The gaming app industry is growing at a rapid pace and has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Last year more than $184 billion dollars was generated by gaming, with the mobile game sector accounting for 49 percent or $90 billion of this.
All types of games can be played on mobile and there are titles to suit all kinds of interests and abilities. One genre that is particularly popular on mobile is casino gaming. Whether it’s spinning the reels on online slots or betting on hands in poker, casino games are rising in popularity as more and more people enjoy the excitement and convenience that these apps provide.
We explore the rise of casino gaming apps, the reasons behind their popularity and the trends that casino game providers must capitalize on to continue their current growth trajectory:
The evolution of mobile casino gaming apps
Online casino gaming has been around far longer than mobile applications. As the world wide web became widely accessible in the 1990s, people were able to access online casino games for the first time. These early games were more basic than today’s casino titles with their immersive graphics and interactive features, however they quickly gained a wide audience base.
- Within a few years the first generation of mobile casino apps became available to users.
- The first gen Nokia phones introduced Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
- The ability to play casino games via downloadable apps, however the technology could not support real money games.
By 2008, the launch of iOS and Android smartphone phones made way for modern casino apps with real money betting capabilities. Appetite for these games quickly grew and millions of users were soon playing games via their new smartphones.
At present, many countries have laws in place that allow mobile casino gaming and some countries that have a more prohibitive stance are considering how to best legalize and legislate this form of entertainment.
What are the key factors behind the rise of casino gaming apps?
Accessibility and convenience
Many people that previously enjoyed regular visits to land based casinos are now playing these same games for their mobile phone. Playing via mobile is much more convenient as the player is able to play at any time or location that suits them, fitting into their busy lifestyle.
- These games are also more accessible, there is no need to plan transport and the logistics of getting to a physical venue.
- This does not mean that land based casinos no longer have their place in the entertainment industry.
- Rather, players now have more choice over how they enjoy these and games and may opt to only visit a physical casino on a special occasion or evening out.
Cost
Cost is another factor that has driven the rise of casino app games. App based casinos have much lower overheads in comparison to land based venues, meaning they are able to accept lower minimum betting amounts and buy ins for poker tournaments.
This is particularly great for those that are new to casino gaming and may have previously been put off by how much they are required to bet in games they are not yet familiar with.
Choice of games
Casino apps often have a huge library of games, with different varieties of classic games as well as new exciting hybrid titles like the slots and bingo game slingo. As they are not limited by physical space as a land based venue is, their selection of titles can be much wider.
This means that they appeal to a wider range of people and it also means that players are able to try out new games and find new titles each time they visit the platform.
Personalization
Online and app based casino platforms are able to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to offer a more personalized experience to the player. By looking at behavior analytics, they can make personalized game suggestions and offers. This keeps content relevant to the specific player.
Which trends must brands capitalize on?
Alongside utilizing artificial intelligence, more casino platforms are noticing how the live gaming experience appeals to players. Players enjoy the authenticity and atmosphere of live streamed games, they provide the real-life gaming experience along with the convenience of playing remotely.