Without tech, there would be no igaming. It is as simple as that. Without marketing, there is a good chance that no one would know about the latest games and offers that online casinos and sports betting platforms have on offer. The two disciplines go hand in hand to create the iGaming industry. Of course, other disciplines drive the sector, but these two are notable because they complement each other so perfectly.
We take online gambling pretty much for granted these days. However, it was much more a concept than reality not so long ago. No matter how clever the tech behind the scenes was in creating the games and calculating the odds, connectivity was the issue holding the industry back. Therefore, when considering tech in the igaming world, two essential tech elements are 5G and superfast broadband connections.
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Connectivity
4G and 5G have ensured that customers can get a stable internet connection when out and about. As a result, igaming has moved from being a desktop-based activity to being accessible wherever people happen to be. As a result, online casino companies have developed native apps with a wide selection of games. In our homes, optical fibre technology has dramatically increased network speeds allowing rapid upload and download times. This allows online igaming to happen in real-time with no lag or delay.
Random Number Generation
The tech behind most online casino and lottery games is random number generators. For example, online slots are powered by this technology. The RNG creates a value between 0 and around 4 billion. That number is then translated into a set of numbers that corresponds to the symbols on the reels.
How the reels stop is determined by the numbers generated in the RNG. You might think your lucky touch or special pregame routine determines whether you win or lose. However, the truth is the numbers are chosen when you hit the buttons. So while the RNGs are genuinely random, they are always programmed to favour the house.
RNGs are also used to work as automated card shufflers and dealers. In addition, they drive other basic activities like flipping a coin or dealing a hand in animated games. For example, if you play online roulette, there is an RNG behind the online roulette picker – unless you are playing at a live dealer table.
Optical Camera Recognition (OCR)
One of the biggest trends in online casinos is the increasing popularity of live dealer casino games. They are the nearest thing you can get to a brick-and-mortar casino from the comfort of your living room. The players interact with live croupiers who deal cards and spin the wheels – just as they would in a real casino. Players play in real time alongside other players.
The technology behind this is inspiring. Rather than being filmed in casinos, most of the action takes place in purpose-built studios. This allows for multiple camera angles to make the player feel as close to the dealer as possible.
The dealer’s actions are converted into data by OCR software. The cameras record all the numbers, symbols and suits, dice numbers or wheel positions. This data is cross-referenced to a database and shown on the screen as images. Players then react according to what is presented to them. At PayPal casinos, bets are placed through the player’s digital wallet. It all happens simultaneously, thanks to the speed of the stream – all down to the speed of the internet connection.
Algorithms and machine learning
Marketing lets customers know what games are available to play. However, unlike broadcast advertising, most of the marketing messages a player receives are tailored to their style of play. Broadcast adverts help build the brand and create an overall image for a particular online platform. However, these are blanket messages and are not tailored to specific games or styles of play.
Online casinos use powerful algorithms to learn more about how individuals like to play. They create personalized messages to appeal to a particular style of play. This means players are not bombarded with irrelevant messages, which can be off-putting and overwhelming. Instead, the system learns which games you have previously enjoyed and can make suggestions for future game choices.
In addition, the systems can generate promotions and bonus codes for players based on their recent activity. For example, if players have not used their account for a while, they might receive marketing messages that tempt them back to a particular platform.
Some top online casinos do not wait for accounts to become inactive. Instead, they have loyalty and VIP schemes to keep players active and engaged. Effective marketing is all about getting the right message to the right person and giving them a reason to take action.
As a player, it is essential to remember that you do not need to respond to all the messages. After all, it all appears personalized, but it is, in fact, a clever bit of tech inviting you to play. Gambling should always be fun, and you should never deposit more than you can afford to lose. Ultimately, the tech ensures that the house always wins, so you need to make sure you are enjoying the ride. Never borrow money to try and win back your losses.
Artificial Intelligence
AI technology helps gambling operators identify unhealthy behaviour patterns and intervene before they become problematic. For example, using AI software, addictive tendencies can be detected. This allows online casinos to develop a safety net for players who are determined to be at risk. This can help pre-empt problem gambling and warn players to take a break or self-exclude.
AI can also make a safer gambling environment for all players by detecting people who are trying to cheat. The software can identify suspicious behaviour. The casino can act quickly to catch fraudsters before they can cause damage. Online casinos have to have incredible security in place to beat cybercriminals who are always trying to hack players’ accounts and the casinos’ systems.
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