The Future of Online Casinos

During the past 20 years online gambling has grown in both sophistication and popularity. As technology and social habits have changed, gambling on the web has seen growing acceptance across many continents and has attracted a growing player base from both traditional and non traditional gambling backgrounds. Not only has the social mix of gamblers changed with the emergence of online casinos but the industry has shown incredible staying power, stability and even growth amid a worldwide recession.

Since there has been so much change during the last twenty years, what can we expect over the next double-decade? No-one can see into the future but it's fun to make predictions. We cast a playful glance into the future and imagine how online casinos will look and feel in the year 2030.

Software: One easy prediction is that the online casino software will continue to develop. Game graphics and sound will improve – keeping pace with online gaming technology. We also foresee that by 2030 cartoon-style personas just won't do; players will scan photos into their profile and these will be used to create life-like 3D images around the card table. Game control will also have more choice with options of mouse control, touch screen or voice control being available. Online casino software enhancements will allow adventure-themed games to involve interaction with characters.

Games: The old casino classics will stand the test of time but more movie and lifestyle themed games will appear, designed to attract particular audiences. Multiplayer and interactive games will continue to capture the imagination of players. Some online casinos will host thousands of individual games whist others will go down the route of specializing their service to particular age groups, themes, game types, playing levels or buy-in levels; creating their own niche audiences.

Into the Mainstream: Gambling bans and unregulated casinos will be a thing of the past. Online casinos will enjoy worldwide licensing agreements and regulation will level out the playing field. Players around the globe will enjoy a safe and secure playing environment and governments will benefit from the steady flow of revenue the industry generates. Such is the social acceptance of gambling that it will be embraced for its educational value. Adult education classrooms will make regular use of excellent online gambling schools and free play online casino games to teach numeracy skills such as probability. Online casino gift cards will be available in all high street stores.

Land-based v Online Casinos: The distinction between online and land-based casinos will merge. High streets, airports and stations will all have casino cafes which pull in the crowds with their linked terminals that support multi-player games. Another popular draw will be the massive screens that respond to voice controlled commands via head mikes. They will display 'spectacle' games such as roulette and attract players and observers alike. Those after a quieter casino experience can use 3D gaming glasses with in-built microphones to place their bets and control play. Jackpot-chasing over a cup of coffee is the new social craze. Land based casinos will still exist in the mix but also offer live streaming and virtual involvement to players at home.

Social Communities: A choice of virtual or real online identities, live chat that is not type-based but discussion based over video link-ups and an increase in multi-player and team-based games will all make online casinos an increasingly popular place to socialize. Online casinos will develop their own 'Facebook' type social networks, using online gambling as the lynchpin and common interest of all. An emphasis on social interaction, local meet-ups and social events will create an increasingly social angle to the online gambling scene. There will even be online casino branded group vacation breaks.

Online casino communities will not only be more vibrant but will be enhanced by increased autonomy. Individuals will be able to create their own group games and tournaments played by their selected friends from around the globe.

A Social Conscience: Players will be able to earn points for good deeds such as donating money to charity as well as volunteering at the youth centre for a night. Gambling will increasingly look to score social points by giving back to communities, not just with funding but by actively encouraging players to do their bit.

As technology advances at a giddying pace and the online community bulges with younger and older age groups, the world of online casinos will no doubt embrace these changes. It remains to be seen exactly what the future holds but it sure is fun guessing.