Jump to content
  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Categories

  • Game Release
  • Entertainment
  • Industry
  • Technology
  • Opinion
  • Community
  • Big Wins
  • Legality
  • Interviews

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


Showing results for tags 'igaming'.

Sort By:
 
Found 9 results
  1. Over the last two decades, punters have experienced so much change in the look of online casino games. Technological advancements have allowed developers to create unimaginable features for online gambling entertainment. The most recent buzz in the tech world is NVIDIA, with its 40 series graphic cards and the insane capabilities it enables. NVIDIA innovations drive gaming features to the next level and allow for super realistic CGI results, but the newest addition to its collection has unlimited potential. The exciting new revelations present incredible opportunities to software developers in the iGaming industry, and if all goes well, online gambling will never be the same. NVIDIA: Changing the Way We Play If we take a moment to reminisce about how far graphics have come and how it changed the face of gaming since the days of arcade cabinets, we have a lot to talk about. From pixelated 8-Bit technology to high-quality CGI, rendering requires mind-boggling innovation, which is what tech professionals did. Throw in the advancements in AI, and we have an altogether unthinkable improvement in how players experience their favourite games. Tech company NVIDIA recently revealed their new Ada Lovelace GPU architecture to power insane CGI capabilities and cloud service innovations that transform standard smart devices into unthinkable gaming machines. But how will this innovation allow software providers in iGaming to take online casinos to the next level? Ada Lovelace GPU and Cloud Gaming At this year's GTC conference, where everything AI and developer-related takes centre stage, NVIDIA revealed its latest GPU, named after the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace. This 3rd generation RTX microchip changes how artists create games and players experience them. The company's CEO, Jensen Huang, explained how the Ada Lovelace GPU technology improves processing capabilities by 70%. The newest addition to the NVIDIA RTX collection comes with highly advanced shader capabilities. In layman’s terms, this means animated graphics with never-before-seen lighting and movement to provide super realistic images. Artists can work magic without limitations thanks to the programmable shading technology that combines animation, geometry, lighting, materials, and physics. What sets this technology apart from any GPU before it is the cloud computing capabilities. NVIDIA revolutionised 3D graphics by allowing cloud processing, which means players no longer need massive high-tech devices to enjoy games like Witcher 3. It takes interactive gaming to the next level, and artists don't have to hold back when creating games. Ultra Realistic Gaming on Mobile Devices Until recently, Game developers experienced limitations if they wanted to reach the masses with their creations because most consumers own devices incapable of processing high-level graphics. Certain technological advancements, like HTML, allow us to enjoy exciting titles on our mobile devices. However, these still face limits because the devices can only process so much at any given time. AI technology already exists in the iGaming space and has improved so many aspects of the industry for gamblers and providers, but NVIDIA takes machine learning to a different dimension. The company launched its RTX Neural Rendering technology in 2018, where real-time ray tracing and deep learning AI broadened software providers' horizons. However, the newest deep learning super-resolution capabilities take this further with real-time frame rendering. The AI generates entirely new frames, based on past and current frames, in real-time and the technology includes features like a super low latency pipeline. According to Huang, these advancements, coupled with the cloud gaming experience, boost performance up to 4 times. NVIDIA's innovations transform gaming from a pre-baked world into highly interactive simulations. Breaking the Mold So, what does this technology mean for iGaming? How can simulations and cloud services change the online gambling industry, and what are the effects punters will experience because of it? Besides a few titles from a select group of software providers, online gambling games tend to fall short in the graphics and realism categories. This shortcoming is mainly because providers must consider accessibility and user-friendly games. From Niche to Mainstream Niche relates to specific and smaller market segments, and the greater part of the consumer market either can't afford devices that process advanced games or aren't interested in them. However, statistics show that 1.6 billion people gamble, and the remote segment continuously increases in popularity, which is a massive opportunity. In the UK alone, 17% of all gambling occurs online, and recent studies confirmed that 48% of all consumers use smartphones. Currently, most online casino games function because a smart device needs to process the game's visual features. With NVIDIA's recent innovations, developers in iGaming can break the barriers and create mind-blowing gambling experiences. Because of the cloud streaming and processing capabilities, players don’t need special graphic cards or high-tech computers. They only need a solid internet connection and a smart device to have a full experience of a game with insanely realistic graphics. This is a ground-breaking innovation for all industries, especially gaming and online casinos. Realistic Remote Casino Experiences NVIDIA takes immersive iGaming to a completely new level. Imagine an online casino lobby rendered in CGI software as described above. This allows players to use their mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet, to walk through the casino platform as they would through a casino floor without using VR goggles. Once iGaming software providers leverage this technology in new games, augmented reality and simulations offer punters online gambling like never experienced before. Cloud gaming also enables tremendous ease of access because no downloads are necessary. Gone are the days when movie-quality game graphics are inaccessible for players who don't have high-tech computers. Soon, any gamer with a smart device and reliable internet connection can take advantage of cloud gaming and experience the joy of AI-rendered imagery and interactive simulations. These innovations allow developers to create video casino games that portray live scenarios because players are no longer tied to the processing capabilities of their devices. Online casino games can change completely, and we are certain developers' imaginations have already started running free. Software development now becomes limitless, and providers can design without constantly considering barriers experienced by end-users. Taking Excellent iGaming to the World An essential change this technology brings about is accessibility for the masses. The fact that we can now use smartphones and other mobile devices while experiencing ultra-realistic graphics has unthinkable implications. What NVIDIA did for the tech industry with its Ada Lovelace GPU and deep learning AI applications will only come into focus in the next few months and years. One thing is certain, gaming will never be the same, and we can't wait to see what the iGaming industry comes up with because of it.
