博客

Online gaming and gambling are on a constant rise. The internet made online casino gambling available to anyone. Which was very positive to many players how now can enjoy their favorite games without having to make an expensive trip to the casino.

But just like traditional, brick-and-mortar casinos, the online casinos have their dos and don’ts. And before you enter one, it’s important to understand the etiquette, and prevent yourself form looking foolish or worse, like a total amateur. Read on and learn how to behave in an online casino. We’ll have you looking like a pro before your first log in.

1. Know the Law of the Land

Since you can play online from any place in the world, before you log in to your favorite casino, check to see if online gambling is legal in the country, state, province or region where you are residing at the moment. Consult our legality page.  So you won’t end up losing more than just your hand at poker.

2. Play to Win but Expect to Lose

“House always wins” is something we hear all the time, and there’s a reason for that. Gambling online affords players the luxury to take their time to master the games and learn their strategies. Use this to your advantage. Take time to master the games and play to win. But no matter what lucky charm you have on or how smart and strategic your moves are, expect to lose sometimes. Expecting to win all the time will only lead to frustration and no one needs that.

3. Play According to the Best Rules

Almost all online casinos offer the same games. But they may have different variations and not have the same rules. Make Google your friend and search for the rules which suit your preferences. Study the rules or print them out for future reference. That way, you set yourself for success.  

4. Learn to Assess and Trust the Odds

Most casino games are games of chance, that’s true. But some or not. Mathematical statistics are proven, and all casino games are designed on percentages and probabilities for a reason. Don’t rely on luck alone cos there’s more to it. Constant winners aren’t only “lucky” – they have a better understanding of the odds. Learn to calculate the odds – don’t hate them!

5. Always have a Timely Play

Yes, it is expected to take a moment to consider your next move. However, you should make your next move in a timely manner. If you need to do something away from your computers or smartphone, it might be better to use the “sit out next hand” button. The other players will be thankful you did that.

6. Don’t Bet More than You Can Afford

Gambling is meant to be fun. Winning some money plays a big role here, but to win, you must bet first. And the party mood goes away quickly when you spend your rent or grocery money away. Create a gaming budget and stick to a limit that you can realistically afford.

7. Don’t Bet on “Setting Systems”

If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Stick to the rules and use proven mathematical strategies to plan your next move. Don’t rely on someone’s unsolicited advice or betting system they made out cos it is a surefire way to fill somebody else’s pockets.

8. Be Polite to All Players

Even though there are casino games where you play against a computer, keep in mind that online casinos are a real community, and most of the time you are playing against real people. Be cultured and polite, even if your playing style is aggressive.

9. Don’t Do or Permit any “Flaming”

One of the worst things you can do is take out your anger or frustration on other players. Or allow and instigate someone else to act angrily. Instead, calm down, and take sit the next hand out. If angry and insulting comments are directed to you, try to respond calmly and avoid getting into a ‘fight’.

Remember that even though you are playing online, it’s still an establishment where you are expected to follow certain rules and behave. Use our short guide to online gambling etiquette to learn the basic dos and don’ts, so you won’t end up being the annoying player that no one wants to play against.

When online gambling software developers consider the next markets, Latin America is rarely their first choice. That’s no surprise since the top countries by game revenue are China, the U.S., and Japan. Truth is, Latin America finished 2018 with 19% growth year-over-year on mobile platforms. And the predictions say that by 2021 there will be over 235 million smartphone users. Latin America is going through a rapid advancement and quickly catching up to global market leaders.

Let’s look at the Numbers

Latin America is comprised of 26 countries. Collectively, it is twice as big as Europe, and has almost the same number of people. And if all countries are consolidated, like the European Union, it would be the fourth largest. Yet it is still off the radar for most online gambling software developers.

Usually, this is due to the fact that there are income disparities and low bank account ownership. These facts, combined with the recent regional economic decline are making doing business difficult. But there’s still good reason for gambling software developers and operators to consider taking their businesses to Latin America. As it seems it will be the next big mobile gambling market.

