Online Gaming Growing Thanks to Smartphone Apps
Monday, December 5, 2016
Long gone are the days when a visit to the local casino or a night at a friend's house dealing cards being the only way to indulge in a spot of poker, blackjack or even roulette. Now we are constantly seconds away from downloading an app on our mobile phone, which gives us access to thousands of casino games and the freedom to play literally anywhere.
The App Revolution
In 2008, when Apple opened up its App Store and in 2009, when Google launched Google Play, the mobile gaming arena changed forever. These stores allowed developers to sell directly to consumers as opposed to through a mobile company (such as Nokia). With these major developments in the market, many major players in the iGaming market have seized the opportunity with both hands. Soon enough, gamers with smartphones had the opportunity to play roulette games from 32Red, blackjack on the Cherry Rush app, or try the ComeOn sports betting app. Additionally, variations of the games became more accessible than ever. For instance, 32Red offers more than 6 variations on the roulette.
The ease in which these games could be accessed and consumed has undoubtedly turned us into a nation of phone bettors according to a report published this year, which showed that slots has become the dominant gambling game across all platforms for social casino players with 75% of the social casino audience playing via a smartphone. The main reason why slots have taken a foothold in the market is because it can be played in short bursts, allowing people to quickly jump in and out of games especially whilst on the daily commute. With commute times in many of the country's largest cities averaging over 60 minutes, people seemingly have more time than ever to make use of their idle thumbs.
Prior to the app revolution, it was nearly impossible to play roulette outside of a casino. However, the creation of apps and emergence of the free-to-play model enabled players to try out strategies for free before selecting to actually invest in an online game. Roulette, slots, poker and other casino games have enjoyed a revitalization thanks to the consumer's thirst for instant entertainment. Advertising has also played its part in consumer awareness of the ease and speed of playing casino games across multiple platforms.
The ease in which these games could be accessed and consumed has undoubtedly turned us into a nation of phone bettors according to a report published this year, which showed that slots has become the dominant gambling game across all platforms for social casino players with 75% of the social casino audience playing via a smartphone. The main reason why slots have taken a foothold in the market is because it can be played in short bursts, allowing people to quickly jump in and out of games especially whilst on the daily commute. With commute times in many of the country's largest cities averaging over 60 minutes, people seemingly have more time than ever to make use of their idle thumbs.
Prior to the app revolution, it was nearly impossible to play roulette outside of a casino. However, the creation of apps and emergence of the free-to-play model enabled players to try out strategies for free before selecting to actually invest in an online game. Roulette, slots, poker and other casino games have enjoyed a revitalization thanks to the consumer's thirst for instant entertainment. Advertising has also played its part in consumer awareness of the ease and speed of playing casino games across multiple platforms.
Virtual Reality Casinos
Whilst right now it's largely unchartered territory, reports suggest that VR may become the latest technological innovation to further propel the growth of an already thriving industry. Many operators such as Slots Million have already developed and released beta versions of casinos that can accommodate VR technology and a quick search on YouTube to see these games in action will show you that the visual results can be impressive.
Aside from this, what else does the future hold?
According to Statista, the US gambling industry makes more than $4.52 billion a year, with online gaming representing a significant portion of that. This was due in no small part, to the growing online sector, roulette, slots and particularly poker, which has played a major role in the revitalization of these games. With 2016 drawing to a close, it wouldn't be careless to assume that number with only grow and look set to continue with the advancement and speed of new technology, and that is a good thing.
Appealing to a mass market with rapidity, ease of access and speed of play is the core reason that casino apps will continue to take a stranglehold on the gaming market. There can be no denying the thrill of an ace turning over in your hand in a game of blackjack or watching the wheel spin and the ball land on your number. The ability to do that just by downloading an app will see the continuous growth of our favorite casino games.
Appealing to a mass market with rapidity, ease of access and speed of play is the core reason that casino apps will continue to take a stranglehold on the gaming market. There can be no denying the thrill of an ace turning over in your hand in a game of blackjack or watching the wheel spin and the ball land on your number. The ability to do that just by downloading an app will see the continuous growth of our favorite casino games.