  2. Much like online gambling, artificial intelligence (AI) is not a new arrival in the tech world, and although it may be news to some, the impact of AI in iGaming is tremendous. Big data and machine learning are some of the AI integration advantages harnessed by online gambling companies, with results that benefit all stakeholders, especially players. If the only guarantee in life is change, then rapid change is the only guarantee in technology. The gambling industry is not immune to this truth. In fact, because of unprecedented market growth, the iGaming sector experiences intensely rapid change. Through AI integration, operators and software developers gain an advantage and ensure unsurpassed entertainment for their players. Here are the 7 ways AI changed the face of gambling forever. Tangible Effects of Artificial Technology Key components of AI used in online gambling include machine learning, big data harvesting and analysis, and, more recently, computer vision capabilities. Data is at the heart of how AI technology processes information and operates. When iGaming companies leverage historical data and allow AI to determine potential future outcomes, far more accurate pictures of what to expect come into view. Improvements in content, customer support, and security are some benefits revealed through efficient AI integration. ✓ 1. Data Interpretation Big data is an essential tool for every business in the digital era. Understanding consumer behaviour and optimising business strategies to offer competitive services require data collection. Knowledge in consumer science grew by leaps and bounds with the unveiling and implementing of data analytics using AI. A distinguishing factor between AI and humans is how fast AI can harvest, analyse, and store data. Its capability to extract information from various entry points and organise the data in an astonishingly accurate and speedy manner means no human employee can offer the same accuracy and output. Machine learning capabilities allow scientists to program the computers for specific data harvesting while the AI translates the data into actionable information. Online gambling platforms gather player information through AI analytics to better understand what their players look for in wagering entertainment and what they may choose in the future. Efficient application of data leads to more satisfied customers and providers where change is necessary. Operators and other gambling providers accurately anticipate player preferences, efficiently plan marketing strategies, and timeously take charge when players are at risk of harm. ✓ 2. Digital Customer Service Agents The level of service excellence a provider delivers consistently to its patrons has the power to make or break an online business. Because digital businesses face the challenge of attracting customers remotely and meeting their needs from afar, loyalty and relationship breakdown are challenges. Another reality is the vast number of options online patrons have. Therefore, online casinos have much more work to do in the customer retention and satisfaction arena than their land-based counterparts. Here, chatbots become an immediate solution to engage with players. Not only do these digital agents offer service assistance 24 hours a day, but they are also immune to bad moods and won’t match a customer’s aggressive energy. With the right data engineering, chatbots have the power to transform indifferent players into loyal, referring customers. Attentive service and efficient problem-solving can win players over. Chatbots can streamline the bulk of a platform's customer queries by answering straightforward questions and funnelling the rest to service agents in the call centre. ✓ 3. Unparalleled AML and Anti-Fraud Measures AI integration allows platform providers to secure their online casinos better than those who opt for more dated security measures. Although all licensed gambling providers must uphold the highest level of online security protocols and comply with international anti-money laundering laws, AI takes this to the next level. Land-based and online casinos have a shared risk of their exposure to fraudulent transactions. Whether it is a criminal trying to launder illegitimate money, underaged players circumventing age restrictions, or underhanded players trying to cheat their way to big wins, the risk remains. The evolution of AI technology allows for early detection of questionable transactions and, unlike manual processing, can do so in real time. This includes spotting hackers who attempt to cheat through data manipulation and bad actors who use casinos to funnel crime-backed money. Through AI efficacy, operators can inform the authorities and provide better information that may lead to convictions. A newer application of AI in the Know Your Customer (KYC) space lets players use video recordings to identify themselves. This exciting technology streamlines the sign-up process and eliminates the chance of forged identity documents from underaged users. ✓ 4. Player Protection Improvement A major challenge addressed in all gambling regions is protecting players at risk of developing gambling disorders. According to tech experts, AI once again has the answer. Data harvesting and machine learning have the potential to take traditional gambling safeguards from slightly to undeniably effective. Currently, operators and regulators struggle to agree on when to act. Regulators feel that providers should step in earlier, while many licensed providers fall short in this regard. AI integration offers a powerful tool that highlights patterns, much like the current systems. However, the process is much more accurate and swifter. Some believe the complicated nature of player behaviours and compulsive gambling poses their own list of challenges to AI adoption. Essentially, this capability can only grow into its potential once the industry at large shares knowledge and implements AI for effective player protection measures. ✓ 5. Unmatched Betting Statistics Data engineers and AI experts in the sports betting industry are interested in how AI technology can enhance the gambling market. They created exceptional computer vision capabilities for sportsbooks through machine and deep learning tools. The skill of predicting certain events in sports or specific aspects of a game is long-standing, and AI further strengthens the maths behind it. Although prediction companies delivered incredible insights to bettors long before the invention of AI, this technology surpasses the human capacity for data interpretation. AI can crunch numbers like no human, with the help of standard computers, can. A subsection of AI technology with computer vision capabilities teaches models to interpret and understand images and video. This technology is a game changer for data and statistics products in sports betting. Computer vision can offer extremely accurate predictions by calculating a player's velocity and trajectory. ✓ 6. Superior Gaming Experience The extreme competition in iGaming is apparent through the number of software providers and gambling platforms available today. Software providers have a mammoth task of creating unique and engaging content, and platform providers must ensure a superior experience through impressive visual art, user-friendly layout, and responsive pages. Providers who leverage AI data will offer players relevant and enjoyable content. By applying customer data in real time, players receive unsurpassed personalisation. Savvy operators incorporate AI machine learning to guide players through their portals. The same technology that allows operators to spot early warning signs of harmful patterns can teach them to maximise a player's current and future sessions. Through a responsive portal, operators take the guessing work out of the player's hands by suggesting games they may enjoy. Engaging content and a deeply personalised experience secure loyal customers and increase market share. ✓ 7. Data for Insightful and Focused Marketing The ability to constantly collect data at unthinkable rates means AI offers unsurpassed information on players, even before they place a bet. With an interconnected network on the web, marketing strategies powered by AI data allow gaming providers to cast wide nets with specific goals that reach the exact market they cater for. Marketing insights help operators and other stakeholders in iGaming to ensure their message is well received. While driving campaigns through AI allows for a laser-focused reach, the technology also aids operators in creating unique, personalised offers to players in their target demographic. This means players get more of what they want, and operators grow their customer base. Boundless Potential These applications of AI have already changed the face of gambling forever and raised the bar for player expectations. Throw the metaverse and augmented reality gaming into the mix, and we can only begin to imagine what the industry's future looks like.