For one, industry research shows that the LatAm mobile gaming and gambling market will be worth over $2 billion this year, making it over three times larger than Southeast Asia. Additionally, the growth rates are similar for both regions. The growth is expected to continue, even though only something over 150 million of approximately 630 million people have smartphones. The majority of whom reside in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

You need to Invest to Get a Return

In the past several years, Latina America has grown into a potentially huge market, which already accounts for 4 percent of the world’s total game revenue. But research shows that online gambling software developers do not consider this market important and spend less than one percent of their annual ad budget in Latin America.

The key to online gambling growth in Latin America lies in considering it as a region instead of a collection of countries. Mexico has 130 million people and is one of 20 countries that speak Spanish. On the other hand, there’s Brazil, with over 200 million people speaking Portuguese. This fact alone makes it very easy to segment potential players in this region based on language. Meaning Latin America has little of the linguistic complexity of Europe or Asia. Operators’ teams can partner with a local expert in the region and still manage global acquisition campaigns.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to appeal to the new generation of gamblers, the ones that prefer online gambling – e.g. millennials (the generation born between 1985 and 2000) who value personalised, innovative online experiences. This is one reason why games themed around a variety of niches are so popular online, providing choice for any type of gamer, regardless of how varied their interests.

Millennials also want to be able to choose between multiple touchpoints. Providing an omni-channel experience that enables playing on desktop and mobile devices is crucial. People in Latin America favour mobile gaming and gambling, the same as in the Western world. It’s just another area online gambling operators should consider when expanding to this market.

Last Words

Even though gambling restrictions remain in place across the world, governments are beginning to see the benefits of a legal but regulated gambling industry. But until online gambling operators see appreciable change in legislation in the U.S and Europe, they are on the lookout for new opportunities. So it’s no wonder Latin America’s one of their new targets.

With the population of the continent standing at over 600 million, there’s a huge audience out there. And people have a strong appetite for gambling. What’s more, travel and tourism are booming in the region – at a rate of 5.1% per year between 2010 and 2020 – which adds the potential for gambling tourism. While it remains to be seen which online gambling operators and software providers will come out on top, there’s no doubt that large organizations with experience working internationally have a clear advantage.

It goes without saying that betting laws, rules and regulations vary for different countries. Different betting regulatory bodies also govern specific regions in some countries. However, the reach of the body’s authority is not always clearly stated, and leaves a lot of confusion to where gambling and betting are legal and where they are not. There’s no such issue in Russia though since gambling laws are pretty clear. Yet, betting is mostly illegal in Russia.

Gambling and Betting Laws in Russia

Online gambling is completely banned in Russia and all online betting activity by Russian citizens is deemed illegal. Additionally, land-based gambling is illegal in the whole country, except in four regions. In spite of the ban, Russians still gamble online with offshore operators. Yet, it doesn’t appear that it is likely the gambling legislation is about to change in the near future.

Brief History of Russian Gambling

In the period from 1928 to 1989 all forms of gambling were banned in the Soviet Union. But the tight grip was starting to loosen. In 1988 when slot machines were legalised in certain locations, then in 1989 all gambling and betting became legal on the whole territory.

As a result, land-based casinos started to open. By 2002, there were over 50 casinos operating in Moscow alone. As gambling’s popularity kept growing, the government felt necessary to control the situation. And in 2006, they voted on a law that prohibits all online gambling and betting. In spite of the ban, most gambling sites still welcomed Russian customers since they were one of the most enthusiastic online gamblers.

A few years later, in 2009, the Russian government decided to restrict land-based gambling too. The offline betting and gambling establishments that didn’t comply with the new Russian law were closed. Moreover, sports betting and casino gambling was only allowed at bookmakers and casinos working and operating in four Russian regions: Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnador Krai, Altai Krai, and Primorsky Krai. Gambling and betting was banned in the other parts of the countries, which is still the case today.

