Gambling Apps of the Future
There is no question that we have come a long way in the way we access information in a very short period of time. It seems like only yesterday that we were able to send our first text messages from our flip phones, and now we have the computing power of a PC in the palms of our hands. While this all seems like science fiction, we are still in the infancy of this technological revolution. Now that we have all this power in devices that fit in our pockets, the next step is to develop technology to harness all that new-found energy.
The online gambling world has always been at the forefront of technological advancements. From moving to a no-download version of games while retaining the same quality to the first games developed for mobile devices and wearables, the gambling industry has been an early adopter of most new technology.
When it comes to gambling apps, online gambling companies are actually a bit behind due to the impact that legislation of gambling had on the app platform owners. Now, while we are caught up to the rest of the world in what these apps can do, we need to take a look at where technology is headed and how best the gambling app industry can be ready for what is coming next.
What Are the Best Features of an App Today?
Before we look ahead to the future of gambling apps, we should point out the features of the current crop of apps that are critical to a site’s success no matter the delivery method. Our team of reviewers will not give high marks or recommend apps that don’t have this set of criteria knocked out of the park.
Reliability
It may go without saying, but having a gambling app that always stays connected and doesn’t require restarting has a major impact on the overall player experience. While we are aware that players need to have strong connections to avoid any delays in gameplay or errors in the app, if the app isn’t built with the strength to handle the speed of play, issues can still arise. Apps are constantly being updated with improvements, which is both a blessing and a curse. If an app update is rushed out, it may cause more problems than it was intended to fix in the first place.
Games Selection
Having a reliable gambling app is important, but having one that offers you all the games you want to play in one location is equally as important.
These have to have excellent navigation tools, so you can move between games easily and without frustration. The quality of the product can also be traced to the software providers in play and how easily their games are ported into the app environment. Not all gambling software companies are alike, so when we write our reviews, we are looking for the suites of games that offer the best quality of graphics along with the most titles in one place.
Support
Finally, the gambling app customer support is something that is a constant work in progress. At first, when you had an issue with your app, you were directed back to the web form of the website, which can be a pain for many players.
Improvements followed, and today you can be given a link to a telephone number that will dial directly from your device, or you can use the live chat functionality that has become very popular. This tool allows you to get an agent in real time right in the app, and this means less going back and forth to a browser if you are being given instructions to address your current issue.
What Can We Expect from Apps in the Future?
At the very least, we expect the items we discussed in the last section to continue to be improved as the future of gambling apps rolls on. However, we are also seeing new delivery methods and internal technological advancements that are going to have an impact on the gambling apps of the future. Here are a few things that we have noticed that will no doubt be implemented into the newest apps.
Artificial Intelligence
This is where we are seeing some significant moving of the needle. These days, companies like Google and Apple are investing heavily in AI, and this will have an effect on everyone’s lives, including that of the online gambler.
Starting with the learning capabilities of programs like Siri and Alexa, you will soon have a gambling app tailored to your personal preferences, with games you like being forced to the front of the line upon login. The software is going to be able to track your behavior at the games and will be able to suggest bonuses and promotions based on the results of your play. All of this adds up to a far more personalized gaming experience, making each player’s app slightly different than the others.
Augmented Reality
The early reaction to augmented reality in the gaming world was obvious when you look at how the world took to a game like Pokemon Go. We can see an easy transition into online gambling, with the idea of building games based on what a person is looking at or where they are located the first likely steps.
Imagine a bingo game where, in order to win, you needed to collect pieces that you had to travel to locally? The possibilities are limitless, and in regions where gambling is more woven into the fabric of the culture, these games will be an easy add.
Virtual Reality
The early versions of virtual reality casino games have been received with a lukewarm response, but we think that is more a factor of the technology rather than the games themselves. As players have shown with their love of live dealer casino games and live streamed sporting events, it is only a matter of time before all three are married in an immersive gambling experience.
Imagine being able to walk into a virtual racetrack, where you can see the races right in front of you, but you can also pull up your favorite slot machine while you are waiting for post time…this is soon going to be something you will be able to experience. One hurdle that has to be overcome is the cost of the VR headset. We are not quite there yet, with the best experiences requiring the details that come from an expensive headset. You can expect these costs to be driven down in the coming years and with that a much higher adoption rate.
Live Streaming Capabilities
Live streaming of sporting events has made it easier than ever to watch sports from around the world without needing a cable company to offer access. Many sportsbooks currently offer “gray market” feeds of sporting events, but we see a time coming soon when you will be able to subscribe to any sport you want to watch, eliminating the need for cable whatsoever.
Where the gambling app is likely to fit into this is a second screen filter for the sport being streamed. This will feature updated live odds and stats, allowing you to log into your betting account and make wagers while watching the stream right from within the app itself.
Conclusion
If you look at how far we have come in the mobile app world in the last decade, it is awe-inspiring. Today, we can do almost anything with an app, and while it seems like there aren’t many stones left unturned when it comes to what our mobile devices can do, in reality, we are only at the tip of the iceberg.
The gambling world should be getting ready for all the new technology that is going to change the way we access games in our apps and what we may be able to bet on as a result of these improvements. The best sites will be looking ahead to how they can tailor offers to players on a more personalized basis, as well as looking to work with software developers who are at the forefront of these new technologies. Make no mistake – gambling apps are here to stay and will be some of the first to take the risk of adopting new technologies to improve the overall experience for online gamblers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Gambling App Track My Movements More Than a Browser-Based Game?
Currently, a gambling app is likely to ask you to enable location services when you are using the app. This is to ensure that you are playing from an approved jurisdiction. This works the same in a browser-based version of the games, so you are not being tracked any differently at this time. Now, when beacon technology becomes more integrated with online gambling, you may find that you are being geo-targeted with ads and offers based on your location. This will be something that you will need to be comfortable with, as location services will still need to be on to play the games.
Will I Be Able to Play Games Without an Internet Connection?
There is currently technology being developed that would allow you to play certain games without an internet connection. This is most likely going to start with lottery-style games like scratch cards, where you will be able to pre-purchase cards that have an outcome already predetermined. Then, you will only need to have a connection to validate all the games and have your balance updated on the servers in case you want to make a withdrawal. Full casino games with random number generators may take longer to accomplish, but we can see a time where the entire game is loaded onto your device. This does open up a whole host of security concerns for the operator, so until additional layers of security can be implemented, we don’t think we will see this launched.
How Likely Is It That My Personal Information Will Be Exposed by a Gambling App?
Gambling apps need to be approved by the individual service provider, and each has their own set of minimum requirements when it comes to securing personal data. If you see a gambling app in an app store, you can be assured that it has met these requirements. However, that does not eliminate the risk altogether, which is why we always suggest you use a third-party e-wallet type of payment solution that anonymizes your information before you pass the info over to the gambling site itself. You can never fully protect yourself online, but there are steps that you, the gambling app operator, and the platform provider can take to put your information in the least vulnerable position.