Bumper Year Anticipated for Online Casino Industry

We’re two months into the year now and 2017 is well and truly in the rear-view mirror. So, we’re looking ahead to discover the hottest trends within the online casino industry in 2018. Kiwi players can look forward to a bumper year of live casinos, skill-based games and exceptional Virtual Reality technology.

In fact, rapid growth and development of our amazing industry are set to continue soaring right through to 2020, when profits are expected to exceed the $60 billion mark. Beyond 2020, it’s expected that consolidation of the industry will take place.

As for game diversity, that is continuing relentlessly as online casino operators aggressively vie for players for everything from top pokies to immersive new games. All of this is happening against a backdrop of storage as well as the collection of major data. Thanks to the data, developers will be better positioned to understand their players by going in-depth into customer preferences.

This year’s games will span so many different themes, too, from current trends and food to TV and everything in between. Online casinos are set to populate their menus with thematic games complete with a host of interactive elements. Real Money Pokies will include even more film-themed games and engagement and interaction are to be boosted thanks to Gamification.

We’re also likely to see things like major bonuses and prizes on offer for sign-ups and the completion of interesting tasks to truly pique your attention. As it is, online casinos already offer free spins, no wagering requirements for bonus offers, no deposit bonuses, and tons of loyalty programs. The inclusion of more engagement with players and daily promotions are also the norm online these days.

New Games in the Online Casino Industry This Year

We’re seeing more live casinos entering the industry than ever before, and this shows no signs of stopping in 2018. A wide range of technologies, innovations and products are evolving in this highly lucrative sector and as our internet speeds and quality improves and increases, so do the audio-visual content of live streaming entertainment.

What About Skill-Based Games in The Year Ahead?

Contrary to chance-based online casino games, skills-based games are those that involve strategy and tactics. These games – which include poker and blackjack – have become incredibly popular with Kiwi players. Hence, various online platforms have been hard at work developing standards and strategies for the skill-based games. In fact, they’re already targeting players who enjoy managing the games they play.

2018 is the Year for Virtual Reality Technology

Virtual reality has already grown to be a worldwide phenomenon, even in its infancy. Yet, once it gets off the ground, there’s no doubt it will find major appeal within the online gaming world. Already, large developers are showing a keen interest in VR technology and the plunge in hardware and software prices marks a watershed moment in the iGaming world. With virtual reality, you can place your roulette bets, play Baccarat and spin those pokie reels wherever you are and whenever you want to.