  3. As the world of online casinos expands, the gambling industry evolves into a more diverse and highly imaginative market. Long gone are the days of boys’ clubs and their smoky cigar rooms void of female presence. Modern gambling has a lot to offer female consumers and studies reveal just how popular gambling is among women in the 21st century. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when most consider what women want to do while they relax, but evidence leads us to believe that the rise of online casinos opened countless doors for women in gambling. Today we meet ladies from various parts of the industry who sit on either side of the felt table. Historic Female Gamblers The following ladies made a name for themselves as legendary gamblers with some existing in history books and others still rocking the casino world. ✓ Carlotta Thompkins Two centuries ago, a Texan lady by the name of Carlotta Thompkins caused quite the upset in her family by becoming one of the greatest poker players of the time. Born in Kentucky, Ms Thompkins’ father taught her everything he knew about gambling sports betting. Her mother wasn’t a big fan of the industry although Mr Thompkins made a career out of it. Carlotta had quite the knack for playing cards and soon everyone started calling her Lottie Deno, partially derived from the Spanish word for money, dinero. Because her mother had other plans for Carlotta, she sent her to Detroit to get married, but the plan failed and Lottie Deno fell for an outlaw with a love for gambling. The pair led a nomadic life for a while, making money from gambling and eventually slowed down and settled in New Mexico. ✓ Judy Bayley Born in the early 1900s, Judy Bayley is one of the most famous gamblers of the 20th century. Interestingly, she is also from Texas and around the 1960s she became known as the First Lady of Gambling in Nevada. Her husband Warren Doc Bayley died an untimely death in 1964 and left Judy as the sole owner of their hotel-casino in Nevada. In the blink of an eye, she became the first-ever woman to own and operate a hotel-casino in the area. As it turns out, she did not only have a gambling gift, but she also became an icon in the casino industry for her strategic publicity approaches. Her passion for entertainment had a great impact on how she managed her business and although she had no formal business training, the casino flourished under her reign. ✓ Annette Obrestad Fast-forward a few decades on and we run into a young lady named Annette Obrestad. Born in 1988, she had an early start in gambling when she started playing poker on free websites. Annette was only 15 years old at the time but since then she has made a name for herself in the modern poker community. Purportedly, Annette never deposited money into her online gambling accounts and only used funds she won in the free tournaments. She made waves in the poker community by raking in some big pots in her first year of playing. Between 2006 and 2007, Annette won $600,000 on Pokerstars, $175,000 on Tilt Poker, and $260,000 on UltimateBet. She is also the youngest person to ever win a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. ✓ Vanessa Selbst ome call her the greatest female poker player of all time, and for good reason. Vanessa Selbst became one of the best-known faces in poker during her career as a professional poker player. Born in the decade of bad fashion and brilliant music, Vanessa won three WSOP bracelets and is the only woman who reached number 1 on the Global Poker Index. She made a name for herself as an aggressive opponent and through her brilliant card-playing skills amassed an astonishing $12 million to her bank balance in prize winnings. In 2018, the Yale law graduate announced her retirement from poker and explained that it felt like an actual job. ✓ Kirsten Bicknell Canadian-born Kirsten Bicknell made a name for herself by playing online poker during her first year of attending university. Kirsten dubbed herself ‘The Ultimate Grinder’ when she played an astonishing number of poker hands to become the esteemed player she is today. Rumour has it she played 7.5 million hands over two years from 2011. With over a decade of games under the belt, Kirsten collected prize money worth $11 million, and some estimate her net worth at $16 million. She won her first WSOP bracelet in 2013 and since then won two more bracelets. Another feather in her cap is the numerous nominations as the GPI Female Poker Player of the Year, which she won three years in a row. Women Shaking Things Up in Gambling Let’s move to the other side of the table for a moment. The following women shattered the glass ceiling in the gambling industry. Today, some of them continue to shape it into a more diverse and inclusive industry. ✓ Denise Coates and Her Vision Born into a family business comprising betting shops, Denise Coates’ destiny with the gambling industry was pre-ordained. When her father gave her control of the betting shop franchise, Denise was eager and ready to take their family business to the next level. With the support of her brother, John, and the belief that online platforms are the best bet, Denise launched Bet365. Today, Denise is one of the highest earning females in the world and her dream company is a reputable top-tier gambling business. Although she describes the endeavour as a gamble, luck had very little to do with the econometrics graduate’s success. Humble beginnings in a Portakabin and her determination to make the online business greater than any other paved the way to bet365 success. ✓ Therese Hillman’s Strategic Approach Most punters are familiar with their favourite games and the true fans know which software providers created them. What many don’t focus on are the people behind the companies that continuously deliver amazing content. One such person is Therese Hillman, the former CEO of leading software provider NetEnt. She oversaw the birthplace of Gonzo when he first arrived on our screens, and she guided the path for NetEnt’s expansion over several years. Therese first joined the NetEnt team as the CFO in January 2017 and a little over a year from there, she became the acting CEO. The CEO position officially became hers in May 2018 and 16 months later she helped seal the Red Tiger acquisition deal worth £197 million. She led the company through some of its most historic events, like the Evolution Gaming takeover. After the Evolution take over, Therese took a step back and her fans await her next move. ✓ Pansy Ho and Her Silver Gambling Chip Although she is the daughter of the infamous Macau casino mogul, Stanley Ho, this casino executive is not riding the wave her father triggered with his casino monopoly. Pansy Ho set out to build a reputation for herself as an ambitious and able businesswoman. Sure, her current $3.1 billion net worth comprises her share of the empire her father built, but she proved her solid business acumen over the past decade as an entrepreneur in her own right. She shares the same passion for business with her late father and used her ambition to secure wise investments in multiple industries including property, transportation, and gambling. In 2018, Bloomberg named her the richest woman in Hong Kong and many believe it is her fierce approach to business that landed her the wealth and title. ✓ Zoë Osmond Pushing for Responsible Gambling GambleAware is one of the biggest forces in the British player protection sphere. The organisation appointed Zoë Osmond as its CEO in 2021. Zoë previously held positions at the charity organisation as its Communications and Engagement Director where she spear-headed safer-gambling campaigns and increased the company’s reach throughout the UK. Anyone following the UK Gambling Reform saga knows that Zoë and her team are fighting tooth and nail to increase support for RET funding, which is currently a voluntary practice. She has the responsibility of distributing funds to national partners in aid of gambling addiction. Women like Zoë and the others mentioned above, are in the right positions to change the industry completely. An Influx of Female Gamblers Although some women started making history in gambling centuries ago, it remained a male-dominated scene for very long and only recently the tables started turning. With a more feminine approach to handling business and the convenience of remote gambling options, statistics show a significant rise in female gamblers. They must harness the opportunity that comes with this change in demographic through more diverse provider teams in all areas of igaming. Studies reveal female gamblers behave differently from their male counterparts and enjoy games like slots, roulette, and bingo the most. The data shows women use gambling as relaxation instead of entertainment and developers would do well to answer this call.
