The online gambling industry has experienced a complete renaissance over the course of the last decade, as it has gone from something of an oddity available in a few countries to an increasingly popular pastime in most countries around the world. Much has changed globally and in the world of online gambling over the course of the last 10 years. Keep reading for a retrospective, a breakdown of the factors that led to such monumental changes, and a look to the future.
Looking back in time
Digital gambling first began 27 years ago with very bulky systems that allowed gamblers to play simple games. The systems were large and unwieldy, and supported the most basic graphics. Since then, a lot has changed, and changed quickly. Even since 2010, there have been major advances in the online gambling industry, including the jurisdictions that allow online gambling, the technology available, the quality of the interface and the security of the systems.
In 2010 and 2011, online casinos were – compared to today’s online casinos – rather sorry affairs. The online casinos had very few games available for gamblers, they could be hacked more easily, the payment methods were less accommodating, and the graphics and audio were much less engaging. There were also only a few platforms available and in order to become popular they engaged in some possibly questionable advertising practices.
New technology, new laws
Anyone who remembers online gambling a decade ago can tell you that the technology was not the best. Although the platforms were state of the art for their time, the user experience, graphics and security of desktop and mobile sites are now much more improved. Since the technology has become easier to use, the safety features have also improved so that sensitive user details such as personal and financial information is protected. The ubiquity of smartphones and devices also means that more people have access to the internet than ever before, and as a result, more people are likely to try online gambling.
Another factor that has seriously advanced the online casino industry has been the increasing liberalisation of online gambling legislation around the world. The last two years, in particular, have seen a massive wave of change as more and more local, state and national governments look to new sources of funding and elect to give online gambling a try. This has allowed more people than ever to legally try online gambling and decide for themselves if they enjoy it.
New companies, all the time
There are now many, many more online casinos than there were in 2010 and 2011, and this allows gamblers to shop around and find the best casino for their interests. Gamblers may prefer one casino to another because of the contents of its games library, the bonuses and promotions available, or the platform specs and security options.
One of the hottest online casinos available online now is SkyCity Online Casino, which you can find here. SkyCity has topped ratings charts across New Zealand because of its wide-ranging library of games and its competitive bonuses, which really set it apart from the competition. It is unsurprising then that it should be considered a prime example of an online casino to emulate for other online gambling platforms that are just starting out.
Looking to the future
The future of online gambling is extremely exciting for gamblers, online casinos and investors who are looking for the next big advance in entertainment. It is likely that more and more people will start using online casinos for gambling and for entertainment as the technology is continuing to improve, and increasing numbers of jurisdictions are creating more gambling-friendly legislation.
The increase in competition will lead to a larger market and could force online casino companies to be a little more inventive in order to set themselves apart from their competitors. There are many different ways in which online casinos can transform themselves, but one of the most exciting innovations in the pipeline is the potential inclusion of augmented reality and virtual reality, or AR and VR, into online gambling.
Online casinos that include AR and VR options will allow gamblers to feel as if they are physically in a casino, and could make the casino appear to be set in any historical era or place around the world. No matter what happens, you can be sure that the innovations ahead in the online casino industry will continue to increase the fun and excitement of your gambling experience.
