Evgeniy Babitsyn, CMO of Bets.io, shared the below words with us.

The iGaming sector will be transformed by Web3 technologies. From blockchain applications to AI, NFTs and cryptocurrencies, iGaming platforms are already exploring how Web3 can not only improve their ways of working, but provide an exceptional standard of user experiences.

However, there is still a knowledge gap within the industry when it comes to understanding just how Web3 can be integrated into existing services. The discussion has been dominated by bold thinking on how Web3 will forever transform society. While this has created an exciting public discourse, it can sometimes overshadow the more practical ways that companies across all sectors can already start using Web3 to their advantage.

There are plenty of other considerations as well. These range from the limitations of certain early-stage technologies through to regulatory compliance and risk management. Hastily embracing Web3 without consideration of these issues can leave an entity exposed to a host of challenges which could undermine their relationship with their clients and services. Conversely, taking a risk averse approach which ignores Web3 will ultimately result in organizations being left behind.

Bets.io has been at the helm of research and development to understand how Web3 is revolutionizing the iGaming sector. Already, new initiatives are underway which will result in the rollout of Web3-enabled services and products throughout 2024, tailored to the needs of our clients.

Through our research, we have identified two key ways that Web3 will transform iGaming in 2024.

Speed, transparency and security

The benefits of Web3 revolve around three core principles of speed, transparency and security. Collectively, these principles are directly relatable to the iGaming sector and are based on the process of decentralization i.e. where the activities of a gaming ecosystem or a gaming platform, like the ownership of gaming assets and decision-making in all aspects of gaming, are delegated away from a central authority. This leads to transparency and security advantages.

For example, smart contracts can be deployed to automate the rules and logic of particular online games, ranging from the rewards and penalties set, to the changing nature of the challenges that players face. These smart contracts act as self-executing agreements that run on a blockchain system, meaning that it is incredibly difficult for games to be manipulated or hacked by an outside party.

The use of peer-to-peer networks works in a similar way, promoting cross-play functionality and an international network of gamers. This also means less of a reliance on a centralized server or platform which could slow-down network work performance or limit certain regions and devices from connecting with other players.

Tailored fun for all

Alongside the technical conversation on Web3, we should not forget the fun and engaging elements involved in iGaming and how this can be enhanced. The iGaming sector is global in nature and scope, bringing together players from a diverse collection of communities and regions. This makes the interests of players diverse. Rather than relying on one award system and one style of game, Web3 technologies allow iGaming platforms to deliver a bespoke experience for each individual player.

To understand how this would work in practice, we can consider the reward systems in place. Linking rewards with tokenization is one example of this, most prominently demonstrated through non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that directly correlate to the interests of a player. NFTs can be integrated into iGaming to create unique, tradable, and collectible items that can be won or traded between players. It creates an added value to the player and another avenue to encourage engagement.

Adaptive and tailored gameplay can also be produced through the combination of AI and blockchain data. The different gaming systems can learn from a player’s behavior and preferences to adjust difficulty levels, storyline progression, and in-game events in real-time. Limits can be set and the individual can play games on a difficulty level which is tailored to their skill-level.

2024 will be a defining year for the iGaming sector, and its progress will be led by the integration and use of Web3 technologies. The success of this will depend on iGaming platforms readily exploring how Web3 can be used, with the player experience guiding all the decisions made. Bets.io is already making strides in this space and we look forward to providing future updates shortly.