Three years later, in 2012, the Russian Supreme Court took gambling prohibition a step further. This new decision stated that Internet providers must block all sites operated by online gaming and betting operators in order to make it impossible for Russians to access them. Additionally, a special regulatory body called Roskomnadzor was created. Its purpose was to track down illegal online betting activity and listing all illegal betting sites for Russians. This ruling was against the beliefs and policies of Russian Internet providers so they objected this law vehemently. However, the government’s stance was clear, and they threatened they would revoke the Internet provider’s licenses if they didn’t comply.

As expected, online gambling and betting operators closed their virtual doors to Russian players. But there are some operators that continue to provide services to Russian customers, and interestingly enough, the government hasn’t taken any steps to block these financial transactions.

The Reality of Online Gambling

Russian laws regarding gambling and betting are very strict, and it’s clear that you are breaking the law if you choose to gamble online. There’s also a debate whether poker should fall under this law since it’s a game of skill and not a game of chance, but sports betting and casino games are clearly illegal. However, despite the heavy restrictions, the real picture shows that online betting continues to be one of the favorite part-time activities for Russians.

This is due to the fact that the Russian government is more concerned with identifying and penalizing illegal betting and gambling operators than with individual players. Online gamblers who bet and play online don’t seem to be of interest to the Russian government. This is clear due to the fact that betting transactions between Russian citizens and offshore betting companies are still possible and continue to go through even though they are officially considered illegal activity.

Roskomnadzor is still actively blacklisting new sites, and their infamous list of forbidden online betting and gambling sites is constantly updated with new arrivals. Now, it includes even some of the most famous sites, such as Poker Stars. But the Russians who were using the Poker Stars app before the ban came in force can still use the site’s services.

Truth is, even though gambling and betting are considered illegal, Russians can still place wagers and gamble online if they find a way to do so. They will probably not be stopped, nor legally sanctioned for their actions. It is estimated that around 65% of betting in Russia is done illegally and most of this illegal activity is done through illegal online betting sites.

For the time being, domestic operators are prohibited from offering online gambling services, and Internet providers are required to block gambling sites. Unfortunately, we are not optimistic that the strict anti-gambling laws in Russia will change any time soon. But we keep our fingers crossed.

There have been some major, if not historic developments regarding gambling in the United States in 2018. New Jersey’s eight years of litigation have finally led to success with the highest court in the land, as That victory has led to the Supreme Court invalidating PASPA, and in turn allowing states to take control over sports betting authorization.

Due to this major change in legislature, seven states have already legalised sports betting; and while only a small fraction of US states have done so the potential for the US to become a world leader in sports betting is already becoming clear. However, this growth depends on how willing state and federal legal bodies are to embrace polices that would allow the industry to develop and compete for market share with offshore competitors.

Sports betting predictions for the US for 2019

But how will this shift reflect on what happens in the future? Will all of the US legalise sports betting? Probably not – but, regardless, with a nation of 350 million, there will certainly be some exciting developments! So, let’s explore some of the top predictions for the US in the year ahead.

Prediction 1: More states will authorise sports betting legislation

We predict that around 30 states will follow in the steps of New Jersey and introduce legislation, or at the very least consider the idea of legalising sports betting. Following on from that, there’s a big chance that a third of the country’s states will actually pass a bill though the legislature and attain the governor’s signature. As a result, we believe this will lead to a total of 16 or more states that have legal sports betting by the end of 2019.

Big states such as California, Texas or Florida will likely still need at least a couple more years to get on the same page. New York on the other hand, seems to be very anxious to get sports betting as soon as possible given they tremendous amount of potential revenue being lost to their neighboring state of New Jersey. Additionally, it wouldn’t be a surprising if a bunch of New England or Midwestern states rush to authorize sports betting for fear of having their neighbors ‘stealing’ the profits. This adoption is also likely to be exponential; the more states pass a bill, the greater the odds of other states in the region springing into action.

