Online gambling continues to build momentum with no end in sight. This is in part thanks to new technologies rising up to keep players engaged and entertained. In this article, we analyze some of these top trends shaping the future of online gambling and avenues to consider investing for a shot at some gains.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to catch on everywhere, and online gambling is no exception. The technology, along with machine learning, collects data from players for a much more personalized experience.
As AI learns more about a customer, it can offer specific games or bonuses it feels will speak to that person. The player feels like they’ve found a spot they belong, and more play time leads to more money for the casino.
Chatbots powered by AI provide a deeper level of communication to players and can help address needs. These are light years better than the bland chatbots of yesteryear that leave customers frustrated. AI keeps customers happy, wait times down, and casinos can keep costs down by hiring fewer staff.
This new tech comes with a boost to security protocols, as well. Machine learning algorithms are getting really good at detecting fraudulent behavior in games or behind the scenes. Fair play protects both the casino and players’ funds from unscrupulous characters.
Be on the lookout for AI companies making a name for themselves in this space. We’ve already seen the impact of ChatGPT (keep an eye out for an IPO date), but who knows how many others are rising to the challenge. Some AI companies may specifically target customer support or the gambling industry.
Mobile Devices
Everyone and their grandma has a smartphone nowadays. It’s no surprise that online gambling experiences are extending services to mobile devices.
Now people can play their favorite mobile games not just at home but anywhere within range of WiFi or a cell tower. These programs keep tabs on a user’s status to make getting back into the action as easy as clicking a button.
Many virtual casinos are rolling out mobile-exclusive apps and features to fuel the mobile sensation that much more. By optimizing software for phones and tablets, players can emulate tossing dice or spinning the roulette wheel
Still others link mobile devices and social media. This encourages players to engage with the brand on their phones through other apps for promo deals or free stuff.
The rise of gambling on mobile devices comes with a bunch of opportunities for people to invest. There’s the big name device manufacturers along with social media companies or game developers touting good products. You could also look into infrastructure providers or emerging mobile tech.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Why not stay in the comfort of your own home while feeling like you’re actually at the casino? Virtual and augmented reality can accomplish just that.
Virtual reality (VR) creates a completely immersive experience through the use of a headset. It blocks out the world around the player and transports them to a digital casino similar to what you’d find in the real world. Hand-held devices make it possible to reach out and pull levels or throw dice.
Similarly, augmented reality (AR) lays the digital casino right over the top of the real world. More of a hybrid between real and digital, it’s possible to see virtual slot machines or the poker table through glasses or a smartphone.
This tech’s been around for a minute or two, but casinos are starting to see the appeal to their customer base. Customers can even walk around and interact with other players to add to the experience.
Companies leading the way in VR and AR as the tech grows in popularity may be worth investing in should they go public. VR and AR have many more uses in gaming and simulation than just online gambling, increasing their appeal that much more.
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain
Bitcoin, anyone? Cryptocurrencies are growing in popularity across multiple fronts as a payment method. The trend’s already taking off in online gambling, where players can do crypto deposits and withdrawals instead of using traditional currency.
Transactions with digital coins are fast and cheap, two barriers that can prevent folks from playing online. Blockchain technology can log all transactions in an online casino, adding a layer of security customers won’t find elsewhere. Players can also trade anonymously for extra personal protection.
That’s not all blockchain technology can do. Gamers can set up conditions that automatically execute after being met. Automatically moving money from the betting pool to a digital wallet saves time and limits the risk of losing too much money.
You can invest directly in most cryptocurrencies, especially popular ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They’re tried, tested, and have already made a lot of people tons of money. Whether these coins have more growth potential is hard to say, but many other cryptos are rising up to challenge these greats. Finding the right ones could be very beneficial for your pocketbook.
If crypto isn’t your jam, you’re still in luck. There are many sites that give you the option to link your Visa credit or debit card to. Many of these sites picked by experts from gamblingsites.com feature exclusive bonuses you can’t get anywhere else.
Non-fungible Tokens
Online gambling sites and apps may partner with digital artists for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to make their experiences stand out. NFTs are unique pieces of digital art players can acquire to customize cards, avatars, slot machines, and just about anything else you can think of.
Each NFT comes with a unique digital identifier recorded on a blockchain. These digital assets can’t be replicated and are authenticated to an owner. Customers can show off their digital bling while at an online casino on the web or as part of a VR platform.
Just like physical objects, players can trade or sell their NFTs to others whenever they wish. NFTs carry value, and savvy collectors can make money buying low and selling for a higher cost.
Final Thoughts
The future’s already here for online gambling. Artificial intelligence, NFTs, and mobile apps offer a unique experience you can’t get elsewhere. Virtual and augmented reality leave you feeling like you’re actually in the casino, and cryptocurrencies simplify the payment process. With all this tech, there’s little reason to even step foot in an actual building anymore.
Best of all, this tech isn’t still being created. It’s already here, and online casinos are in the process of implementing it as we speak. Expect to see many new projects and applications make an appearance as the year presses on. New innovations are appealing in other areas, as well. Even if you don’t plan to gamble your cash at the casino itself, there’s money to be had in each of these trends.