Online casinos putting more focus into mobile apps in 2024 – Herald.Wales

We’ve seen the online casino industry boom and blossom into a vast economic powerhouse worth billions of dollars globally over the last couple of decades. One of the primary drivers behind the industry has been the advent and development of mobile technology, which is far and away the most popular way to access the internet. So it’s no surprise that online casinos are often geared towards ‘mobile first’, with dedicated apps to help players enjoy the games and bonuses on offer. 

This year has brought with it more innovations in casino app technology, as operators look to secure more customers and increasingly tailor their user experience. 

The power of mobile

Mobile first is a big thing in the world of online gaming — one glance at a list of top casinos will highlight just how many have dedicated apps. This is true both for classic video games and online casinos, the latter of which are a powerful presence in the industry, commanding a 19% overall revenue share. Operators who don’t prioritise mobile users are in danger of losing business, as most users now access online casinos via their smartphones or tablets. 

The popularity of mobile phones is a key driver behind developments in the world of online casinos, and understanding the mobile landscape is key for operators looking for success. Players are demanding increasingly immersive experiences from their phones, and the technology is there, waiting to be exploited. Personalisation is also the name of the game, and apps are far more effective than websites for tailoring games, bonuses and other content towards individual users. Developing markets also play a large part in making mobile user experience (UX) a priority — in countries in Africa, for example, a much broader percentage of the population own and use their mobiles to access the internet, rather than computers. 

5G technology

2024 has seen more focus put on improving speed, reducing latency and creating more immersive experiences, and this is increasingly possible thanks to 5G technology, which becomes ever-more widespread. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) beginning to take hold, and has the power to revolutionise the online casino industry, bringing a level of previously unheard of immersion to classic games like blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots. 

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5G also allows a focus on real-time interaction, without delays, meaning that apps are able to run the kind of live environment games such as live-dealer or croupier table games, with increasing effectiveness. These games are highly in-demand, and are becoming commonplace favourites amongst online casino players, as they harness the full potential of mobile streaming technology. 

Social interaction

Another way apps will play a big role in online casinos is through the emerging trend of social interaction — a development that has the potential to heighten the appeal and experience of online casinos even further. Using social media tropes such as friend lists, chat systems, leaderboards and interactive live streams, an online casino becomes a place of interaction and collaboration, and fosters a sense of community. Just as we use Facebook and Instagram via phone apps, the same goes for online casinos, and don’t be surprised to see more social media elements infused into the player experience. 

Once again, the watchwords are immersion and interaction, and player engagement is heightened by both those things. Apps are the best way to integrate those elements into the online casino experience. 

With millions of players around the world using their phones to access and enjoy online casinos, it’s not a surprise to see operators gear their games and UX towards mobile as a platform. Having a dedicated app is a surefire way to attract and retain new customers.