Advancements in technology have had a massive impact on society, changing the way most people live their daily lives.
That point is certainly true where the gambling industry is concerned, with the sector now unrecognisable from what passed for the norm just a couple of decades ago.
Technology has provided a platform for operators such as Betway to become massive gambling brands in recent years.
Firms in this burgeoning sector have expertly leveraged technology to create immersive websites where people can bet on sports or play popular casino games.
The growth of the sector has been truly staggering, with global revenues for online gambling now estimated to be around $65 billion.
Analysts have forecast double-digit percentage growth over the coming years, meaning it should not be too long before the $100bn barrier is broken.Â
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how different technologies have come together to power the online gambling boom.
ADVERTISEMENT
Websites & Mobile Apps
Online casinos and sportsbooks are built around a traditional website framework – think of them in terms of the engine inside a car.
Developing a gambling site is a labor-intensive process, with around a dozen people from different disciplines needed to pull the project together.
Most gambling sites incorporate content management systems such as WordPress, which is used to publish any supporting marketing materials.
Standalone sports betting and casino apps have also become increasingly prevalent in recent years as operators seek to cash in on increased smartphone usage.
Software
While the website is the platform on which online casinos and sportsbooks are based, integration of further software is required to make them function properly.
Casino operators often use third-party developers to create games, although some of the leading brands have their own in-house teams for this.
ADVERTISEMENT
Either way, the games are powered by a random number generator which ensures that the outcome of each spin or deal is completely form.
Sportsbooks work similarly, with many leading operators using third-party software solutions to provide real-time odds to their punters.
Live Streaming
Live streaming technology has impacted several areas of the online gambling industry, helping to fire user experiences into another stratosphere. One of the best examples of this is live online casino games, which replicate the experience of visiting a land-based venue within a digital environment. By using elements such as optical camera recognition technology, live casino games bring the thrills of Monte Carlo directly to a player’s digital device. Live streaming is also used to enhance sports betting, with punters able to watch the progress of their wagers in real time via their chosen sportsbook.
Instant Messaging Software
One advantage that brick-and-mortar gambling establishments have over online sites is their ability to allow visitors to interact directly with other human beings.
From the gameplay in games such as blackjack to the social element attached to bingo, this has traditionally been an important part of the gambling industry.
Online gambling operators have sought to address this issue by integrating instant messaging software alongside casino and bingo games to allow people to chat with each other.
Some operators have also started to explore whether video technology could be introduced to more closely replicate the social aspect of gambling.
Technology & Online Gambling – The Final Word
Technology has transformed the way people gamble and this is fully expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are amongst a wave of emerging technologies that have been widely tipped to make their mark in the sector over the coming years.
