Did you know that you can place real money bets and play online slots on your smartwatch? And what is most surprising, such an opportunity has existed since 2014, but only in 2020 it began to noticeably gain popularity. Modern smartwatches have become much more functional than even five years ago, and the choice of entertainment is already quite wide. Let’s talk about this trend, which is developing so rapidly in 2021.
The history of smartwatch gambling
The first online slots for smartwatches appeared in 2014. And the pilot game was developed by the world-famous company Microgaming. The concept was unveiled in early 2014 at the annual Mobile World Congress. At that moment, a small revolution took place in the world of online casinos and the trend began to take shape.
The first online slot adapted for watches is Thunderstruck, which is themed around the Scandinavian gods. Thor straight from Asgard is ready to pour gold coins to the lucky ones in their smartwatches.
This classic 5-reel game was available on the watch with the Android operating system. Initially, only a few models supported this feature. But if Thunderstruck was suitable for the watch, then the player received a version with full functionality, simply visually adapted for small screens and controlled by a small sensor. Bets, pay lines, payouts are absolutely the same as in versions for smartphones and desktops.
The next high-profile release for watches was The Dark Knight Rises from Microgaming. The game has also been adapted with all the features.
It seemed that smartwatch games had a great future ahead of them. But after a few years, the market for the devices collapsed. The gadgets were too expensive for most and too narrow in functionality. In addition, they were actually tied to the phone, and only a few models could fully replace a smartphone. All of this negatively affected sale. Accordingly, software developers did not strive to release games for such a narrow sector.
Fortunately, smartwatch makers have taken into account their mistakes. Many affordable models have appeared on the market, watches that have a fully functional operating system, their own access to the mobile Internet and can completely replace a smartphone. 2020 was a year of strong growth in the popularity of these devices. Software developers, including those who create online casino games and bookmaker apps, have released more original proposals.
Today, several large companies are already engaged in the creation of online slots for smartwatches, as well as convenient bookmaker applications. The most interesting and high-quality products are created by such giants as Playtech, Unibet, Ladbrokes and Microgaming. Now you can play not only on the Android watch, but also on the Apple Watch. Naturally, developers try to reach the maximum number of devices and users. But still, for each smartwatch model, you need to check the availability of the selected game installation.
Benefits of Online Watch Games
• Previously impossible multitasking
While playing in an online casino on a smartwatch, you can engage in any other type of activity without interrupting at all. The watch is always on the wrist, you do not need to pick it up and be distracted. Even if you are cooking, playing sports or actively participating in a party, it only takes a moment to see the result of a bet or start a new spin on the reels.
• Maximum simplicity
In apps for smartwatches, the developers have left only the essentials, because there is simply no place for everything else. You can’t go wrong where to click and you won’t be distracted by anything other than the gameplay. It is easy to understand the rules and control ways in literally seconds.
• Maximum concentration and minimum distractions
One glance is all you need to understand what’s going on in the game or in the bookmaker’s app. One moment to make a decision and one click to participate. No one will be annoyed and grumble that you are constantly sitting at the computer or do not let go of the phone for the sake of your favorite game. A couple of seconds to check the clock are perceived by those around them absolutely calmly, and the player is not distracted from their activity, allowing him to maintain a high concentration.
• Security
The watches sit securely on the wrist and most of the models are made sufficiently resistant to everyday shocks. Because of that, you do not have to worry that the device will accidentally fall out of your hands or someone will knock it out, as is the case with phones and laptops. The likelihood of theft is also minimal, so playing on smartwatches, you do not attract those who want to snatch the device from hands.
• Lack of distractions
No ads, pop-ups or messages! The interface of the smart watch’s system is rather laconic. When the bookmaker app or online slot is on the screen, you will not see any extraneous information.
Disadvantages of online casinos in smart watches
• Small screen
The smaller the screen, the less beauty and impressive special effects will fit on it. However, this is a problem with all ultra-portables, where all other options are cut for the sake of functionality.
• No sound or poor-quality sound
Another consequence of the compact size. Most watches have speakers as simple as possible. However, many players prefer to play without distraction, turning off the sound completely, so this disadvantage is not significant.
• Small selection of games
The direction of online slots for smartwatches is just evolving, so the selection of games is still small. Nevertheless, new items are gradually emerging, and this is an interesting opportunity to track the development of the direction almost at the start.
Market prospects for smartwatches online games
The creation of specialized slots and betting apps for smartwatches is a good business move. Experts note that already more than 60% of players use smartphones for entertainment, rather than laptops and PCs. Therefore, the next migration could be the transition from smartphones to smartwatch applications. This is really promising, given the growth in the functionality of devices in this segment. Shangri La Online Casino will follow the development of the smartwatch gaming market and share information with its readers. Stay tuned!
