You don’t need to be a professional gamer or gambler to know that the entire industry is evolving big time. The best online casinos and gaming platforms keep adding new features, making the user experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Casino Rocket and similar providers are adding fresh games and interesting functions to their websites, trying to indulge younger generations of players. So what can you expect from online gaming and gambling in 2022?
There are so many trends you should know about because they will make your online experiences much better and more pleasant. In this post, we are going to cover the latest news and facts. Buckle up as we have a long way ahead of us!
Online gaming stats and figures
Video gaming has become a powerful industry with millions of users and enormous profits. We selected only a handful of reports that prove the potential of this business:
- The global revenue in the online games segment is projected to reach $26 billion in 2022.
- Another study shows that the number of video gamers has reached nearly three billion.
- The average amount of money spent on gaming-related content per person is $123 over three months.
- Video gamers spend an average of 7.1 hours each week playing games.
The numbers are so big that they almost feel terrifying, but the craziest thing is that they keep growing steadily. Online gaming is on the rise and nothing can stop it.
Top online gaming trends
Online gaming is flourishing, but why is that so? The progress takes place mostly due to some of the finest industry trends. Here are the most important trends in online gaming.
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Mobile gaming
Mobile gaming has become particularly popular during the last decade. This type of gaming is also called mobile social gaming because it often involves multi-playing features with friends on social media networks through smartphones.
Mobile games are mostly based on existing ideas of non-mobile games and typically have the same core rules, but they introduce some variations to meet more demanding gamers who want to play on the go.
The major mobile gaming trend is cross-platform compatibility. It means that a game can be played across different platforms, not only on smartphones and tablets but also via Facebook and even Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
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Indie developers
Indie developers focus on creating games that do not rely on mainstream licenses. They usually operate without big budgets and launch their products exclusively through digital distribution channels. The rise in the number of indie developers is due to various factors, including increasing ease in publishing a finished product.
Today, almost anyone can create a game and run it through digital distribution channels. This way, indie developers can bypass traditional publishing houses that have caused outrage among consumers because of the high prices they ask for games, especially AAA titles that are based on big licenses with movie or TV show brands attached to them.
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eSports
eSports is a form of competition that uses video games as the medium. Participants, usually known simply as gamers, compete against each other in tournaments, usually for prize money. The most popular games for eSports at the moment are MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arenas), first-person shooters, and real-time strategy games.
The games can be played on a computer or video game console. The most popular esports games are Fortnite, League of Legends, and DOTA 2. The eSports universe has become so popular that companies organize entire tournaments with prize pools that can reach millions of dollars.
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Augmented reality
Augmented Reality (AR) gaming is a type of video game that combines real-world environments with virtual elements. With AR games, players can use their smartphones or tablets to interact with the real-world environment around them.
For example, they might see digital creatures walking around on the sidewalk or street in front of them. To play AR games, users typically need to download a special game app and then use the device’s camera to view the real-world surroundings.
In Pokemon Go, you can see Pokemon characters appear in the real world through your phone’s camera. The same goes for any other AR-powered game.
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Virtual reality
The concept of virtual reality has been around for a long time, but it is only recently that technology has become advanced enough to reproduce a truly immersive gaming experience. The first virtual reality headset was released in the 1990s, but this technology didn’t really take off until Oculus Rift showed up on Kickstarter.
Compared to AR games, VR gaming is more expensive. However, these are often far superior in quality due to the involvement of advanced computer graphics that trick your senses into believing you are experiencing something real.
In this type of gaming, the player wears a virtual reality headset to create a fully inclusive gaming sensation. VR headsets completely immerse the player in the game world, making it seem as if they are actually there.
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Cloud-based gaming
Cloud-based gaming is a type of gaming that allows gamers to play video games without the need for a dedicated game console. Instead, gamers can access cloud-based games by using a computer or mobile device connected to the internet.
Cloud-based gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years as broadband speeds have increased and mobile devices have become more powerful. Gamers can now enjoy high-quality, console-like gaming experiences on their smartphones and tablets.
In addition, cloud-based gaming services often offer large libraries of games that can be accessed by users at any time. That way, players get that much-needed versatility that traditional video game consoles do not offer.
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Board games are still alive and kicking
The popularity of traditional board games has ebbed and flowed over the years, but there is no denying that these timeless classics are still as much fun as they were when you were a kid.
In fact, board games have been enjoying a renaissance in recent years thanks to crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. In addition to playing at home with family or friends, you can also find board game cafes in many cities where you pay for your time to enjoy the game.
Board game cafes are a great place to gather with friends and family and immerse yourself in another world for a while. Board games use simple concepts like strategy, cooperation, dexterity, memory, bluffing, and similar, which makes them perfect for parents who want to exercise those skills with their kids.
Online gambling stats and figures
Similar to video games, online casinos have also been changing and thriving in the last few years. Many industry reports and business studies prove this statement, but we picked only some of them here:
- The global online gambling market is anticipated to be valued at more than $92.9 billion by the end of 2023.
- Almost one in four adults (24%) had gambled online at least once in the last four weeks.
- Europe dominates the market accounting for a 52% share of online gambling and betting consumption globally.
- Macau, a special administrative region in China, generates a staggering 50% of its revenue through gambling.
We can go on like this forever, but these stats are enough to show one thing – online casino gambling is a powerful force that is yet to reveal its true potential. We are going to witness it in the coming years.
Important online gambling trends
Virtual casinos are also expanding, but that’s not the consequence of a single factor. On the contrary, many aspects of the industry make it grow so steadily, so we will discuss them in this section.
