The online gambling world is an ever-evolving one. While many developments appear to be strictly linear, other forces are actually pushing once-popular games into the background. Indeed, the entire landscape has become a fierce battle for supremacy as the world’s attention is fixed upon these potentially lucrative websites.
Let’s take a closer look at who is rising and who is falling in this fascinating world of play. Some of the trends might surprise you. And while things like traditional slots may be falling in popularity, new slots are all the rage.
Who is moving up?
We’ll start with which games and categories of games are on the rise.
- Crash games. As players’ attention spans and desire for action change, so too do the most popular types of games. Today’s players prefer short, quick results over the old-style, multi-round games. They want “multiplier” mechanics. For these reasons, games like Aviator and JetX have become super popular.
- Live dealer games. Live dealer games can really make you feel like you’re in Vegas, even if you are playing from thousands of miles away. With the advent of HD streaming, interactive features, and ability to rack up more and more, people are increasingly getting hooked on them. Some refer to it as the “Netflix of iGaming.”
- Skill-based games. There are still some who prefer to use their heads when they play, and this has resulted in an increase in the popularity of things like online poker. Variations like “fast-fold” and “short-deck” are especially picking up pace.
- Sports betting. Sports betting is something that has long been popular in its offline form. Sports fanatics are some of the most devoted people in the world, so it is no surprise that the online version has become massive. In particular, certain real-time “micro-markets” are all the rage. This refers to the option of betting in real time things like who will score the next point in a game.
Which games are falling?
Unfortunately, many traditional casino games are actually seeing their numbers fall in recent years. Classic though they may be, the sad truth is that most players these days prefer action over tradition. Among those losing popularity are:
- Traditional slots. Younger players don’t find classic slots as exciting as their older counterparts do. While they may be tempted to make TikTok videos standing next to a slot machine, they are less likely to get online and play a round.
- Old-style Bingo and lottery games. Although certain types of lotteries remain big, overall they too have been a victim of technological supremacy in the fight for players’ attention.
- Any games that don’t go mobile. It is simply a fact that many people live on their mobiles these days. Any site that hasn’t gotten fully on board with this idea is doomed to fail. This includes sites that supposedly offer mobile versions of their games but don’t bother to optimize for different devices. Attention is critical.
What is driving these changes?
We’ve discussed some of the particular drivers behind the changes that are taking place. Let’s now step back and look at the broader picture:
- Technological integration is everything. This means, more than anything, intense personalization. Those sites that are able to effectively use AI to personalize suggestions for players will surely come out on top. Every player is unique, and just like retail shopping or any other pursuit, site masters need to know how to speak to their customers’ individual needs.
- The use of blockchain and its associated “provably fair” capabilities has provided additional transparency and given players increased confidence in the fairness of game outcomes.
- The blurred line between entertainment and gambling. Some people are natural gamblers, others prefer the idea of gaming, and still others’ primary interest lies in social media. Things like NFT-based gamification and live chat are making the landscape more and more exciting for players.
- There has been an increase in “social leaderboards,” which have had several important effects on players:
- In including such features as chats and community goals, leaderboards are appealing to players on a more emotional level than previously.
- Younger players are more apt to get involved when they see the casual atmosphere that leaderboards offer.
- People increasingly feel that they are playing not only for money, but also for social status. This provides an additional incentive to take part.
- Regulatory shifts in different countries have changed the demographic. In some places, such as states within the US and Latin America, markets are growing rapidly because there is increasing legality in these areas.
The future is bright
We will see what the future holds for online gambling and gaming. In all likelihood, technology will continue to lead the way with increasingly sophisticated instruments available to players. We shouldn’t count out a possible re-emergence of the classics, though. Retro trends are definitely a thing across industries, and gambling is no exception. Perhaps an influencer will come along that will suddenly draw people back to traditional slots. Who knows?