The online space has been with us for quite a few decades this is also true for online gambling. Ever since the invention of the World Wide Web, technology has grown at a rapid rate as tech companies continue to innovate and evolve. This evolution has seen the rise of online communities as more and more people have taken to working remotely.
With this advancement, we have seen regulations and laws change around gambling with some American states legalizing online gambling and adapting to advancements within the industry. In this relatively short history, we take a look at how online gambling has evolved over the last 20 years.
The 90’s
The first online casinos sprung to life in the mid to late 1990s as the internet became more accessible to the general public. The first casino games were based on traditional card games like blackjack, slots, and roulette. These games had very simple graphics and slow gameplay back in the early years due to the limitations of technology at that time.
Fast Forward
With technological advancements over the next two decades, we saw an industry rapidly evolve. Online casino games saw improvements in speed due to faster internet connections and far better graphics. Flash technology introduced more immersive gaming, but it was and replaced by HTML5. The user experience had improved significantly, resulting in a large migration of players to online platforms.
On The Go
Wherever we are, we are always connected thanks to our mobile devices. With this, mobile gaming has become a massive industry, and online casinos have recognized this with the development of mobile casino applications and websites that are compatible for those wanting to play on the go.
Innovation
Gaming design and technology advanced, and developers incorporated 3-D animation into games. Customers now had a more realistic representation of casino games. These integrations created a more realistic and engaging playing experience.
Advancements over the years have continued to lead to an increase in the variety of games on offer. For example:
- Themed slots incorporate different themes from movies, fantasy sports or the latest pop culture.
- Virtual scratch cards are similar to the physical version. A popular game in the online gambling community.
- Arcade-style games with similar graphics and music.
- Keno is a lottery-style game involving guessing a series of numbers between 1 and 80 that are randomly generated in a draw.
- Betting traditional sports betting has been incorporated into online casinos along with E-sports betting. Thanks to technology, sports matches have also become simulated through computer algorithms and random number generators to create fair yet unpredictable games.
Live Dealer Games
Video technology has also rapidly developed, and companies have harnessed this to better the player experience. This technology has allowed for the introduction of live dealers for traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Players can interact with the live dealers as they would in a traditional casino setting, thanks to improved technology. As a result, the customer experience is a more authentic approach to gambling online.
Blockchain Technology And Cryptocurrency
Online security is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and it is no different with casinos that operate online. Certain online platforms have embraced cryptocurrency and blockchain technology for their security benefits, transparency, and quick transaction times.
Compliance and Regulations
As technology has advanced, the need for new regulations and laws has risen. Online casinos have had to adapt to these changes in rules and regulations to ensure that they remain legal and compliant with their relevant jurisdictions. Reputable online establishments will ensure that their operation meets all legal requirements and obligations protecting the customer.
Introduction of AI And Machine Learning
A hot topic across the globe, everyone is talking about .
In the gambling industry, AI is being used to further develop games. The intention is to personalize the gaming experiences for the individual and provide better security for customers through fraud detection.
A more common aspect of AI is the use of chatbots which provide instant help to players for any questions or issues. The use of bots has helped in dealing with more simple queries, allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks that need resolving.
Game developers have used machine learning to create more dynamic and entertaining games that immerse the player in the environment. The intent is to bring a more realistic feel to online casinos that mimic being in an actual casino.
Current Industry Trends
With Flash being sidelined, the go-to for online casinos has been HTML5 technology. It is far more secure and is compatible with other platforms. It has removed the need for web browser plugins and allows for offline data storage. The result is a better user experience.
There has been an effort to include a more social aspect within platforms. Organizations have started introducing some of the following:
- Multiplayer modes, such as tournaments where players can play against each other.
- In-game chat functions where players can chat with each other or send emoji reactions during gameplay.
- Social media integrations enable players to share their experiences, wins or statistics.
- Leaderboards that showcase players who are excelling in their respective games. These could be local or global, depending on the establishment’s reach.
An early adoption of new technologies and industry trends has kept players engaged in online gambling. A rise in social media has seen many industries try to incorporate aspects of this in their businesses, leading to growth in audience and customer retention.
The Future
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, online casinos will continue to evolve their user experience for the better. Groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) technology is set to change the industry for the better, especially in , or slots as they’re commonly called outside of New Zealand and Australia. Players will be transported into virtual casino environments that mimic the real world from just about anywhere in the world.
Looking Ahead
Technology plays a critical role in the online casino industry. From security to gameplay, technology is all about the end-user experience. With an estimated 233.7m users, the industry is set to sustain growth by a whopping $131.90bn by the end of 2027. Online casinos will continue to adapt and innovate to retain their customers and create a positive experience for players.