In the fast-paced world of iGaming, if you don’t embrace the trends, you’ll be left behind. Slotegrator, a leading software supplier and aggregator for online casino and sportsbook operators, shares a comprehensive analysis of the mega-trends that are expected to shape the rapidly evolving global online casino market in the near future.
Consumer needs have changed significantly. As players seek more engaging and immersive experiences, the industry is adopting new technologies to enhance gameplay, security, and entertainment like never before.
One big trend in iGaming is the tendency towards deeper immersion in virtual reality. This trend is key for player retention, and diving into it will help operators understand players’ expectations.
Let’s look through the list of the most exciting technologies which will shape the direction the iGaming industry takes in 2024:
- AI integrations & new formats. The global AI market is booming. Today, nearly 77 percent of devices use AI technology in one form or another. Global businesses are already investing in acquiring AI-powered tools for their businesses; according to market intelligence firm IDC Worldwide, companies’ expenses on AI-focused systems are anticipated to exceed $300 billion by 2026. By 2030, artificial intelligence will add $15.7 trillion to the world’s GDP, boosting it by 14 percent.
AI helps to scan and analyze target markets and audiences at unbelievable speeds, promote new products through marketing and advertising campaigns, support players, find risks, and protect online casinos from potential attacks. Moreover, AI-powered tools could greatly improve search engine optimization (SEO) by generating keywords, automating backlink analysis, and enhancing metafields. It’s not surprising that people are excited about AI and want to know more about it.
- VR & AR transformations. These innovations are revolutionizing the way online casinos operate, offering new and engaging gambling experiences. With VR, players can fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of a casino. Some casinos have already embraced AR to create three-dimensional versions of popular games, immersing players in the action.
- Blockchain technology is becoming a useful safety feature for online casinos. The clear and transparent nature of blockchain provides strong security for player information and transactions. Decentralization ensures tamper-proof records, increasing player confidence in game fairness and fund safety. Smart contracts enable automatic and accurate payouts, improving the overall gaming experience. Statistics indicate that every week, nearly 30,000 players engage in cryptocurrency-based gameplay at blockchain casinos, and that number continues to rise. The time is not far off when the majority will use blockchain technology exclusively.
- Mobile gaming. One of the biggest changes in iGaming over the past decade has been the rise of mobile. With just a smartphone, players can easily access online casinos wherever they are, and they’ve gotten used to the convenience of being able to place wagers on the go. This has prompted online casinos to invest significantly in crafting mobile-friendly platforms and applications that provide an unparalleled user experience.
An extraordinary breakthrough in the mobile gaming industry is the development of Telegram casinos. Telegram Casino from Slotegrator offers an alternative to conventional casino websites through an AI-powered chatbot, seamlessly integrated into the messenger platform.
The main difference between navigating a standard casino website and interacting with a bot is simplicity. Telegram’s chatbots let players effortlessly register, choose a game, and play directly through the app.
- Metaverse casinos. In 2024, metaverse casinos will become an increasingly common format for modern online casinos. The metaverse is connected to a range of technologies, including cryptocurrency, AI, VR, and AR, enabling real-time interactions and diverse activities beyond gaming. Metaverse casinos reimagine the online casino experience with cutting-edge Web3 technology.
At their core, metaverse casinos combine a VR interface, digital ownership, and avatars, resulting in a visually immersive virtual realm for play, shopping, and social interactions. Within these virtual casinos, players can personalize their avatars, participate in social engagements, and enjoy bonuses, providing an unparalleled level of engagement and personalization.
“It’s interesting to discover the potential of new technologies to build communities, personalize the gaming experience, create unbelievable impressions and retain players. An iGaming world is one of the first to test new technologies and innovations in action, so we have all the opportunities to strengthen not only iGaming products, but the entire industry,” says Dmytro Taran, COO at Slotegrator.
You can read more interesting details about the future of mobile gaming at Slotegrator Academy.