If there’s one thing the COVID-19 lockdowns taught us, it’s how convenient the internet can make our everyday lives, whether it’s online learning, shopping, or gambling. As a response to recent technological advancements and changes in gambling trends, online casinos are now opening their virtual doors at unprecedented rates.
Recent estimates have shown that there are currently around 4,792 online casinos and gambling businesses worldwide. However, while this may be great for players looking to start their gambling journey, for new casinos, it poses a significant obstacle, calling into question how exactly these younger platforms can stand out.
Offering fresh promotions is one way to go about it. We touched base with Michael Murdoch, Senior Editor of the well-established affiliate site to get the inside scoop:
‘With thousands of online casinos available worldwide, it’s safe to say the competition is pretty stiff – particularly for the newcomers who seek to convert new visitors into customers. More so if they’re already registered with another provider. This is where it becomes a bit tricky; because within the niche of online gambling, you can only differentiate your product and brand to an extent.
At the end of the day, everyone’s offering the same thing, it’s simply packaged differently. Success is determined by how this gets done: and it all boils down to creativity, innovation, and how determined you are to provide your customers with the best possible gambling experience.’
Embracing Technology
New online casinos should stay at the forefront of technological advancements, embracing innovation and taking their gambling services to the next level. This includes ensuring their platforms are optimized for mobile devices, playing into the growing trend of gambling on the go. Mobile casino apps can also help to provide a more personalized experience through targeted promotions and offers, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
The emergence of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) presents unique opportunities for the new platforms that they must harness in order to grasp the attention of new players.
AR can bring all your favorite casino elements and sounds into your everyday life by overlaying digital elements onto the real world through devices such as tablets, smart glasses, and mobile phones. We’re talking about the ability to play a slot machine in the comfort of your own home; no fancy dress attire is required.
VR can take things to the next level and simulate a real casino environment, from the interaction between players to even having a drink at the bar, creating a fully immersive 360-degree gambling experience using headsets. New online casinos also need to get behind live dealer technology, which brings a taste of the casino floor to players’ doors.
Live dealer technology adds another social dimension to the otherwise isolating online gaming space, allowing players to interact with their opponents as well as other players. These advancements can help bridge the gap between online and offline gambling.
Enhanced Security
Security measures and enhanced player protection features are some of the most influential factors for customers when it comes to picking which online casino to sign up for. This is especially true due to growing concerns over cybercrimes putting players’ sensitive data at risk.
As such, it is important for newly established casinos to invest in advanced encryption technologies such as sockets layer (SSL) and two-factor authentication, creating a safer and more reliable online gambling experience.
New casinos can gain an advantage over their competitors by leaning into big data as a tool for fraud detection and prevention. Platforms can flag suspicious patterns and activities by analyzing player behavior and other relevant parameters. This allows online casinos to take proactive measures against any potential security threats while maintaining a secure environment for players.
Big data can also be used to detect early signs of excessive gambling or addictive behaviors by monitoring player activity. This information will push the platform to intervene by supporting players at risk and providing helpful resources.
Some casinos may also offer self-exclusion options for players they feel may be at risk of developing gambling-related problems. These programs allow players to exclude themselves from accessing a casino’s services voluntarily for a specified period of time. The casino will then block the player’s account and stop sending any promotional material.
Monitor Industry Trends
The online gambling industry is dynamic and constantly evolving; as such, it’s important for casinos just starting out to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments, innovations, and technologies. This will allow new casinos to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market by adapting quickly, introducing new features, and identifying opportunities.
Moreover, industry trends also provide valuable insight into what players want and need, helping emerging platforms understand players’ preferences when it comes to game genres and casino features.
Most recently, we have seen more and more casinos embrace crypto as a valid payment method, jumping on the Bitcoin bandwagon to satisfy consumer demand. As such, this knowledge will help casinos anticipate and meet player expectations, allowing them to expand their player base and revenue streams.
Final Thoughts
Standing out from the crowd in this ever-evolving gaming landscape is not an easy feat. From industry titans to boutique casinos, it can be difficult to gain visibility and let players know you exist. While tapping into the latest trends and technological advancements might entice new players to sign up for your platform, it’s trust and security that will make them stay.
That’s right, more than anything, casino players want platforms that provide a safe and reliable environment, allowing them to enjoy their favorite pastime without putting themselves at risk. At the end of the day, the success of a casino truly depends on how much it prioritizes players’ wants and needs.
