iGaming is the name given to the industry that provides games such as bingo as well as casino games like poker and betting. The industry came about in the mid-1990s as the first online casinos launched. None of these games were new, with casino games like roulette and card games like poker being popular for many centuries, and wagering in some form or another existing in every recorded human civilization in history.
The birth of the iGaming industry came about by the internet revolution and the subsequent changes in the law that permitted these types of games offered online. That brought the industry to the homes of millions of people around the world, many of whom may never have played such games in the past, especially those that were not close to a casino, bingo hall or bookmakers.
Bigger, Faster, Better
As computers became more powerful and internet connections faster, the iGaming industry began to innovate, adding better graphics and more interactive features. Contemporary desktop offerings from iGaming companies provide 3D graphics, sophisticated animations, stereo sound and features that allow social interaction with fellow players.
iGaming Anywhere with Mobile Devices
The development of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets as well as wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi and 3G/4G created huge opportunities for the iGaming sector to innovate further. Mobile applications allowed customers to use iGaming services without being tethered to a desktop computer and could, therefore, take advantage of competitive offers such as free bets and compare odds while at sporting events like football matches and racetracks in person. That then added new competition into the market where previously bookmakers who had a physical presence at racetracks would have had a near monopoly in wagering. Now customers can play from their phones.
Live Casinos and Virtual Reality
The original online offerings from the iGaming industry took away the need to be physically present in a venue to play games. However, in doing so, it took away the social interaction and the immersive experience that went with being in a bingo hall or casino. As technologies advanced, the iGaming industry has continued to be at the cutting edge by innovating with “live casinos” and virtual reality offerings. These bring real people back into the game and allow players to interact with the croupier or dealer like in a real casino. Plus, virtual reality technology has meant players can place themselves right in the middle of a game, not only looking in one direction at a screen.
iGaming has always been at the forefront of technology, right from its birth with the original online casinos through to today with mobile and virtual reality offerings. With current technology, it is possible to get involved whenever, wherever with a much more realistic experience.
