Content:

1. Mobile gambling: new horizons

2. The letter of the law: what about the legalization of the gambling business?

3. The best of the best: gambling industry leaders

4. What will change in payment systems?

5. Blockchain and gambling

6. Artificial intelligence: gambling getting smarter

7. Final word

Gambling is an area that always will be popular. And we look at how rapidly online gambling develops itself, it becomes clear that this area not only feels great but gains new positions. Just look at the revenues in gambling: according to published data from H2 Gambling Capital, the global gambling industry revenue amounted to 45 billion euros for 2018. For comparison, in 2009 this amount reached 17 billion euros.

This means that the gambling industry is improving, following new trends and introducing technology. And in 2020, new trends in the gaming industry, which will raise it to a level higher, are coming.

Mobile gambling: new horizons

To begin with, 2020 promises to be a year of improvements in mobile gambling. Improving communication standards and developing ever newer mobile devices has already done its job. Now about 60% of users of gaming platforms use mobile devices.

Just a couple of years ago, the percentage of visitors using the phone was only 10%. And the mentioned H2 Gambling Capital predicts that already in 2023, half of the gross income of the gambling sector will be provided just due to mobile gambling. Developers even came up with a “mobile-first” trend when the mobile casino platform is primarily created, and only then the desktop one.

But these are not all the expected trends of mobile gambling. The developers also want to introduce VR technology and artificial intelligence. Of course, it won’t be easy. But such a step will transform the world of gambling drastically, making it even more convenient and atmospheric.

The letter of the law: what about the legalization of the gambling business?

A positive trend is observed from the side of the legislation. More and more countries are concluding that gambling should not be fought, but regulated. Firstly, it will be beneficial for the state, as another revenue item. Secondly, people will still play, so why not provide a more secure environment for this? So, what does this year bring for the gambling industry:

• The legalization of the gambling business in Ukraine is coming.

• Belarus has already legalized online casinos.

• Bookmakers of Russia have simplified the rules for identifying visitors.

At the same time, other countries have somewhat tightened the rules for gambling. For example, Armenia has limited online casino advertising, and the UK has made the rules for identifying players stricter.

The trend of legalization of the gambling sector means opportunities for business. It will not only grow but also become more secure and transparent.

The best of the best: gambling industry leaders

Many providers have already adopted the latest trends. Someone began to actively use blockchain technology, someone is working on the playability and design of their products, and someone uses an integrated approach. This has turned the usual competition of gambling developers into a real technological race.

The tops of the best gambling providers are updated almost every month. But some companies continue to keep the brand and others change their status. Thus, to maintain leadership positions, the providers need to keep up with the trends. Well-known mastodons of the gaming industry successfully cope with this task:

• NetEnt

• Microgaming

• Play’n Go

The secret of success lies in the application of the latest digital technologies, orientation to cryptocurrencies and competent marketing.

What will change in payment systems?

The market for payment systems is constantly on the move. And to remain out of competition, the technologies and trends are in priority. As a result, those systems that keep pace with the development of technology and customer requirements are in the lead. In turn, online casinos like Betboys and Queenofluck try to cooperate only with advanced payment systems. What is expected in the market of financial transaction systems:

• Enhanced security thanks to artificial intelligence.

• Voice payment management.

• More new mobile wallets.

• The growing demand for mPOS or mobile access points.

• The transition from cards to digital codes.

That is, every year smart payments are becoming more popular. Users are trying to find the fastest and safest transaction method that can also provide maximum anonymity.

Blockchain and gambling

Everyone knows about Bitcoin. But do everyone understand the importance of cryptocurrencies and everything that is about them? Don’t forget about such a thing as blockchain, as this year it will play a key role in the development of gambling.

Simply put, blockchain is a technology that includes records with timestamps and non-editable blocks managed by a network of computers. This means that the blockchain doesn’t have any central location, and cryptography is used to protect data. The popularity of the blockchain has increased markedly in the gambling sector. More and more casinos began to use blockchain technologies and accept cryptocurrencies. The pros of this technology are more than obvious:

• Data is recorded and stored in the registry and is not amenable to change.

• Blockchain is practically unbreakable. And even hacking attempts are almost doomed to failure.

• Transparency in operations, game processes and transactions is guaranteed.

Let’s add to this also complete anonymity for the player, the ability to check the honesty of the game due to the provable fair technology, meager commissions or even their absence. It becomes clear why blockchain will play a main role in the development of the gaming industry for a long time.

Artificial intelligence: gambling getting smarter

The introduction of two trends awaits online casinos and bookmakers: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Often these concepts are identified, although this is erroneous. AI involves performing tasks at the level of the human brain. And this happens due to the given algorithms. ML complements artificial intelligence, providing self-correction of the computer during the execution of tasks, as well as analysis and processing of the collected data.

What does this mean for online casinos and other gambling platforms:

• The introduction of chatbots can solve more complex problems with the player’s account.

• Improving and complicating the gameplay.

• Analysis of the activity of players on the sites and forecasts about their further actions.

• Enhanced control against scammers, bonus hunters and ludomania.

• Detailed analysis of the platform’s customer base.

• Adaptation to the individual characteristics of each client: a selection of offers, games and new products for a specific player.

So, the online casino will become smarter and will be able to reach a larger audience with an individual approach to each player. This will allow the income to increase and not to miss the slightest threat from fraudsters.

Final word

The gambling industry is associated with many with kinda a gold mine or an endless klondike. And this is not surprising: while economists are

preparing for the global crisis, the projected income of the gaming industry by 2024 is 94 (!) billion US dollars. This means that despite crises and other world upheavals, people always crave impressions and excitement.

Therefore, the gambling industry is not even going to slow down. On the contrary, this sector expects the introduction of new technologies. Thanks to which gambling will become smarter, and online casinos more functional. The main development trends for 2020 are:

• The introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

• Application of blockchain technology.

• Focus on mobile gambling.

• Improving payment systems.

• Legalization and regulation of the gambling business.

The best online casinos will follow these trends and apply the latest technology. One thing is clear: 2020 promises amazing changes in the gaming sector. Players will have more opportunities, while the business will get guarantees and at the same time challenges. Gambling operators have to be on the alert and keep an eye on technology.