4 Ways Online Gambling Has Changed in Recent Years

The shifting sands of the gambling industry are caused by the fact that it is at the cutting edge of technology. Gambling brands are often keen to keep their fingers on the pulse and this helps things to change pretty rapidly. New games are being released all the time on casinos and new markets and ways to cover sports are also cropping up all the time. Big changes have been seen in recent years as people embrace new ways to gamble and companies push each other to innovate with the games they offer. Below are four key ways online gambling has changed in recent years, highlighting how the industry has embraced innovation once again.

Esports Gambling   

One of the most notable developments in online gambling is the rise of esports betting. Loads of forms of competitive video gaming have really grown in popularity, with millions of fans around the world watching professional players compete in games like League of Legends or Valorant.

It should be said that esports themselves aren’t brand new. Some form of competitive gaming tournament has existed since the 1990s (as have some of the esports game franchises popular among gambling now). But the audience for esports has grown, and so too has the demand for betting on these events.

Sportsbooks and other gambling sites may allow bettors to wager on esports matches and tournaments in sports like Valorant, just as they would with traditional sports, with esports betting odds offered on a variety of different markets for individuals as well as the teams involved in the games.

Markets include the outcome of a single match but also things like who will be the top player in a tournament – and it works just like football or other sports with odds offered for each outcome. Games may even be streamed on Twitch or other platforms for people to watch.

People who are interested should definitely be aware of the mechanics of Esports and keep up to date with the latest information if they are considering esports gambling. Valorant is often updated and changing and shows how people may want to follow them online to see the new features when they’re released, such as a recent update.

Live Casinos and Live Dealers  

The ways people play casino games are evolving, too. Another significant change in online gambling is the development of live casinos. The 90s and 2000s casino games were software-based, with players interacting with an interface. The best casino sites decided to make a new way for people to play, though…

Live casinos change the experience and mean there’s less of a gap between the online and offline gambling worlds – some people still prefer the older interfaces but this is a new option that has grown in recent years.

Developers are taking advantage of the growth in streaming speeds and the fact most people now have devices that can enable them to log in and play. Most Americans own a smartphone (as many as 97% of some demographics) and these are usually compatible with the live dealer games offered.

Mobile Growth  

The stats about smartphones lead nicely to the next point about mobile gambling. Global adoption of smartphones has significantly impacted online gambling. Makes sense when you think about it, as the sites are more accessible than ever before.

We’re in the smartphone age, and gaming has become a part of the online gambling industry as a result, with many operators developing mobile-friendly versions of their platforms to make sure they don’t get left behind in this revolution.

This shift to mobile has allowed players to gamble in a way that’s convenient whether they’re on the go or relaxing at home – plus, the increase in mobile network coverage plays a huge role, and means people don’t have to put up with getting kicked from games if their internet drops.

Mobile internet usage is still estimated to grow in the future, so more will likely embrace the convenience of mobile gaming, which has led to a surge in participation, with players no longer needing to be tied to a desktop computer to log in and play their favorite casino games.

Crypto Payment Methods    

Parts of the world have embraced cryptocurrency more than others, but the gambling industry has played a part – Bitcoin in particular has made a big impact on the way people use casinos. Some studies suggest that the majority of all Bitcoin transactions involve gambling, so the industries are linked.

Along with some other digital currencies, Bitcoin has become increasingly popular as a method of payment in online casinos. Players value the convenience and privacy this brings to online gambling for those who use crypto.

Blockchain runs the transactions, and this technology means they are typically faster and more secure compared to traditional payment methods.