We have witnessed an increase in the popularity of online casinos of late. These digital formats are finding favor with prospective gamers due to a variety of reasons, which include comfort and convenience, anonymous participation, high-security aspect, and 24X7 accessibility. Online casinos have become very popular among gamblers that they are emerging as an existential threat for physical casinos. The year 2019 proved a game-changing year for online casinos and this year is expected to further add momentum in the popularity of this format of gambling.
A rise in Women Participation
In the year gone by, the number of women who participated in various gaming activities online was quite high. This can be attributed to the high literacy level among females, their exposure to the internet, awareness about the technology, and so forth. We have several empirical evidences in the public domain, suggesting that the number of women gamblers is rising at a faster rate than male gamblers. This increased participation of women is expected to rise further this year and it will be interesting to witness whether the magnitude of the increase will follow the historical trend or surpass the expected rate of adoption.
VR Technology
The evolution of technology has introduced the concept of virtual reality (VR) in online gaming, which is making the whole gaming experience far more enjoyable than before. In fact, research suggests that VR-based games are the fastest-growing segment in the gaming industry and this segment is sure to reach new heights in this calendar year.
Alternative Payment Mechanisms
One of the primary reasons behind the success of online casinos is their ability to provide alternative payment mechanisms to gamers. There are casino sites that offer a range of payment options to gamers and the casino’s customers highly regard this convenience. Among these alternative methods, especially using the cryptocurrency will enhance the safety aspect as transactions will remain anonymous and difficult to be traced.
Bets through Smartwatches
We are also expecting to witness changes in the habits of online gamblers this year as the availability of a number of options in this field is sure to make them choosy and savvy. To face the challenge of competition and enhanced competitiveness, online casinos are becoming increasingly technology oriented. Many online casinos offer the convenience of placing bets via a Smartwatch. The Smartwatch will not only place the bet but will also update the gamers about the important aspects of his/her bet on a real-time basis. This kind of technology integration will intensify more in the coming days.
Focus on Skills
Increasingly gamblers are becoming aware that gambling is not all about luck – the chances of winning in the game can be enhanced by continuous practice and skill upgrading. The focus is shifting towards acquiring skills to play the game better and this trend is expected to catch the fancy of more gamers in 2020.
Conclusion
The year 2020 is set to revolutionize online casinos. The influence of technology is expected to be dominating, which is sure to bode well for the future of this gaming industry. That said, some of the concerns and challenges are also worth considering, especially when it comes to complying with statutory provisions and regulatory agencies. The mindset and perspective of the governments towards online casinos are also going to play a crucial role in the direction the online gaming industry will head in this calendar year.