  4. If you are looking for a new hobby and online gambling is the option, here are a few pointers to make it an enjoyable experience every time. For seasoned gamblers, these may be obvious, and the wisdom may have come with expensive lessons, but even experienced punters forget the basics. With land-based casinos closed for long stretches over the last two years, many countries finally saw the importance of a regulated online gambling market as their citizens turned to igaming. Now that we see many new regulated markets and platform providers popping up from everywhere, it is more important than ever to keep your head cool when taking part in remote betting activities. Especially if you are new at this. Online casinos offer bonus deals to attract players to their platform and developers do their best to make their games stand out. With all the flashing lights and “Free” banners popping up, would-be punters as well as experienced gamblers can easily get carried away. So, before you get caught up in the moment, implement these 5 steps to ensure a relaxing and entertaining online gambling time. ✓ 1. Do Your Homework We get it. If reading was your thing, you would curl up on a sofa and get lost in your favourite book. The thing with reading casino and game reviews, though, is that it saves you a lot of time and unnecessary frustration. How so? Experienced players do the grunt work for you by checking all the important facts to consider when picking your gambling platform and which games you will wager your money on. If you pick a reputable source, you can rest assured that the casinos they write about and suggest to their visitors have the correct licenses in place. It is very important to only gamble at online casinos that are regulated within your country, as this ensures your right to recourse if you are dissatisfied with the service you received. On top of that, licensed and regulated platform providers need to adhere to strict gambling laws to maintain their licensed status within their respective jurisdictions. This ensures that players’ safety is a top priority to the casino and their staff. A good review will include factors such as payment solutions, available currencies, available languages for customers, and the level of customer service provided. With online casinos, punters need to know how long they will wait for their withdrawal as well. Most good review sites will include details on bonus deals from all the leading licensed operators, but always be sure to read the terms and conditions for yourself, to ensure you understand them. Review sites will help you choose the best game for your preferences too. With the multitude of slot games available, rather read a couple of reviews and play demos, if available, before you place your first bet. The important statistics will be on the review as well as the theme and rules. Should slots not interest you, all other casino games will have reviews too. Where your hard-earned money is involved, it is always better to have a good understanding of the game rules. ✓ 2. Manage Your Most Precious Resources: Money and Time Cash-flow mismanagement is the quickest way to get yourself into trouble with gambling and bring an abrupt end to the fun. The habit of setting a monthly and a session budget should be part of your gambling strategy to ensure that you don’t overestimate your betting allowance. Always make sure that you stick to what your budget allows and never overspend. Breaking this rule, even once, is a slippery slope to problematic gambling habits. Another golden rule of money management for gambling is to never wager with borrowed money. Some you win, some you lose. Take this to heart and walk away from your losses. Borrowing money to place a ‘sure bet’ or to cover your losses is a certain trap and one that you should avoid at all costs. Money is not the only precious commodity you own. The mentioned budgets should go further than currency to include how much time you spend on gambling. Time management is just as important, if not more so, and knowing when to stop even if you must ‘end on a high’ or walk away from a big loss will set you up for success in the long run. This, in turn, creates a winning mindset, which is a key component in every successful punter’s arsenal. Make sure that your time spent gambling fits in with your daily schedule and does not take away from other priorities, such as family time, work, etc. If you find it challenging to stick within the budget(s) you set for yourself, consider talking to someone about these challenges. Impulsive gambling can lead to detrimental consequences. ✓ 3. Make Use of Deposit and Time Limits The third point ties in with our discussion above and will make it so much easier to manage your bankroll. Online casinos and gambling regulators created this tool to help punters stick within their means and budgets. This is a great tool that promotes responsible gambling and helps you live to wager another day. Utilising the deposit limit application takes one more thing off your mind, as you only need to focus on the game and your betting strategy. Most veteran gamblers have learnt that it is too easy to give in to temptation and make that extra deposit in the hopes that the tides will turn or that the table is about to turn hot. In the heat of the moment, you may believe that the next spin or hand will bring your fortune but sticking to your budget is a skill to hone and setting a deposit limit helps you do exactly that. Regulators require online casinos to offer punters the deposit limit tool and, in most instances, you can limit yourself in different forms. Daily, weekly, and monthly limits will make it easy to structure your budget. ✓ 4. Check the RTP and Variance RTP, the acronym for Return to Player, refers to the amount the game pays back to the player over thousands of spins. They normally display this value in percentages. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 95%, it will give back 95c for every €1 spent. Essentially, this statistic communicates how much you can expect to lose. The % difference is the house’s edge, which translates to the percentage of player bets retained by the game in the long run. Although it is a theoretical amount, the fact remains that the house always wins. Some games have better return values and lower house edge and naturally, these should be the ones you play. The accepted average RTP for online slot games is around 95.5% but some slots can go as low as 85% as certain regulators allow for it. Finding out what the game’s RTP is will empower you to make better game choices for greater winning potential. Slot games have one more vital element to consider and that is the payout variance, also referred to as the game’s volatility. They rate it from low to high and it has a tremendous impact on how you should manage your bankroll. A low variance game will pay out often, but the returns are usually small. High variance games have erratic payout structures and spinners can experience dry spells and sudden big wins. These games are popular for the big wins but understand that they can stretch your bankroll with wins awarded seldom. ✓ 5. Ignoring Betting Lines on Games Understanding the mechanics of the game you are playing is key to the success of any prospective punter. Betting lines, also known as paylines, are a line-up of specific symbols on which they will reward a payout. Traditional slot machines used to have only one betting line running through the middle of the reels, but most modern slot games can have anything from five to hundreds of paylines with winning combinations in all types of patterns. Some video slot developers allow the player to decide how many lines they want to bet on before the spin and more lines mean more winning opportunities. Most of these slot games have a set number of lines you would need to bet on, so adjust your bet amount accordingly. Usually, there are two different bet settings. One for the currency you bet on and one for how many coins you will use per spin. This mechanic may confuse punters and others may just ignore the fact, but this can push your bet up without you realising it. If you find that your total bet displayed on the game’s dashboard is more than the bet amount you entered, chances are the structure of ‘bet per line’ is in place. These details are available in the paytable menu or the game rules, another point that many punters forget to explore before spinning away. Here you will see what individual symbols will reward you and how many need to match for a pay-out. The payline structure will explain how stakes apply and wins are split. If your bet amount is split between lines, they calculate your payout according to line wager. For example, a €3 bet on a 30-line slot means you are only betting 10c per line and would pay out relative to this. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. So always check the mechanics of the game before playing and find a game best suited for your betting style. When the Fun Stops, So Should You Having fun while gambling is about staying in control of the situation. Incorporating the above steps can help gamblers to focus on the entertainment factor while practising responsible gambling habits. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our recommended and reviewed GamblersPick online casinos.
  5. As human beings, we are remarkably resilient creatures that can adapt and evolve to survive anything served to us. 2020 quite simply proves this fact and provides yet another historical showcase of how we manage to take a bitter scenario and create a fabulous silver lining from it. The COVID-19 pandemic was certainly one of the worst global disasters we have had to face in recent history, yet we have managed to adapt and become even stronger because of it. One of our greatest assets during the past year has been our push for global digitalisation. Our love for technology has worked tremendously in our favour and has made lockdown and social distancing so much easier. In fact, 2020 is a defining moment in the refinement of the digital realm. Great advancements were made to cater to the scenario, such as improvements in online shopping, digitised payment solutions, advancements in live chat technology, and so much more. The effects of the pandemic challenged us to find a new normal that could pander to our needs as social beings. Fans of online gambling have experienced a similar renaissance in response to these worldwide improvements in working, living, and playing online. In search of our very own silver lining, we have discovered 5 ways in which the online gambling industry has become safer, more secure, and more popular over the last 24 months. Newly Regulated Regions Many countries previously opposed to online gambling have seen reason when it comes to digital gaming and recognise its positive impact on regulated economies. While land-based gambling establishments closed in various countries due to lockdown protocols, online casinos have taken over and provided socially distancing residents with sought-after ways to amuse themselves. Did you know? More states in the USA are looking to legalise online gambling at the moment. These include regions like California, Connecticut, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. As more countries and regions move to legalise iGaming, it only improves the security of the citizens in those areas. Many players gamble without the security and protection of regulation, so steps to regulate the market are set to create a safer environment for all punters. Thriving Business Where various businesses were forced to close their doors to limit social interaction, digital companies like online casinos have had the privilege of remaining in full operation over the lockdown periods, which has had a hugely positive effect on the overall market. Quick Fact: According to the Online Gambling Market Report 2020-2025, COVID-19 has led to a sudden rise in online gambling revenues, with some reports citing a 67% increase. An influx of people has moved over to the digital gambling realms, as it presents one of the few forms of entertainment available to adults in an environment where social distancing and staying at home is the societal norm. Active Approach Towards Legislation Thankfully, regulators recognised the need for rapid changes to gambling legislation. Laws that would have taken months or years to pass before, were passed quickly to cater to the sudden growth in popularity of internet gambling. Did you know? Official figures show that online gambling has emerged as one of the most popular pass times during the pandemic alongside online retail, food delivery, and subscription services. It’s only natural that its infrastructure would adapt to keep up with its growth. Various regions are in the process of passing laws to establish viable iGaming markets to ride the gravy train to wealth. There is much to recover and make up for, especially with land-based casinos only operating at limited capacity right now. A Proponent for Responsible Gambling The sudden attention of the masses in the online gambling sphere was a positive catalyst for governments and gambling commissions to improve their oversight and increase their focus on maintaining a responsible gambling environment. With much more time to play casino games, it was evident that enhanced responsible gambling protocols were needed to protect the playing public. Regulators in Spain and Britain were among the first to increase their safety protocols. Some of these security measures have included lowering the betting limits, the introduction of enhanced verification measures, and restrictions on marketing. Quick Fact: Spain has been the most heavy-handed with its laws on gambling marketing and has recently passed laws to prohibit sports teams from being sponsored by gambling institutions in the region. Some gaming commissions have limited the types of bonuses and promotions allowed at online casinos with certain regions putting a hold on such offerings. At the end of the day, these improved protocols ensure a safer gaming experience, despite the fact that old-school gamblers have not been in favour of these security enhancements. New Betting Avenues Although it is an online betting practice, sports betting has not faired as well as online casino entertainment because of the banning of live sports events. While football has since made a return, along with many other prominent sports, their initial absence from the scene caused bookmakers to become more innovative. Now that sport is back, there are far more options for the public to enjoy. Egaming became extremely popular thanks to the global lockdown. More and more people took to the exciting video gaming world to pass the time away. Of course, competitive protagonists found it the perfect platform to stage competitions and tournaments. This in turn provided an opportunity for sportsbooks to expand their repertoire and add new gaming options into their libraries – something that has been well-needed to this point anyway. Quick Fact: While you may think that games like FIFA Soccer would have ranked highly in the Esporting arena, the number one game for total winnings in 2020 is held by a shooter game. ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ forked out $14.75 million in winnings to its players last year! Esports is only gaining momentum and is an area of interest that needs watching over the next few years. Heightened regulation may be needed in this arena to protect under-aged players from getting caught up in the betting aspect of the market. Round-Up It’s always good to find the positive in any negative situation. The iGaming industry is one of the only markets that can safely do this when looking back over the last two years.
