The online casino gaming industry has seen more than its fair share of trends come and go over the years. However, some developments have proven to be so much more than fads, case in point: live dealer gamers.
The live dealer segment is now well and truly an essential component of the remote casino experience. As the player demand for more interactive and realistic options alongside casino staples like slots and video poker grows, iGaming platforms are realizing just how crucial—and lucrative—the sector is. This article will explore the development of the sector over the years, as well as looking at current trends and what lies in store for live dealer gaming.
The Growth of Live Dealer Games
The concept of live dealer games emerged back in the early 2000s, particularly as gaming brands at that time were looking to enhance player engagement and retention. Compared to today’s cinematic affairs, the early versions of the sector resulted in rudimentary gaming experiences. However, as the quality of live streaming improved over the following decade, live dealer games became ever more viable and appealing to consumers.
Since the 2010s a number of tech advancements have helped to boost the success of the sector. For instance, the advent of high-definition video streaming has allowed operators to offer clear and smooth live dealer feeds, greatly enhancing the visual appeal and realism of these games. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, meanwhile, was introduced to track and display croupier actions, such as dealing cards or spinning the roulette wheel, in real-time.
As mobile casino gaming increased its capacity, we also began to see live dealer games being optimized for smartphone and tablet devices, enabling players to enjoy their favorite experiences even on the go. What’s more, advances in user interface design have helped to make the games themselves more intuitive and user-friendly. Players can easily navigate through game options, place wagers, and interact with dealers and other gamers, as well as being able to access things like slow-motion replays of key game moments.
The Appeal of Live Dealer Casino Games
Several factors contribute to the increasing popularity of live dealer casino games. For starters, this vertical offers the highest levels of immersion into the casino atmosphere, since players can see the croupier, hear the sounds of the casino and interact with the other humans who populate the game.
Seeing the game unfold in real-time with a trained, professional croupier in charge helps to build trust among players. This increased level of transparency can minimize any concerns about the fairness of the game, while the ability to chat with the dealer and enjoy close-ups of things like blackjack cards being dealt or the roulette wheel being spun further reinforces the security of the game in play.
Given just how popular the vertical has become, it’s no overstatement to say that the growth of live dealer games has had a profound effect on the online casino market. As well as appealing to die hard casino gaming enthusiasts, it’s also attracted new player demographics to the market, such as those gamers who prefer the authenticity of live dealer gaming over fully digital ones or even sports betting enthusiasts who are completely new to remote casinos. The appeal of the vertical has grown to the point where new players often consider live dealer games to be a critical factor as when choosing a casino.
Current and Future Live Dealer Trends
The live dealer sector is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, with several trends emerging on a local and global basis. We’re seeing more software providers incorporate game show elements into live dealer games, with real money wagering options being made available in classic formats.
The optimization of live dealer games for mobile devices continues to evolve, with HTML5 technology delivering high-quality, seamless streaming experiences across different screen sizes and operating systems. Some games have been developed specifically for the mobile sector, providing intuitive interfaces and touchscreen controls tailored for mobile play.
In terms of what the future holds in store for the sector, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality are all set to be major disruptors that could bring about the next stage of evolution in live dealer games. One leading software provider has already begun to explore VR technology with live dealer roulette games, for example, while others are utilizing AI and machine learning to deliver customized player experiences.