2021 is already coming to an end. Let’s explore what new regulations and trends have been established this year — and what’s here to stay. Let’s start with a few instances of the former. This year,
- Austria planned a gambling reform, with proposals to introduce an independent regulator to the market, establish new algorithms of website blocking, and put more measures into protecting players.
- New York has finally approved 10-years licenses for nine sports betting companies, joining nine states that have recognized mobile wagering. (Another sign mobile gambling is developing at a great pace — overall, online sports betting tax revenue will increase up to almost $500M by the start of 2025.) Also, a reminder: mobile betting in general also became legal in New York in 2021.
- The Gambling Commission in the UK made a package of changes aimed to protect casino players and outright banned, among other things, several features of online slots. For instance, that’s features that make it seem like players control the outcomes; the speed of spin that’s faster than 2.5 seconds; auto-play; fake “happy win!” messages when a player hasn’t actually won anything; etc. Read more about other changes here. The Commission started to oversee if online casinos comply with the new rules starting from November 1.
But that’s only a small part of the gambling transformations that you can expect this year. There are also a couple of innovations and updates in the online casino industry in terms of technology. The industry is affected by the wider adoption of cryptocurrency, and thus, a switch to provably fair tech is already happening. The European Business Review says artificial intelligence now helps distribute loyalty points and bonuses, improve customer service via chatbots, and prevent fraud as well.
Let’s talk more about new exciting things in the industry.
VR/AR and AI in Online Casinos
You may know or have heard about VR and AR technologies. They are often used in video and mobile games. But technological progress has also forced online casinos to implement these innovations. VR has entered the gambling market with the introduction of virtual casinos where gamblers can interact with each other using special equipment. AR provides a better live gambling experience connecting digital objects with real objects, like making it seem like there are real cards on your real-life kitchen table. These technologies will continue to be used as they positively impact sales of gaming-related products and services. Due to their engagement potential, they also attract more new users and retain the existing ones.
AI, as it’s already been mentioned, allows casinos to attract new customers via:
- Customizing offers by remembering user behavior and predicting the types of games users would like;
- Fighting against problem gambling and scammers hence improving casino brand’s reputation;
- Tracking and exploring gambler activities that provides a basis for user-centric customization of casino services;
- Automating communication with clients by integrating chatbots;
All of these, as you can see, aim to boost the gaming process and provide a better user experience.
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain in Online Casinos
Blockchain and cryptocurrencies have already become a perfect match for online casinos. Decentralized technologies will remain a go-to option for gambling providers, ‘cause they help to maintain top-level payment security.
Introducing cryptocurrencies, gambling operators get the following advantages:
- Players don’t have to provide sensitive information — or personal information; at all. This guarantees privacy and anonymity;
- All transactions are performed in the blink of an eye. There are either low commissions or none at all.
Plus, blockchain technologies don’t just provide the highest security measures and fastest payments — they also make casinos transparent and fair. Blockchain keeps records of all gaming operations, so online casinos have nothing to hide from their players and they can’t manipulate the gaming outcomes: blockchain’s “sections” of information are unchangeable by design. Blockchain also makes it almost impossible for hackers to get into casino systems.
Mobile and Social Gaming
Social casinos are becoming quite popular too. In 2021, they’ve already grown into a huge powerful community — within Discord, Telegram, and other specialized chats and discussion boards within online casinos themselves. Social gamblers will be able to accept game challenges, play slots, blackjack, and other games within the community.
Gambling via mobile phones remains relevant this year. Since online casinos kept developing mobile apps, the number of mobile gamblers significantly increased. Almost all modern smartphones and tablets can freely access the Internet.
People no longer visit computer clubs to make bets on sports events or play their favorite casino games. It’s enough to just connect to the web via mobile devices. That’s why mobile gambling will be a top trend in 2021 and further — in particular, within the niche of e-sports betting.
On a Final Note
In this article, we reviewed the main gambling trends in 2021. As you can see, the key online gambling disruptors are still blockchain and cryptocurrencies, VR, AR and AI technologies, mobile and social casinos. Mobile gambling is on the rise, with the new regulations from governments aimed to support those who enjoy playing through this medium.