The Internet, to one degree or another, has changed the behavior of completely different business sectors, and gambling has not been spared either. Online gambling is a promising industry – especially considering the closure of many land-based halls due to the pandemic. This sector attracts many new operators, which generates increased competition in the market.
The popularity of online gambling is not surprising: virtual casinos and betting sites are available and very easy to use. Thus, over the past fifteen years, the segment’s revenue has more than tripled. The gross online gambling revenue is expected to reach $ 108 billion in 2025, which corresponds to 20% of all gambling revenues. This is a significant increase considering that the 10% share was only exceeded in 2016.
The online gambling new forms emergence
With the rapidly growing number of gambling platforms to choose from, operators have to make every effort to be the most attractive to their customers. This means not only introducing new, exciting products, but also updating existing favorites, as well as constantly looking for ways to make every game more interesting and engaging.
Here are some of the new trends in online casino development using the latest technology that will surely delight players:
- Slots are the most popular entertainment among users of virtual gambling platforms. With players becoming more demanding, manufacturers are constantly working to improve their offerings. Slots are becoming more functional, realistic and creative. However, the main trend in the coming years will be the emergence of skill slots. The main improvements are the addition of 3D images, bright graphics and various options. Such games not only help to relax, but also help develop the intellectual abilities of users
- The next stage in the development of online gambling was live casinos. Here players sit at the tables, play and can communicate with opponents. A real dealer follows the gameplay, which creates the feeling of being completely immersed in a real game. Live casinos use special studios, from where online broadcasts are streamed and special 3D cameras to ensure maximum immersion in the game.
- Due to the cancellation of many real sporting events, e-sports is now gaining a huge popularity. While traditional sports are under quarantine, computer game tournaments continue online. And if tens of thousands of spectators come to stadiums, then the audience for top e-sports tournaments broadcasts is measured in millions.
- Against the background of the pandemic, an active process of virtualization of events familiar to viewers is underway in the world – such as football, hockey and races. Thus, the world famous hurdle racing, which has been held in England annually since 1839, was held in a virtual format. Their result was simulated using computer calculations. At the same time, many nuances were taken into account and recreated: dirt from under the hooves, barriers repair crews, spectators in the stands and even an ambulance for fallen racers.
That is why it is so important for online casinos to regularly update their offers in order to be attractive to players. For example, the Shangri La online casino, which has been operating since 2016, maintains its position as it constantly expands the range of games and offers new opportunities for users. At the time of launch, the site offered slots, live dealer games and classic sports betting. Today, users have access to video poker, scratch cards, slots with skill elements, new games with odds bets, the operator’s own branded titles, etc. Virtual sports and e-sports are placed in separate subsections and also added a section for real-time sports betting. The live online casino section is able to amaze even the most sophisticated players with its variety. The page contains games from several dozen developers. In addition the portal regularly hosts tournaments with large prize pools up to hundreds of thousands of euros. To win, you need to fulfill certain conditions: place bets, win more than other participants in slots from the proposed list, and so on. For this, points are awarded, by the amount of which the winners are determined.
Mobile gambling
Another indisputable trend in the online gambling industry development is the mobile segment active expansion. The selection of games in mobile casinos is constantly evolving. You can play blackjack, roulette, keno and baccarat, as well as poker and online slots. And there is no need to talk about bonuses and promotions – they are all available in mobile casinos.
Following current trends, the Shangri La Casino and Sports web platform launched its own mobile application in early 2021. Whether you are playing on a mobile application or on a PC, you have access to a wide range of slot games, live casino games varieties, sportsbook section and more. You can also deposit real money, withdraw funds and perform other actions directly from your mobile or tablet.
New ways to deposit and withdraw funds
Today, many online casinos provide customers with several reliable payment systems at once: open bank payments, credit or debit cards, electronic wallets, etc. But more and more online casinos offer their visitors the opportunity to pay with cryptocurrency. This option has many advantages that make it stand out from other payment methods. Cryptocurrency as an anonymous decentralized system is ideal for online casinos. The main reasons are speed, simplicity and safety. The cryptocurrencies development in online casinos makes it possible to solve the main problem of players – a quick transfer of funds between accounts and full control over their transactions.