  6. While in-person gambling is a fun tradition that's been around for centuries, the popularity of online gambling is growing at an enormous rate. In fact, by 2020, the global market for gambling online is projected to grow by a whopping 8.77%! As you can probably imagine, the fact that there are two exciting and viable options for getting your gambling fix makes gamer's loves more interesting, but also vastly more complicated. After all, choosing which form of gaming is right for you can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, we're here to help! Today, we're going to talk about offline vs online gambling and outline the pros and cons of each. Read on to get some insight as to which of these alternatives is best for you. Offline Casino Gambling Even back in medieval times, people enjoyed heading to gaming parlors to place bets and socialize with others. That tradition still persists today despite the fact that games are different and casinos have a much more modern aesthetic. Read on to learn some of the merits and downsides of offline casino gaming! How Does Traditional Gambling Work? To partake in traditional gambling, you need to hop in your car, drive to the casino, and start placing bets (as soon as you know the rules!) Most of these locales are attached to other venues like malls, hotels, restaurants, and resorts. At an offline casino, all gamblers are present in the room where bets are being placed. The room is filled with neon lights and a roaring crowd of other gamers, which is an engaging aesthetic that makes lots of gamblers feel high on adrenaline. Pros There are a lot of pros to offline gambling that make for an amazing experience: Social experiences. You're surrounded by other gamblers, which is a fun experience if you're interested in making gaming a social experience. Aesthetic and adrenaline. The lighting and traditional aesthetic of a land-based casino really helps to get the adrenaline pumping and the excitement at an all-time high. This is especially the case because excitement is contagious, so when other people are having a good time in the casino, you're likely to as well. Less paperwork. While online casinos require registrants to include personal information into their accounts, most offline casinos are pretty chill about background verification. This means less paperwork for you so that you can start gaming faster. Opportunities for a high payout. There aren't really any limits as to what you can bet at an in-person casino, so this is a great option for high-risk gamblers. Cons However, there are also a few downsides: Less variety. Since there are space constraints in land-based casinos, they can only have so many gaming options. You won't have the same amount of variety as you would online. Strict unspoken rules. There are a lot of etiquette rules that you'll need to follow at a physical casino. It overall makes for a better experience where all gamblers respect each other, but it can still be annoying sometimes. Lack of disabled accessibility. Casinos can get loud and bright, which a lot of people like. However, for those with sensory processing issues, it can also get overwhelming. Know yourself and your preferences! Online Gambling Now that you know the pros and cons of going to a land-based casino, it's time to take a look at the alternative: online gambling. Read on to learn why this might be the right option for your needs! How Do Online Casinos Work? Online casinos are basically large online rooms where you can play virtual versions of all the games that you would at a casino. You place bets using a bank account or, more popular as of late, bitcoin. Online casinos are great for games like slots that don't require a lot of interaction. However, poker, blackjack, and other card games are an entirely different experience digitally. Pros Here's why online casinos are awesome: Convenience. Online gambling can happen in your PJs from the comfort of your own home! You can be really comfortable while playing as a result. High percentage of payout. While land-based casinos offer opportunities for high payout, you'll likely not win very often. Online casinos offer more chances to win smaller prizes. Opportunities for real-life experiences. When you use an online casino, you aren't sacrificing the opportunity to play against real-life players. Live dealers are an option on most casino sites, so you can play against other people in a virtual room. More variety. Online casinos have no space restrictions and therefore offer more games. Cons However, there are also a few cons: Less social opportunities. You can't bring friends to an online casino for a night out. It's a generally slow experience. The lack of a roaring crowd and neon lights also makes for less adrenaline. More restrictive. High-stakes gamblers have betting restrictions. Many sites also make it so the more you win, the less likely you are to win in the future. This is obviously unfortunate for those who are skilled at gaming. So, Which Option Is Best? Neither offline or online casinos are inherently better than the other. Which alternative is right for you depends on what you want your gaming experience to be like. If your primary goal is winning anything, including small prizes, then online gambling is likely the right choice for you. However, if you have a lot of money and are a high-stakes gambler, you won't like how restrictive most casino sites are with betting and probably want to head to your local offline casino. If you're looking for a social experience, then you're definitely going to want to head to an in-person venue. You can bring friends and hang out with them while placing bets. This is a great way to have a night out- casinos serve most food and alcoholic drinks in addition to the awesome entertainment that they provide. Those who are interested in convenience may want to go with online gaming that you can do from the comfort of your own home. This is also the case for autistic gamers and those with other sensory processing accessibility needs. The bottom line is that you need to know yourself! Place a Bet Today Whether or not you prefer to gamble online or in a casino, there are lots of options out there for the places you can make bets and the types of games you can play. Now that you know the pros and cons of both online and offline gambling, it's time to get started. Check out the 'games' tab on our homepage for more information about the various casino games you can play in the format of your choosing. From slots to poker to blackjack to roulette, we've got you covered.
