Online Casino Trends For 2022 to Look Out For
If online casinos thought that they had it tough enough trying to keep up with the latest technology available and implementing it as a viable option for their members, then 2022 could be a year that could be one that could be another huge challenge.
Notwithstanding the challenges that are likely to be faced, though, there is no doubt that operators will be able to benefit immensely over the course of the next 12 months and beyond, especially as a number of new trends should become available to adopt.
Indeed, there have already been a number of huge innovations across the industry in recent years and over the course of the decade, with sites such as Casino777 having been able to benefit from the introduction of live dealer casino games and a variety of innovative titles that will have ensured that the platform’s members will have continued to receive the very best user and gameplay experiences possible.
However, the aforementioned features, whilst ground-breaking they were at the time, will only be considered the tip of the iceberg when it comes down to more modern technological advances that could be made in 2022 and the years that come after it.
It perhaps helps that the online casino market is expected to be worth around $565 billion next year, as this will provide operators with the incentive required to ensure that they continue to embrace the technologies that will likely be available to utilize and adopt. Let’s take a look at the trends that we could expect to see over the next 12 months in the iGaming industry and consider the impact that they might have below.
Casinos begin to accept cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has become such a global phemomen in recent years, it would be impossible for online casinos to continue to ignore it. Admittedly, there are a number of iGaming firms that have already decided to accept and implement the various ways in which a member can use digital assets to pay for their wagering experience, although this is something that is yet to fully take off in the industry.
2022 could be the year where cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum really take off in regards to their use in gambling activities, though, as platforms will want to make sure that they do not miss out on the potential market opportunities that are likely to present themselves.
Indeed, much of the gambling community has already looked at crypto as a viable source of payment recently as a number of benefits that can be experienced by using the digital tokens will immediately suit bettors. They will be provided with a simple transaction experience that will be quicker than traditional methods and could potentially be cheaper to make, whilst they will also be able to benefit from the fact that they will be provided with a greater degree of security and anonymity, which could protect them from being hacked.
Smartwatches could allow for gambling activities
One of the newest technologies to have been made available and accessible to a large market size recently is the introduction of smartwatches. A lot of the world’s population has decided to embrace this technology and are starting to enjoy the benefits that can be provided by this particular item of jewellery.
One of the major benefits that are experienced with smartwatches is the fact that they are worn and can be used to do a number of different tasks whilst being worn on the wrist of the owner. This is something that a number of online casino game developers have already made a note of and something that is believed to already be worked on.
An emerging trend at the moment, 2022 could be the year where we see punters able to access their favourite games whilst looking at their wrist wherever they are in the world.
Virtual and Augmented Reality Gambling
Perhaps one of the most obvious technological trends that are likely to be experienced in 2022 is the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games. Some online casino operators and game developers have already recognised this technological advancement as one of the next logical steps to take, as they realised players want to be provided with the most immersive, ground-breaking and authentic gameplay experiences with each title played.
Although the technology is still not quite mainstream, perhaps due to the cost of them currently, both are actually quite widespread and it would not come as a surprise if it were to be implemented sooner than later. Indeed, there are some games that have already utilized the tech to some degree of success.
One of the biggest drawbacks about this emerging tech is that players will need to have the right equipment in order to enjoy it, which means they may have to spend a significant amount of money just to benefit from its implementation. However, with that said, the cost of VR headsets and other pieces of kit is gradually getting cheaper, whilst those who want the best gameplay experiences will likely do whatever they need to do regardless of the cost that needs to be paid.
Expect visuals and graphics to improve
Slightly piggybacking on the previous point, gamers will want to be able to experience the most immersive of gameplay experiences possible and one way which developers will be able to do this is by improving the graphics and visuals that each title provides.
Players will want to get lost in what they are seeing and feel as though they are a part of the action, and whilst 2021 saw a huge change in this, many will want to continue to see these experiences improve as 2022 approaches, as well as beyond.
Naturally, it is a trend that would be expected to be seen in 2022 anyway, as developers will be forced to ensure that their titles provide bettors with something different and better than their competitors, otherwise they could miss out or potentially lose players.
Verdict
Despite the fact that the entire online casino industry has managed to experience a number of changes through technological advancements and new innovations, it is clear that the sector can not take its foot off the gas and rest easy. If the trends outlined above are anything to go by, it could be another huge 12 months for the industry that could be worth around $565 billion next year!