Online casinos have become more functional, perfect and progressive in recent years. However, progress over the past year, one might say, was forced. 2020 is sure to be included in the history books, as the COVID-19 pushed the online gaming direction to accelerate development. The virus has hit many industries, shutting down some of the largest and oldest businesses. Online casinos have become a positive exception. Due to the quarantine, many players have switched from playing in land-based units to online casinos. Some of the new players have chosen gambling sites, fleeing the forced idleness.
As more and more people use their devices for entertainment, developers strive to give players something new or improved as soon as possible, ahead of the competition. It is expected that in the next few years there will be a revolutionary update of online casino technology. But first things first.
Here are the things that will be trending in 2021.
User Interest Is Shifting Towards Mobile Games
Mobile games are taking over the market faster and faster. Over the past year, the number of mobile casino users has increased by 58%. Modern phones have high-speed Internet connection, powerful hardware and wider screens, so they are very convenient for entertainment. Many online casinos have taken advantage of this by launching their own mobile applications with full functionality, similar to the desktop versions of sites. They give easy and quick access to games and bets.
Players love mobile applications, because they are convenient, they allow you to play in online casinos on your phone without leaving home and on the road. Experts unanimously say that the mobile casinos number will increase dramatically in the coming years. Thanks to HTML5, everyone can play in a mobile casino just like in a desktop one. So, the Shangri La mobile application has already appeared.
Since the pandemic’s start, the online casino market has attracted an incredible number of people. And along with the demand, the number of games has increased. Now there are more virtual sports, game slots, varieties of poker and card games on gambling sites. The situation will be similar in the coming years. Most likely, we will have more new products, including completely new casino games types.
According to research estimates, the mobile casino games industry will occupy about 59% of the total gaming market in 2021. We can see evidence of this, as the market online casinos share has increased by 13.2% from 2019 to 2020. By the end of 2020, industry growth has reached $ 67.5 billion.
As experts predict that there will be quarantine measures in 2021, online games will gain more popularity. The industry is expected to reach $ 93 billion by 2023.
Legalization in countries where online casinos have been banned for a long time
During the pandemic, several countries adopted laws to legalize online casinos. This is due to the fact that citizens showed an increased interest in this area during the forced quarantine period. And a reasonable decision was made to legalize, thereby killing two birds with one stone: to get the people’s approval and earn significant taxes amounts from online casinos.
After 11 years of ban, casinos and online casinos are legalized in Ukraine. As a result, Ukraine became one of the last countries in Europe to open this direction for its citizens. Even countries as strict as the United States and New Zealand, which have banned online gambling for a very long time, have recently started selling licenses for gambling sites. Since citizens have expressed a desire to spend their free funds in this way, the online casino industry future looks very promising.
Blockchain Games Are Gaining Popularity
We got a new trend: casino sites are accepting cryptocurrency. Some are even phasing out other forms of payment in 2021.
Blockchain users will receive special rewards because many gambling sites are introducing special welcome bonuses for those using crypto payments.
In addition, analysts suggest that the blockchain system will solve the problems of trust between players and casino sites. Since the blockchain has a detailed history of records, players can access the complete history of transactions. This approach will allow you to make sure that the system has paid all the winnings and see if there is any suspicious activity.
It is expected that in 2021, casinos will take advantage of this opportunity, because it is the fastest and safest payment method.
Responsible Gaming at Online Casino
More and more sites are concerned about their players’ welfare, and early detection of game abuse. Large websites and brands with a long history have been implementing the Responsible Gaming program for several years. And with a huge stream of new users pouring into playgrounds in 2020, sites have tripled in force to connect to a smart system to protect their players interests to prevent addiction and abuse.
In highly regulated markets in the UK and Sweden, operators are already required to comply with responsible gaming standards. Many gaming platforms join the program voluntarily. In order to take care of customers, age limits are established, advertising tools are strictly regulated, which help to limit gaming activities and even exclude yourself from the game. One of the conditions, surprisingly, is a decrease in “welcome” bonuses, since they are most often “bite” by visitors who are prone to manifestation of addiction.
AR and VR – Augmented and Virtual Reality Enters the Market
Augmented reality and virtual reality have already had an impact on the entertainment and gaming industry, and are now gradually being introduced into online casinos. Sites using these technologies allow players to experience a “complete immersion” in the gameplay, which takes the gaming experience to a whole new level.
With the help of AR and VR, players can virtually visit casinos, play in slot machines and other familiar games as if in reality. These same technologies allow you to interact with other players and employees in real time.
VR games are gradually appearing in online gambling, they are improving and changing the entire industry face. So far, such games have not become widespread due to technical limitations. But many sites are expected to bring VR games to their libraries in the nearest future.
Virtual reality support gives the impression that a person is playing in a real gaming hall. True, such an experience requires virtual reality devices such as glasses, gloves, helmets, headphones, and more. But with their help, you can enjoy online games like never before. A number of sites have already set their sights on providing a very special and exclusive experience, so operators are willing to invest in upgrades. According to one expert estimate, virtual reality will bring in up to $ 250 million by 2021.
Esports Is Gaining Momentum
Recently, sports betting, including virtual sports and esports, has taken the largest share of the gambling market. In 2021, the trend will continue as more and more players place bets on their favorite sports matches such as football, cricket, basketball, as well as their favorite computer players or team competitions in WoW, CS GO, LoL and others.
With cheap phones and fast internet, the industry is expected to grow even faster. In 2020, esports has grown tremendously all over the world. Experts are confident that the trend will not abate as gambling sites attract players with large bonuses, cashback programs and incentives.
Development of bonus programs
As online casinos attract an avalanche-like growing players number, competition between operators and specific sites intensifies. While the developers are racking their brains over new games and directions, gambling sites are looking for ways to attract them to their open spaces.
Many casinos have found that they can create large incentives to attract users. Sites began to offer no deposit bonuses, which allows beginners to place bets even without depositing money into their personal account. Bonus systems are getting more and more inventive. You can get money to your account for a regular game, for inviting a new user, for participating in a competition, and so on.
Live Dealer Games Are Trending
Players are looking for new ways to get the most realistic gaming experience possible. And during the period when it was necessary to stay at home, many drew attention to the fact that in online casinos you can communicate with real people. Live dealer games have brought the feeling of being in some of the most luxurious casinos.
Visitors can talk with live dealers in online chat; in some games, correspondence with table neighbors is also available. The organizers provide shooting from different angles and broadcasting sound in excellent quality. All of these features make dealer games so “real”.
New Game Types
As we mentioned above, the competition among developers and operators is enormous, with hundreds of the best companies competing for the players. And nothing is as catchy as new items! So get ready in 2021 to see new types of games or old ones, but with new features and goodies.
Thousands of online slots now have features that were previously only available in console games. Games have appeared where not only luck and the case are important, but also skills or abilities. And slots can now find the functionality of arcade games, shooters, sports games or racing. What’s next? Stay tuned for updates with Shangri La online casino!
