The global iGaming industry is one of the most profitable and fast-growing industries int he world, in which it’s currently being valued at around $242.39 billion. Thanks to the digital revolution, technology has been readily available, and the iGaming industry has been quick to take up new offerings and incorporate it into their gaming solutions to create a whole new gaming experience.
Today, the iGaming industry is almost unrecognisable compared to the likes of what was available just two decades ago. Think snake in the Nokia phone or the first battle games on PC, today’s games are far superior to this in terms of technology, variety, and the hardware available.
Yet, as the industry has evolved, so have people’s expectations of the gaming world. Below, we’ll take a look at what customers want from online casinos today.
A variety of games
Unlike brick-and-mortar casinos that are restricted by their physical surroundings, the number of staff available, and legal operating times, online casinos are less limited. Some online casinos offer numerous variations of slots, based on a huge range of themes, something which isn’t possible in a land-based venue.
The possibilities are endless; however each online casino will have a distinct style of games and will use a different software provider. Therefore, it is important to browse through the games on a site and try to take advantage of any free trials before signing up to ensure you are happy with the style and number of games on offer.
Up to date licensing
Any online casino must be licensed by a local operator in order to be functioning legally. Not only does this ensure that they are following local laws, but it ensures a certain standard that will protect customers, their money, and their personal data too.
In order to check if an online casino is registered, look out for a licence logo either in the footer of the website or on the About Us page. Some of the most common regulating authorities to look out for include:
- The Curacao Gaming Authority
- Kahnawake Gambling Commission
- MGA
- UK Gambling Commission
- The Gibraltar Gaming Commission
- Isle of Man Gambling Authority
It’s important to note that the online casino may not always be licensed in the country you are located in, however it is still ok for you to play at their casino, provided they are an offshore provider that is licensed by a real regulating authority.
Reliable banking methods
An online casino’s payment methods are one of the most important factors when it comes to using an online casino. Not only is this important to keep you and your finances safe, but also to ensure you have a smooth and happy experience where it’s not a pain to make withdrawals or deposit money,
Many online casinos now have a variety of payment options, from e-wallets like PayPal and Venmo, to the standard debit card options that are safe, familiar, and reliable. Many newer casinos now also offer crypto payments. Crypto payments are not regulated by a central banking authority and therefore are much quicker to go through. In addition, as they operate on blockchain technology, the transactions are incredibly secure and highly anonymous too.
Bonuses and promotions
In the online casino world, bonuses and promotions are what make the difference between a successful business and a not so successful one. This is because the online casino market is highly saturated and there is so much choice for customers, so in order to attract and retain people to their site, providers must provide continually innovative bonuses and promotions.
One of the best promotions around is the new player promotions. Many sites offer a promotional agreement for new players, whereby you do not need to deposit any cash the first time around. Instead, you are given credits to try out the games and see if you’re happy to sign up.
Additionally, online casinos receive many more players, meaning there are more people contributing to the jackpot prize. As such, bonus offers are frequent and large, making your money stretch further, and jackpot prizes are more impressive than in the physical casino venues.
Speed of payout
A casino is expected to make payouts in a short amount of time, due to the nature of the games. However, not all casinos operate as smoothly as their front cover is shiny. In order to ensure you are signing up to a casino that has great customer service, be sure to read reviews from other customers to see what their experience was like.
Overall, playing at an online casino is a very exciting and convenient way to enjoy new and classic casino games. The industry is developing so quickly that there are constant new offers, new games, and larger jackpot prizes that you won’t want to miss out on.