Predictions 2: The lottery-based model of sports betting will prove unsuccessful

Most US states have state-run lotteries, but states will soon find out that a state agency cannot do the activities a sports betting operator needs to be successful on its own and succeed. Sports bettors are sophisticated customers with very specific needs, who won’t settle for a poor and inadequate offering.

We predict that states who believe a generic sports betting product will win them market share will be in for a bad surprise.  A plain offering that lacks innovation, convenience and competitive pricing will only push players to the offshore operators since no two sports betting customers are alike. Moreover, states that try to monopolize sports betting are risking getting seriously hit and earning very low revenues.

Prediction 3: Congress won’t address the wire act nor implement federal sports betting legislation

While PASPA’s repeal has made sports betting possible, it hasn’t provided an environment to enable companies that want to operate in multiple states. The Wire Act still prohibits interstate sports betting activities, which means that sportsbooks that operate in New Jersey can’t offer their products to people in Texas until Congress directly addresses the issue.

While Sen. Orrin Hatch from Utah has circulated a proposed amendment to the legislation, it didn’t address the Wire Act in a meaningful way for sports betting operators – and unsurprisingly, it was received with disappointment. Nevertheless, it is the state legislatures, not the federal government that holds the future of sports betting in the US in their hands. Whether this means that the Federal Government will take a step back and try to limit online sports betting and gaming, we can only wait and see.

Prediction 4: sports leagues new and struggling, will heavily invest in sports betting 

Leagues such as bowling definitely need to find a way to boost popularity and relevance if they want to bolster their relevance. A great example is NASCAR. A well-established league that can benefit greatly from sports betting, we can only Imagine the traction that they will receive if they offer fans the opportunity to bet again with every lap.

When it comes to the football leagues, XFL and AAR, are already familiar with the importance of sports betting as part of their marketing strategy. In fact, they are already using enhanced betting strategies in attempt to win over new fans. A simpler approach, offering betting options only on major European and US leagues may be the best for newly established operators. But we expect that sportsbooks will start taking bets on even more exotic offerings during 2019.

Prediction 5: New Jersey to keep growing, but Nevada to keep place as revenue-leader

The growth in New Jersey is remarkable and with no stop in sight. The impressive results are almost entirely a result of their booming mobile betting marketplace, which now accounts for over 70% of the total sports betting market in the state. Industry watchers are getting curious and starting to question whether New Jersey can become a serious rival to Nevada. At the moment, New Jersey’s monthly handle still hasn’t reached even half the volume Nevada holds, keeping it far behind, but the question is, for how much longer?

Predictions currently stand at New Jersey reaching 60% of Nevada’s sports betting volume. But, if New York and Pennsylvania pass legislation, it will be interesting to see how it will affect and limit New Jersey’s success and growth. Of course, Nevada doesn’t have such worries since California and Arizona are nowhere near legalising sports betting.

Prediction 6: Mobile betting continues to fominate

The convenience of mobile sports betting makes it the preferred method of wagering for most bettors, and we expect the reign of mobile increase even if physical sportsbook handles reaches a plateau. While convenience is important, mobile has more options for in-play betting that make it more attractive.

In more mature European markets, in-play betting includes over half of all total bets. And as New Jersey operators grow and they become more sophisticated, we expect this mobile trend to continue. There’s no limit to how much mobile betting can grow in New Jersey and we believe this success will encourage other states to authorize mobile sports betting.

Prediction 7: Mobile-only sports betting will boost even states with no casinos will pass a bill

OK, well, sports betting is not a casino game. And even before Vegas, there were neighborhood bookies in most major cities in the US. The only thing different now is the way people do it. Technology has advanced and now it allows people to bet while watching. And mobile makes it even easier for bettors to place bets wherever and whenever it feels comfortable.