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Live casino games
A live casino is an online casino that offers live streaming of real-life casino games. These games are played by professional dealers in a studio setting, and players can interact with the dealers and other players through the use of a live chat function.
Live casinos are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that they offer a more realistic gaming experience than traditional online casinos. In addition, because the games are streamed live, players can enjoy all the excitement of gambling without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.
Therefore, it’s fair to say that live casinos take the best from both worlds – analog and digital.
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Lucrative bonus offers
As we already said, casino operators are using various strategies to attract new players. Bonuses are one of the best tools for this because they give players a chance to win real money, sometimes even without having to deposit anything.
There are many different types of bonuses available these days:
- Welcome bonuses for new players and reloads for existing ones.
- Match bonuses that require a minimum deposit, and the casino matches the amount you put in.
- Deposit and cashback bonuses depend on how much money you deposit.
- Free spins for new and existing players who love digital slots.
- Loyalty programs for regular players.
- Freebies are also an important factor in attracting new players, so casinos are offering various gifts and discounts to make the experience of playing at their virtual halls even more thrilling and beneficial.
With so many promotional deals available online, it’s no wonder new players are joining casinos every day to take advantage of such perks.
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Sports betting becomes a part of the gambling portfolio
Online casinos are trying to make their services even more diverse by incorporating various wagering opportunities beyond casino games. In the last few years, sports betting is becoming a staple in the gambling industry because it is gaining popularity among players who love placing bets on different sporting events.
If you take into account that sports betting is considerably more popular than virtual casinos in most parts of the world, it will be easier to understand why this type of gambling can become a solid foundation for a major gaming conglomerate. The idea is simple – online casinos use sports betting as a way to create a brand new target audience.
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Online casinos publish new games regularly
Another way to build up the number of players in their database is to make sure they have a constant flow of new games. Every day, virtual casinos are releasing new games specifically designed for various platforms.
All you need to do is take a look at the vast majority of casino sites and check the game libraries. You will be impressed by how many new games you will find there, and that’s exactly what attracts players – the opportunity to enjoy a constant flow of fresh titles.
The constant addition of new games is also beneficial for casino operators because it has an impact on growth and revenue. The more games they publish, the better the chances are for them to maintain a steady income.
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Crypto payments
Online casinos often use cryptocurrencies in order to process deposits and withdrawals. This is because cryptocurrencies are a secure and anonymous way to move money around the internet, and online casinos want to ensure that their customers’ financial information is kept confidential.
Cryptocurrencies are pseudonymous, meaning that the identity of the owner is hidden. This is important for online casinos because it allows them to protect player identities and avoid any legal issues – however unlikely.
Besides that, crypto coins are secure and trustworthy, meaning that transactions can be verified without relying on a third party. This is also important for online casinos because it allows them to ensure that players are not cheating or stealing from them.
Cryptocurrencies are also global and decentralized, meaning that they can be used anywhere in the world without any restrictions. This is critical for online casinos eager to cater to players from all over the world.
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Most countries legalized online gambling
Gambling online has been around for nearly two decades, and during this time, most countries decided to legalize it. Why did they do it? They legalized online casinos because virtual gambling can be beneficial both socially and economically.
Online casinos provide a service that allows people to spend their free time in a constructive way. At the same time, countries can receive substantial tax benefits and create jobs due to various online gambling activities.
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Digital casinos are very safe
Online casinos use a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of their players. These measures include:
- Using secure connections (SSL encryption) to protect player information
- Employing fraud detection software to prevent cheating
- Running tests on new games to detect vulnerabilities before releasing them to the public
- Providing customer support in case of any issues or concerns
Players can rest assured that their personal information and financial data are safe when playing at an online casino. All reputable casinos use state-of-the-art security measures to protect their players’ privacy and ensure fair gameplay.
However, some online casinos are more reputable than others. It’s always a good idea to do your research before you decide to play at an online casino. Make sure that the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority.
There are some things you can do to help protect yourself when playing at an online casino. Make sure that you only use trusted payment methods, and be careful about giving out your personal information. It’s also a good idea to keep track of your spending so that you don’t end up losing more than you can afford.
Modern technologies that give a boost to online casinos
It is necessary to mention that digital casinos could not operate without a few very important tools and technologies. We already mentioned some of them, but let’s do a little recap here.
There are a few different technologies that online casinos are using to improve the experience for their players. One is using random number generators to create fair and random outcomes for all games. This ensures that players are playing on a level playing field and that their chances of winning are not based on any sort of cheating by the casino.
Another technology that online casinos are using is the live streaming of games. This allows players to watch real dealers spinning actual wheels or dealing cards in a real casino setting. It gives the player a more realistic experience and helps them feel like they’re right there in the casino itself.
Some casinos are now offering VR gaming experiences, which allow players to actually walk around and explore an entire virtual casino. Besides that, mobile gaming allows players to enjoy their favorite casino games on the go.
All these technologies drastically improve the gambling journey, helping the average client to get acquainted with the platform quickly and effortlessly. Bearing in mind the pace at which online casinos are developing, we are sure that new and enhanced tech solutions will become available very soon.
Conclusion
Online casinos and video games have become gigantic industries that conquered the entire world. But they are still evolving, which is exactly why we wanted to discuss certain trends that dominate the current market. In this post, you could see the following:
- Key stats and facts about online gaming
- Top trends in online gaming
- Key stats and facts about online casino gambling
- Top trends in online casino gambling
Where do you think online gaming and gambling will take us by the end of this year? Feel free to leave a comment and tell us what you think about this booming industry!
