying to outdo each other by sheer number of offered games, many casino websites now look very similar to each other. Traditional casino games in all variations are present at practically every casino app, so to differentiate the providers have to offer something new. In 2024, there are visible efforts to introduce new elements to classic casino games, including some that are directly borrowed from other genres of games.

For example, many real-money games now feature role-playing elements and allow players to collect points and upgrade their profiles. Live games are another category that is quickly expanding and now includes some games that wouldn’t be expected in an iGaming context, for example those inspired by popular TV shows. The resulting games feel fresh and exciting, and represent a much needed departure from endless repetition that marked the previous era of game development.

Socializing While Playing

While online gambling is generally a solitary activity, that is slowly changing as the providers offer more opportunities for shared experiences. When the site members are able to communicate with each other and directly compete amongst themselves, they are more likely to remain loyal to the site where they met. Social features positively impact engagement and player satisfaction, and iGaming companies are trying to make their platforms look more like social media sites in order to keep the activity level high.

There are numerous examples how this can be done. From tournaments in skill-based games such as poker or blackjack to interactive tools for direct communication like chat windows and forums, players have a plethora of ways to connect with others who are playing on the same site. Due to positive feedback from the users, we can expect social features at gambling sites to become even more essential over the next couple of years.

AI-Driven Gaming Is Around the Corner

Artificial intelligence made a big splash in 2023, and has since then penetrated almost every area of business, entertainment, or life. So far, iGaming industry still exploring how best to use generative AI to improve customer experience and streamline the technical side. The first results are already visible – there are smart chatbots taking care of customer service completely automatically.

If this year marked the beginning of AI impact on online gambling, the trend is nearly certain to accelerate as soon as next year. New, more powerful models are being released while iGaming companies are devising new ways to benefit from them. We are headed into an exciting era of AI-driven gaming and we won’t have to wait too long to witness it.

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.

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