iGaming first appeared in 1994. The internet’s meteoric rise in popularity, the iGaming industry’s rapid technological advancement, and the accessibility of iGaming server infrastructure all contributed to the market’s rapid expansion.
The global iGaming market had a value of $64.13 billion by 2020. The iGaming industry is anticipated to nearly double in size to $112.09 billion by 2025 as more people choose to gamble online and iGaming infrastructure continues to advance.
What is the appeal of iGaming?
It all comes down to accessibility. iGaming can be accessed via websites and apps, allowing users to participate on almost any device, at any time and from any location. On the bus to work, anyone with a device and an internet connection can play a few hands of poker or spin a few slots. As physical casinos were shut down due to the pandemic, people turned to online alternatives, which helped fuel growth. The year 2021 was a record year for the US iGaming technology sector, with many states recording all-time high incomes and a $53 billion national income. Thanks to the robust iGaming server infrastructure that was available and could accommodate many players, such enormous numbers were made possible.
iGaming is starting to gain popularity in less developed countries as well. For instance, the increased use of online gambling in Africa is being driven by rising mobile phone ownership. The iGaming industry is predicted to expand to new heights as it becomes more accessible, affordable, and widely legalised.
What will the future of iGaming technology look like?
The playing options and experiences offered by iGaming servers are continually expanding. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality will see significant growth, giving iGamers an even more “real” playing experience. In fact, in July 2021, the first cross-technology augmented multiplayer reality (AR) Casino software platform debuted, and we anticipate many more iGaming technology revolutions to come.
What varieties of online gaming are there?
Online casinos
Roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, and other traditional casino games are available digitally at online casinos. Experienced gamblers can start playing right away because the rules and bets are similar to those found on actual gaming tables. The majority of iGaming technology also offers a huge variety of slot machines. There are millions of different games available, many of which have enormous jackpots just waiting to be won, ranging from traditional one-arm bandit emulators to carefully themed video slots. Online casinos are able to offer a wide variety of games across both apps and websites because of the robust iGaming infrastructure provided by iGaming hosting companies. As a result, iGamers frequently have something new to play and the excitement of a potential win.
Poker
Within iGaming, poker’s ubiquity has skyrocketed. In addition to the different poker variations (straight, stud, draw, and flop), iGamers have access to live poker games that are streamed online, digital versions they can play on the web, and apps they can use to compete with other iGamers. Virtual poker simulates a full table for those who want to try their luck playing against the house, but the player is up against computer-generated avatars. Since players can come in and go out as they please and the iGaming technology used to power the game is constantly improving, virtual poker is growing in popularity.
eSports
Video game players compete against one another or against teams in tournaments known as eSports to determine the winner. The amount of money on the line depends on how big the tournaments are; professional gamers typically participate in events with massive prize pools (often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more). Amateur players will compete in smaller tournaments where smaller prizes will be awarded.
The general public will watch tournaments, either in person or, more frequently, online. Live streaming companies use streaming technology to enable viewers to watch, while eSports organisations use iGaming technology to enable players to compete. The competitions are important to many viewers. For bookmakers, wagering on the results of these competitions is a lucrative industry that is expected to expand quickly going forward. Esports.net reports that
Online sports betting
Online sports betting, which is betting on the results of any real-world sporting event through online platforms rather than visiting the neighbourhood bookies, is arguably the most accepted and popular form of gambling. Thanks to iGaming technology, online sportsbooks provide much more options and convenience than local bookmakers. With real-time updates, bettors can even wager on events as they are happening, like predicting the outcome of a game. There are millions of wagering options available across thousands of sports. Accumulators give punters who prefer a riskier bet the opportunity to win big by combining multiple predictions into one wager.
Live dealer studios
Online casinos are able to advance their games to deliver the real-world, immersive experience of sitting at a table in a physical casino online as streaming and iGaming server infrastructure develop. A dealer runs a full-size gaming table in live streaming games, interacting one-on-one with players and letting them place wagers on actual games in real time.
What about iGaming infrastructure?
Of course, there would be no such thing as an online casino without a stable, accessible, and secure iGaming infrastructure. Understanding where players are based and making sure their iGame hosting setups are close is the first step in putting in place iGaming infrastructure because online casinos live or die by the experience they provide to players. This is because closer proximity to the iGaming server infrastructure, where games are hosted, reduces latency and enhances the overall gaming experience. Games that are sluggish, buggy, or unresponsive due to latency may lose players.
Imagine making an unanswered wager request at the roulette table only to have the round end before your wager is acknowledged! Making sure that the server infrastructure you use is capable of providing as low latency as possible must be a top priority in a world where customers expect online games to be as fluid and enjoyable as a real-world table in their preferred casino. Please contact us to find out more about iGaming technology, the direction the market is taking, and how we can assist you in locating the iGaming infrastructure your customers are demanding. A different option is to read more about our iGaming server infrastructure here.
