The gambling industry has a very close relationship with technology, and as such, it evolves in tandem alongside new advances in computing and user experience.
The face of the gambling industry is a far cry from what it was fifty years ago. Gradually the idea of a physical premises has become less and less vital; the virtual world has more and more to offer and in more convenient and accessible ways. Combining gambling with online gaming allows it to break out from its traditional setting, creating themed experiences that employ imaginative world building. Playtech’s Age of Gods makes use of these new possibilities, combining classic slot machine visuals with a mythological fantasy theme, about the game and what they have to offer.
The Cloud
Cloud computing is a powerful tool for online gambling, allowing players to access the full range of services without having to download harddrive-clogging apps. They can simply use the internet to connect, and all the necessary information is pulled from the cloud as needed. This is an important step in the future-proofing of the online casino industry for the wider world, ensuring that it keeps in step with the sweeping technological shift to cloud computing, and continues to attract the kinds of players that demand seamless, cutting-edge experiences.
Cryptocurrency
Another significant tech innovation, one that challenges the very nature of the transactions themselves, is the emergence of cryptocurrency. With banks holding zero jurisdiction in decentralised systems such as Bitcoin, cryptocurrency builds extra levels of discretion and protection for users. There is no need for the player to provide any of their details, instead they simply hand over the private key for their virtual “wallet”. This acts as a kind of mathematical signature, and the transaction is made in minutes. Extra layers of security work in favour of the casino operator as well, guarding against potential hackers and other security threats with high levels of encryption. Additionally, neither the casino nor the player are laden with transaction fees, increasing the appeal of abandoning traditional currency.
Artificial Intelligence
It would be neglectful not to mention the role that artificial intelligence has and may soon have on the world of online gambling. The utilities of artificial intelligence are steadily expanding; with programmers involved in AI constantly pushing for more advanced learning capabilities. AI is already present in a number of aspects of online gambling. Firstly, they exist in a supportive capacity such as chatbots and virtual assistants, which automate previously manned positions. More importantly however, they now have the ability to analyse a player’s digital footprint to look for problematic or addictive behaviour. This is a crucial tool for the policing and intervention of addiction, helping the users to maintain a healthy relationship with the experience.
As an industry built around user experience, it’s imperative that online gambling continues to evolve, in order to keep up with the ever-advancing relationship between man and machine. Seamless logistics coupled with high levels of security and foresight mean that it’s an industry less and less vulnerable to exploitation. In the future, traditional currency may not be directly involved at all, and advancing AI may soon be able to create extensively tailored experiences for the individual player.
Technology is a rapidly accelerating force, and if wielded in a way that can benefit people, it will continue to enrich and empower the world of online gambling.
