Gambling has existed for as long as humans have had valuable things they could wager. And as our technology has only continued to evolve, so have our gambling practices. Today, gambling reflects all that we’ve learned to do with technology, as well as changing social tastes.
The 2020s have been especially interesting as many casinos have more options to choose from and more ways to access these different services. In this article, we’ll touch on the different ways casinos have changed in the 2020s and how they might still change before the decade rounds up:
- Blockchain Influence
Blockchain technology was a highly underrated and sometimes controversial technology in the 2010s. While it gave us such popular assets as cryptocurrency and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), many derided it as a fad that would not last very long. However, blockchain technology has gone on to enjoy a lot of success in different industries, including casinos.
Notably, many more casinos accept cryptocurrency as a wagering currency alongside or even instead of fiat currency. The growing value of major tokens like Bitcoin, the speed of tokens like XRP, and the flexible payment structure of those like Ethereum have made it high in demand for players and their casinos as well. In the 2010s, another driver of blockchain use within the gambling sector has been a desire for privacy. Many online casino users will remember that signing up for a traditional online casino can be quite invasive. From providing government ID to proof of address, some would rather skip this process altogether.
Blockchain makes this possible through the establishment of no Know-Your-Customer (KYC) casinos. In this case, players have to link their crypto wallets to the platform in question and begin playing. As Hira Ahmed explains, online casinos with no document need are becoming immensely popular with players as they do not need to reveal this information. Instead, tokens can be deposited and withdrawn from their digital asset wallets quickly, and this is becoming much more common. Even beyond the 2020s, it’s likely that the use of blockchain will not just be novel but become increasingly expected.
- Artificial Intelligence
Another major technology in the last few years has been artificial intelligence. From the myriad of people turning to ChatGPT to the growing use of the technology within several industries, the gambling sector was bound to be influenced as well. Artificial intelligence is generally used to enhance the customer experience via support channels and recommendations.
The former sees customers able to chat with AI-powered support agents and have their queries answered. This means faster response times, which are fast becoming expected by consumers. In fact, spending on AI chatbots is expected to increase by 23% over the next few years.
The latter sees customer behaviour analyzed in real-time by the artificial intelligence and recommendations made. Using this technology, customers are more likely to be recommended games that they will enjoy, and it can help to increase consumer satisfaction. Moving forward, more consumers will expect hyperspecific recommendations and faster response times to their needs.
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Live casino games are much more popular and see various games played in an actual physical location and live-streamed to the customer. Then there are games like Crash and fish games that see customers engaging with virtual elements such as pixelated balls and floating fish. These have necessitated the use of virtual reality and augmented reality tools such as headsets.
These allow for a more hyper-realistic experience of the casino and bring the customer, even when playing virtually, closer to the traditional real-life casino feel. As augmented reality and virtual reality are only expected to grow in popularity over the next few years, we can expect that they will be useful within the gambling sector will thrive as well.
- Social Gaming
In the beginning, online gambling was seen as an individualistic affair, with players enjoying their games in isolation, wherever in the world they were playing from. But now, it’s more common to see social gaming implemented on various platforms. These include tournaments that see different players competing against each other or even in teams for large cash prizes. Then there are forums, social media platforms, and much more that allow players to have a sense of connection with each other based on the games they use or the platforms they enjoy.
Because more people online are searching for genuine community, various online casinos will have to further integrate this into their systems.
- Influencer Connection
Popular figures have always been brought on to endorse casinos of all kinds, but the rise of influencers has turned this on its head. On the one hand, we continue to see traditional celebrities endorse casinos and the like.
However, we’ve seen more influencers promoting various betting platforms, with Kick itself being funded by an online casino. But as influencer culture and its ability to sell an experience to customers only grow, more casinos will likely turn to them for borrowed credibility and visibility.
- Regulatory Developments
As all these take place, it is impossible to ignore the regulatory aspect. Every technology and even the influencers that are impacting casinos in the 2020s are being more strictly regulated and under a harsher microscope. Various countries and provinces around the world are beginning to declare their stances on iGaming and the like. While some places, such as Calgary in Canada, are embracing iGaming, others are doubling down on restricting it. The next few years will see casino-related regulation unravel even more, and soon, we will see the long-term effects.
