These days it’s easier to access, more secure, better to look at, and more fun.
1. It’s been around since the mid-’90s
Early versions of online casinos weren’t great: They couldn’t guarantee to protect your data and offered fewer opportunities than traditional gaming spaces. However, developers quickly caught on to the need for higher security, better graphics and more gaming features so that players had a better experience.
2. It’s a truly multi-platform experience
In the early years of online casinos, users needed to download software in order to play. This wasn’t compatible with all operating systems, took a while to download the first time, and occupied hard disk space. Smartphones improved things, though users still had to download an app to access games. Then more recently, HTML5 software was introduced, which allows you to play from your browser, whether you’re on mobile or computer, making it an easily accessible, multi-platform experience.
3. It’s growing faster than gambling in general
More people are gambling overall – from 2009 to 2015, there was an increase of around 30 per cent – but the market value of online casino playing doubled in the same time period, according to market-research agency Statista. By 2020, it is expected that the market will grow another 30% at least. New users can get more variety and gaming benefits like promotions, plus sophisticated graphics.
4. Technology is going to improve things even further
It’s hard to predict what will happen next since technology develops so quickly. What’s guaranteed is that things are going to get better. Virtual reality offers a major opportunity, and developers like NetEnt and Microgaming are working on introducing elements to create a ‘virtual world’ for slots, live-dealer games and other forms of gambling too. There could also be new gaming styles that are only possible with the advent of virtual-reality technology.
5. Security, reliability and trustworthiness are still paramount
User experience, whizzy graphics and futuristic functionality are important, but feeling confident that your data is secure and you’ll always be able to play, without crashes, is the top concern. The companies that will be best poised to garner new audiences are the ones they can rely on.