Operators of online gaming sites like Ice Casino know that most people use mobile devices when playing, not computers. Because of this, there is a need to address the demand for mobile-first content.
Although they operate bets and not typical games, casino game developers must still find ways to keep up with trends. The challenge is that mobile platforms rarely, if ever, allow gambling apps. Learn how the new trend is adopted.
1. Mobile Experience
The first way by which casinos adapt to the mobile-first trend is by offering a mobile experience. Casino operators rarely create apps because both Play Market and Apple Store do not like gambling applications.
So, instead, of making an app, they make their website mobile-friendly. What does this mean? It means that the website knows what device the customer or client is using. If it is a phone, the website automatically adjusts. It becomes a mobile version, on the browser, not on the app. Because of this, the casino’s structure becomes vertical, making it easier to use. The website also removes many elements that can slow the user’s experience.
2. Mobile Payment Solutions
One challenge that many users have is that it is a little difficult to make deposits and withdrawals on their phones. Because of this, casinos now work with payment providers that have mobile apps, such as Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller.
The benefits of doing this are:
- Faster deposits and withdrawals.
- More ways to fund a casino account.
- Seamless financial transactions.
The funds are also easily accessible, considering that the user only needs to check an application to see the progress of the transaction. In addition, most casinos today accept cryptocurrency as a mode of payment. Eventually, cryptocurrency will become a normal funding option for iGaming.
3. Live Dealer on Mobile
If you do not know it yet, players can now access live dealer casino games on their phones. It took a while, but it is finally here. The one challenge with live dealer casino games in the past is streaming bandwidth. Most data users do not have enough bandwidth capacity. With the advent of 5G, casino operators now have the technology to stream live dealer games without frustrating the players.
Here are some things you can expect:
- Optimized screen and streaming for mobile.
- Minimal lag, if any (there is no serious delay).
- Advanced camera angles and shots.
- The audio is clear and not delayed.
- Chat boxes.
The live casino on mobile is one of the best things happened in the gaming industry recently. Today, players can experience an actual luxurious casino no matter where they are.
4. Gamification
Many mobile users are gamers. Because of this, they have similar mindsets; meaning they want to get rewarded for their activities. Casinos are keeping up with this by introducing ways to gamify their content.
Here are some ways they do it:
- Challenges and tournaments.
- Reward systems for players who meet certain objectives.
- VIP/Loyalty programs.
- Leaderboards for slot machines and tournaments.
Of all these, the best one is the VIP program concept. In most casinos, a certain amount of bet (win or lose) gives the player some points. Once the player has enough points, they can move up to the ladder of the VIP membership levels.
The VIP level determines the kind of reward that the player gets. In most cases, it is in the form of cashback, free spins, or a match-up bonus. A higher VIP level means more cashback percentage from the player’s net losses in a week.
5. AR and VR
Finally, casinos leverage the power of augmented and virtual reality. There are many devices now–like the Oculus–that allow users to access websites. In addition, there are platforms like Decentraland where people can live and play in a virtual reality.
Casinos can set up virtual gaming areas in these VR and AR worlds. As usual, the player has to deposit money and place bets. The big difference between VR and the traditional online casino is that in the first one, the player controls an avatar.
This avatar can walk and explore a massive map. The casino itself is a building on this map. A player enters, and the view or perspective is 3D. Once the players are in, they have a choice to explore the building and look at the table games or slot games. If one catches their attention, they just have to come closer and take control of the slot.
The overall look and feel of AR and VR casinos are similar to an open-world game like Skyrim. The player is free to choose what to do. Mobile-first is no longer a trend but rather an expectation. Casinos and game operators understand this, and they address the demand by making more content that is accessible on mobile devices.
It can take a long while before new technology replaces mobile. For now, everyone is on the same page that the primary consumers are on mobile, not on PC.