  7. It's hard to track Bitcoin since it's anonymous, but there are over 633,000 wallets with at least 1 Bitcoin in it. If you're a proud owner of one of these wallets (or maybe more!), then you might be wondering what you can do with this currency. If you're an avid online gambler, then you may be surprised and pleased to know you can actually do some crypto gambling. Are you interested in playing on anonymous casinos, otherwise known as Bitcoin casinos? Then read on. We'll tell you 4 things you need to know about this type of online casino. 1. It's Legal For traditional casinos, there are usually restrictions placed on certain players from the world. But with anonymous casinos, gamblers can play from anywhere they wish. This type of casino doesn't have any regional restrictions. And when you're playing anonymously, this means your country's government can't really find out you're playing, so long as you're smart about it. For example, for maximum anonymity, use a VPN (proxy) while playing. 2. You Don't Have to Give up Personal Details With anonymous casinos, you don't have to input any personal details at all, which means there's no registration. All you have to fill out is which bank you want to use. But of course, that gives away your bank details. If you're not comfortable with that, then you can always do online Bitcoin gambling. That way, all you have to enter is your wallet address, which is anonymous. Whichever method you choose, this is how you can make deposits and withdrawals. 3. It's Completely Safe When you consider that you don't have to enter any personal information when you play on anonymous casinos, it's completely safe! This means if anyone does manage to intercept your connection with the online casino, they have nothing of value to "steal." They won't have data to gather, such as your full name, credit card number, or bank account number. Even if they manage to get your Bitcoin wallet address, they'll need other bits of information in order to withdraw money from it successfully. However, it's still best if you play on certified sites to avoid any issues. 4. It's Quick to Get Started On As we've mentioned above, you don't have to enter any personal information into the anonymous casinos. This also means you don't have to submit any documents to verify both your identity and address. These extra steps can take quite a bit of time for online casinos to get through. If you're impatient and want to get to playing quickly, then this type of casino is the way to do it. Play on Anonymous Casinos Today As you can see, playing on anonymous casinos is a great way to keep your sensitive data safe. If you're worried about people stealing your information over the internet, then playing on the best casino sites with Bitcoin and other types of crypto can be a great choice. For more information about online casinos, check out our other blog posts.
  8. In the online gambling community, it seems like every year brings more and more developments nobody ever saw coming. From month to month, the influx of information, data, law changes, and new opportunities can be a little daunting. So, what's an igaming enthusiast supposed to do if they want to stay up to date with what's going on in their world? Who do we follow if we want to know what's happening, when it's happening, and how it affects us? Join us, today, as we bring you eight of the biggest Twitter influencers in the online gaming industry, right now! David Purdum In the world of online gambler names, ESPN Chalk columnist David Purdum is a name you should know, whatever your sporting preference is. With his hands in nearly everything you can place a bet on, right now, Purdum is also a fairly notable name in fantasy sports. Look for David on Twitter if you want great posts and a solid jumping-off point for joining the online gambling community. Purdum's profile is where many of the top analysts actually gather when they want to have a discussion. This makes it perfect for anybody looking for great commentary. Find David Purdum on Twitter: @DavidPurdum Steve Ruddock The Steve Ruddock Twitter profile sets the stage for the open and honest Tweet content to follow. "Nominated for an award once... didn't win." As Editor in Chief at Gaming Law Review, Steve's insights into the poker and gaming industries are surface deep. What is really intriguing when it comes to Ruddock's Twitter content is his views on the legal and legislative development of gambling in the US. And what is the most intriguing is his coverage of terrestrial and online gambling and their slow growth into each other. What we're saying is Ruddock has a lot of great content and is an insightful influencer in the online gambling sphere. Maybe he should have been given that award, after all. Find Steve Ruddock on Twitter: @SteveRuddock Alun Bowden The well-known Alun Bowden offers unique perspectives on the igaming industry. More important, however, he is actually one of the only gambling names on the platform making the time to interact with his followers in any way. He is, also, quite sarcastic, but that's what we go to Twitter for, right? Based out of the UK, Bowden puts his years of industry experience and gaming industry contacts to good use. Follow him for excellent observations and commentary on gambling, highlighting often overlooked issues. Follow Alun Bowden on Twitter: @gamblinglamb Ryan Rodenberg Ryan Rodenberg is a leading name in the United States sports law community. He's been at the forefront of the legalized sports betting fight over the last few years. It's his informed perspective on the issues and expert commentary that make Rodenberg stand out. When it comes to gambling, on and offline, some of the best content concerns the often-complicated legal perspectives on the topics of the day. Ryan Rodenberg brings that expertise, arguing for legalization and exhibiting why legalization matters. Follow Ryan on Twitter: @SportsLawProf Mike Kowall With regard to legalizing online gambling, Michigan has been the site of many developments in recent years. And State Senator Mike Kowall has been a leading name in drafting and guiding that legislature. Kowall spearheaded online gambling legislation in 2016 and reintroduced it again in 2017. Despite not being as active on Twitter, he has a profile and has been involved directly in legal battles that affect the entire industry. This makes his content a great measure of the state of things. It also makes him an official source of information. This is especially nice when everybody else seems to spend their time sharing any old rumor they've heard recently. Follow Senator Kowall on Twitter: @SenMikeKowall Rosita Youngblood Pennsylvania State Representative, Dr. Rosita Youngblood is a leading proponent of online gambling. She sponsored the first bill to reform gaming laws, by the name of HB 2150, and has been extremely outspoken on the subject. Follow Representative Youngblood on Twitter: @RepYoungblood Sarah Friedman Sara Friedman is a notable name in the gambling compliance creative community. Her focus is largely on new and emerging online gambling laws and regulations. Follow Friedman for updates from the gambling regulation frontlines. Her rapid turnaround on pretty much all updates from the igaming and gambling worlds is unmatched. If it's been announced, Friedman is probably already Tweeting it. Follow Sara on Twitter: @SaraEFriedman Victor Rocha Victor Rocha represents the California online gambling community in a bigger way than most. With content leaning toward tribal gaming, Rocha's Twitter is a great source of content for California game followers. Tune in for unfiltered opinions on the state of California gaming. Follow Victor on Twitter: @VictorRocha1 Matt Assad Industry journalist Matt Assad works the gambling beat for Pennsylvania news site, Morning Call. It's his closeness to the daily news that gives him his understanding of the local scene, including gambling regulations. Chris Krafcik Chris Krafcik works as the research director for Gambling Compliance. This kind of information is worked with under very strict NDAs. That said, Gambling Compliance's work has made it a solid resource when they do release updates. And Krafcik's Tweets, though not all that frequent, epitomize that idea. Follow Chris Krafcik on Twitter: @CKrafcik Stay Up To Date With iGaming By Following Influencers Ultimately, no matter what your preferred industry is, it's always valuable to know who to follow if you want updates right from the horse's mouth. And where better to get up-to-the-minute updates from every industry out there than on Twitter? Hopefully, with the help of today's igaming influencer list, you'll have everything you need to follow all the men and women who know it best. Looking for more great insights into the world of gambling? Check out some of our other blog content.
