If you think we are already living in the future, you are not wrong. Some might find it to be dystopian and others to bring prosperity in years to come, but one thing’s for sure – the future is so close we can touch it. We all know future and technological innovations come hand in hand, so no wonder new improvements cast a bright neon light on the iGaming industry.
Will the light blind us, or show us the way, we asked Anna Rosak. Rosak is one of the leading experts in the world of online gaming in Poland, a woman that, according to many, has seen it all: the rise and fall of brands, markets, and suppliers, as well as flourishing innovations and new tech.
Real vs. Potential Impact
“When talking about future trends in mobile casino and desktop gaming industries, it is of crucial importance to understand the difference between the potential impact and the real impact”, Says Rosak immediately after we cracked the topic. “We’ve been witnessing a huge transformation in the past decade when players definitely prefer mobile versions of products, with the example being mobile casinos (or kasyna mobilne, as we call them in Polish).”
The potential impact is one that is still more theoretical than practical. For instance, we can think that green cars will increase in popularity, but for now, it is an innovation that still hasn’t hit the mainstream.
On the other hand, the real impact is measurable and very much alive, in every sense of the word. As an example, she mentions touchscreens, which helped smartphones evolve and replace our desktop computers and many other devices.
“Real impact is already visible, but the potential impact leaves a lot of room for discussion. It can also happen, it never reaches the full potential”, explains the expert.
So what are the trends and technologies that will reshape the world of iGaming as we know it?
Artificial Intelligence for a More Personalized Approach
As the first technology that will change the gambling landscape, Rosak mentions artificial intelligence. However, she warns, it is still a far cry from what we saw in Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence movie.
“It is not so sophisticated, but it is already displaying a powerful impact. Thanks to learning algorithms, and even as simple innovations such as web cookies, players are bombarded with games they will love, and bonuses they can’t refuse, all based on their previous actions and moves”, says Anna.
She also warns there are some important things to be discussed, first and foremost being the ethical aspect of artificial intelligence. “Will AI software send messages to a gambler in rehab? Do they understand time limits? It is okay to put players under pressure by suggesting more and more games. The time will tell”, concerned is Anna.
Virtual Reality – The New World We Live In
Another new trend in gaming, albeit one making its first baby steps, is virtual reality. Announced as a breakthrough discovery since the 1980s, it is still struggling to become a part of the mainstream iGaming scene.
The main reason for it is the limited selection of VR entertainment in general, including iGaming, compared to the high price of gizmos and gadgets required to enjoy it. Also, once the novelty wears off, many players find themselves stuck between the rock and the hard place: they spent money on something they don’t necessarily like.
“There just aren’t enough casinos and games out there to justify the entire VR frenzy”, Anna told us, “Things are moving forward but at a snail’s pace. For now, the impact of VR sets is still potential, rather than real, despite experts praising it as the next big thing.”
She believes things will change when t VR sets start providing good value for money, and once when casinos decide to implement VR rooms on larger scales. There is potential, but it yet has to be reached, she told us.
Live Game Tables for Daily Dose of Glamour
On the other hand, there are also live casino games. Powered by specialized companies, the broadcast casino tables 24/7. Professional dealers, located in lavish studios, gather online crowds and introduce games just as if they were in a retail casino on the Vegas Strip. According to many, the fact we have live casinos is what stops VRs from becoming a thing. So, naturally, we asked Anna what she thinks of it.
“It is not “this” or “that” kind of situation, but I do agree that the price of VR sets is not justified, as you get a pretty solid experience with paying for the bet at your lone casino. Also, let’s not forget that many live games capitalize on augmented reality and add virtual elements that make them even more appealing,” reveals the expert.
In the end, Anna thinks there is room for all these trends, but it is on both casinos and gamers to embrace them, and make the most out of them.
