How Technology Has Influenced the Gambling and Casino Industry
The gambling and casino industry stands out for its ability to keep up with the latest technological trends. It’s the primary reason this industry manages to stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at just how technology has influenced this growing industry.
Early casinos
The gambling and casino industry developed differently around the world. The eastern world started with dice games, while the west nurtured card games in saloons. The biggest change came in the 19th century when new technology allowed for the development of the slot machine.
Brick-and-mortar casinos
Between the 1930s and the 1990s, brick-and-mortar casinos reached new heights in popularity. Casino owners were running lucrative businesses, offering a wide variety of card, dice, and slot games.
It’s hard to think about casinos without imagining the neon lights of Las Vegas or the boardwalk of Atlantic City. The lights and electronic technology casinos used to advertise their establishments have become a signature. But the greatest technological influence on the casino industry was yet to come.
The rise in internet gambling
No one could have predicted the impact the internet would have in all walks of life, and the gambling industry has been no exception. Today, it’s easy to find a casino online. Online gambling has some obvious advantages, but the convenience of online casinos has led to a thriving enterprise.
Since casino games rely on the element of chance, computers can easily perform the calculations necessary to move games online. Very little data needs to be exchanged between the casino and the player, making it accessible to the masses. As a result, casinos can reach a greater number of players than ever before.
How online casinos have changed the face of the gambling industry
They reach a bigger audience
Prior to online casinos, there was a limited customer base. Would-be gamblers didn’t always have the ability to travel to a casino. Casinos themselves had huge overhead costs and required large volumes of staff.
Gambling has now reached a different demographic. Anyone with an internet connection can log on to play in an online casino, and you can play from anywhere in the world.
Better security
Anytime there is money involved, there are security concerns. The cases of fraud in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos were extensive. The advent of online casinos means better protection for consumers and significantly lower incidences of fraudulent activity.
In online casinos that are licensed and regulated, there are virtually no security issues. Encryption software and multiple payment options mean you can play and win without anyone taking your money.
Game variety
Technology leads to innovation. It’s impossible to list, or even count, the number of game variations available on different online casino platforms. Many gambling sites have developed user-friendly mobile apps that offer seamless gaming experiences for their customers. With more game options added each day, you can try something new every time you log on.
Mobile gambling
For gambling fanatics, technological advances have brought convenience that traditional casinos can’t provide. Gamblers no longer have to carry cash to play; they have electronic payment options. In addition, you don’t have to leave the house. This saves consumers both time and money.
Marketing
Advertising methods have changed drastically since it was first introduced into the gambling industry. Technology has changed the way gambling sites market themselves. Media outlets previously placed restrictions on how casinos were advertised, but no more. Gambling agencies can market their casinos any way they want to reach a global audience restriction-free.
VR and AR casino gaming
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has become integrated into online casinos. Popular casino games like slots, poker, and blackjack can be played via a Virtual Reality Handset to give players the ultimate live casino experience.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, could be the fastest-growing technology today, and it shows incredible potential for use in the gambling and casino industry. Customer experience is the leading trend that drives businesses, and online casinos are no exception.
AI uses chatbots within customer care portals to answer common customer questions. These bots are able to facilitate prompt responses and resolutions to payment issues, withdrawals, and website navigation.
Cryptocurrencies
A growing trend in online casinos is the option for customers to pay using electronic currencies or cryptocurrencies. It’s a form of cashless payment that allows players to use a third party to make transactions. It virtually eliminates any transfer of banking information, making it an incredibly secure way to gamble online. Many online casinos have taken this a step further and now offer bonuses and withdrawals in various electronic currencies.
Conclusion
Technology has paved the way for casinos to be more accessible than ever before. As it improves, there will be new innovations, new games, and newer safety measures that attract even more gamblers to online casinos. Given how far technology has come, there is every reason to think the best is yet to come.