  9. The early 2000s were a boom period for online gambling in the United States. The World Series of Poker was huge on ESPN, which helped to create an online gambling craze, and more and more poker rooms and casinos kept popping up. Millions of gamblers were taking to the online tables, not only playing poker but also betting on sports, roulette, and myriad other games of chance. Online gambling was considered perfectly legal, then it all came crashing down. One of America's most unpopular presidents, George W. Bush, signed into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2016 (UIGEA), which essentially made online gambling illegal. It wasn't that gambling itself was illegal for citizens, though more of a way to keep Americans from accepting money for gambling or operating any sort of sites. This caused PayPal and other large e-wallets and payment processors to stop dealing with Americans and online gaming, as it also chased most reputable sites away from accepting Americans. Some were shut down, and billions of dollars were left frozen or seized. The end result was a depression, of sorts, where most online gambling options for Americans dried up. The point of this short story is that who our president is in America matters a great deal. Whether we end up with four more years of Donald Trump, or a long-shot like Berne Sanders, the implications on the gaming world will be felt. So it stands to reason that many gamblers have a stake in the 2020 Election, and want to know which potential president would be the best for online gambling. The Presidential Candidates and Their Take on Online Gambling Donald Trump America's current POTUS, and the front-runner for the 2020 Election, Donald Trump, was initially thought a shoo-in for legalized online gaming After all, Trump's name was on many casinos in Atlantic City, and he has deep ties with Las Vegas. So this is a man who understood the love for online sports betting, poker, etc, right? Wrong. If anything, Trump has been pretty bad for online gaming due to the fact that he prefers the status quo. Approve or disapprove of the man's politics, the facts suggest that he's economy-focused, factory jobs and wages and the like. He has shown no interest one way or the other in lifting the UIGEA, nor has he commented on further sanctions. while some might take this indifferent stance to be a good thing, it shows that there's no priority in the Trump administration to even consider legal poker or any relenting on the nation's iGaming regulations. This may actually be worse than if he were to push for more regulations against. The reasoning here is that, if it were the case he wanted to go after online poker, his staunch opposition would gladly battle him on further regulations in the house, just for the fact of it being a Republican pushing the idea, and thus the topic would be brought to the fore, argued and battled. By keeping things within the status quo, the George Bush poker-killing regulations still stand untouched by anyone. Joe Biden The leading Democrat in the race for the 2020 Election for POTUS is Joe Biden, who's seemingly blowing past Bernie Sanders in delegate count. This isn't exactly a worst-case scenario for online gamblers either. While Biden has made no plans to loosen restrictions or to overturn the UIGEA, he has also stated unequivocally that he doesn't plan to impose further sanctions on online sports betting, poker, or any other sort of iGaming in the nation. So, why is this good? It's basically political speak for "I'm open to actually lifting regulations; just let me get settled." Okay, some might think that inference is a little generous, bordering on far-fetched, but also remember that Biden was around with Bush and disagreed on the crackdowns back then. Plus Joe Biden's son was a former lobbyist for Party Gaming. The kicker here, however, is that Joe Biden was also once a potential positive voice for repealing the UIGEA, although the Bill never managed to get off the ground due likely to typical politics cropping up. Suffice to say, however, that the gambling world seems to have Biden's ear, and he's not opposed to online gambling. In his position as Senator and then as Vice President, however, he's never been in a position to push for overturning the stifling anti-Gambling laws. Bernie Sanders At this point. Sanders is the dark horse Democrat candidate, and it's very unlikely he would win. In the past two USA elections for POTUS, media have entirely turned on Sanders, and he has felt this sting; first with Hillary Clinton, now with Joe Biden. Bernie Sanders is an admitted socialist who stands against capitalism and certainly against the status quo in America's business and politics. However, do not allow that to fool you. Sanders is very much anti-gambling. For whatever reasons, it's really unclear, but his voting history shows that every single time something comes from the House into the Senate that's anti-gambling, Sanders votes in favor of it passing. So no matter what it has been, online or not, Bernie has burned his bridges here and has voted to pass anti-gambling legislation time and again. There's absolutely no reason to consider he wouldn't stick with this. At best, he'd ignore the genre entirely and let the UIGEA and other regulations stand. At worst, he'd come after it harder, and online gambling being legal would never happen under a Sanders administration. The Right POTUS Pick for Legalized Online Gambling Whether he'd be good for jobs, the climate, world peace, or anything else is anyone's guess; but for online gambling, Joe Biden is the best friend a betting person has going into the 2020 Election. He has a history of reconnoitering around the edges of repealing the laws already on the books. All he's lacked in doing so is the power and pull. The Vice President's position is largely ceremonial; just ask Mike Pence, Dick Cheney notwithstanding. And as a Senator, he was only one of one hundred. Though as President of the United States, Biden would be in a much better position to argue for legalized online gambling. This is especially true in a House of Representatives with a Democrat majority. The good news for gamblers out there is that Biden is likely going to win the Democrat nod easily, then it's just a matter of facing down an unpopular incumbent. So the point here is that legalized online gambling may be closer than you think. Fingers crossed.
Important Information
By using this website, you certify that you are over 18 years old and acknowledge that the site uses cookies in accordance with its Privacy Policy to improve experience.

×
Start playing now at our top recommended casinos!

You've been idle for 60 seconds.

Start playing now at our top recommended casinos!

. . .
Don't show this again