At the moment, few of the states that have casinos or racetracks have authorized sports betting, but this is totally irrelevant for creating a successful sports betting market. Mobile sportsbooks make it possible for operators to offer their products and services without the need for a physical facility, and states are becoming aware of this. In fact, Virginia and Tennessee, two states that do not have any gaming facilities, will be exploring mobile sports betting legislation in 2019. So don’t be surprised if both of these states authorize mobile sports betting, and by doing so, prove that mobile betting is a feasible and profitable as a stand-alone product.

The future of sports betting in the US

From these predictions, it is safe to conclude that online sports betting is promising to become the next big thing in the US. With more states becoming aware of the benefits of legalising sports betting and enabling mobile betting, we expect to see the Wire Act drop, more states to jump on the wagon, and of course, some interesting ‘fights’ over market share.

Like in technological, innovations in iGaming are gaining momentum. New products are being offered, and the old ones are getting updates or a moved off the shelf. But many of these innovations happen thanks to technological advancements. That allows for the development of many new tools and techniques, which when applied to iGaming sites and platforms, take the experience to a whole new level. And not only that, but the latest developments in technology are making the entire iGaming industry grow exponentially. Numerous reports predict that the global iGaming industry will be worth over $45 billion.   

Challenges in iGaming

As the iGaming industry grows, so does the competition. With new online gaming operators and online gaming software provides emerging on a daily basis, it’s become a real challenge for companies in the industry to gain a digital edge. Staying competitive relies on your ability to innovate and offer player a completely immersive, multi-channel experience. Creating great games is not enough on its own. The games and the online gaming platforms must be supported throughout the promotional mechanisms, and offer and evolving entertainment functionality. Usually, this requires having a collaboration between all departments, internally and externally, and setting clear, realistic outcomes. For many companies this translates to creating new fun games, along with gamification features to the older offering. And additional, cutting-edge concepts and omni-channel support.

Innovation through Adaptation  

The last several years have brought rapid growth to the digital space. Players have become so attached to their mobile devices that playing games on them is a given. Knowing this allows content creators and online gaming software providers to move development boundaries and create completely new experiences for players.

One of the biggest challenges that iGaming is facing are the incomplete experiences that players are offered across channels. Instead of being able to enjoy their favorite games on desktop or mobile device, and have a seamless experience, that allows game progress and earning rewards across all platforms, players are often forced to start over when switching devices. This ideal experience is not beneficial only to players, but also to iGaming operators. That way they will have a complete view of the players, their behavior and preferences. And this holistic view can be used to offer them a more robust and personalized loyalty programs.

Another challenge that online gaming operators face is the evolution of players. Consumers are getting more “game intelligent” and know what kind of games and experiences they want. With so many choices, operators can’t afford to have boring games because that will lose them customers. Players look for entertaining experiences and significant gratification. And online gaming providers need to ensure that’s what they provide to players.

One way to do this is find new and innovative ways to stay aligned with players’ changing demands and preferences. Players have to be at the center of online gaming software providers’ ideation process. Since consumers expect digital and mobile options for nearly all aspects of their lives, it’s mandatory for online gaming software developers to create solutions that meet these expectations. Moreover, these solutions need to accommodate the needs of global audiences, including their gaming preferences and payment methods.

New technologies and social media continue to influence iGaming. Making staying ahead even harder. The key is to constantly evolve and create new gaming solutions for players. To do this, iGaming software providers need to leverage the team’s creative gaming and technological expertise to provide evolving, innovative gaming moments. A major part of the process is setting clear understanding and expectations between the marketing and development teams. None of the digital growth is slowing down, so iGaming operators need to offer their most compelling options to players to keep them engaged and entertained. Creating a strong relationship and fantastic gaming experience on all devices should be the main focus and key driver of growth and innovation. 

Innovation is Key for Success

Operators must be smart as they plan their future development. They have be on the lookout for new technologies and changing trends. Giving players what they want is the definition of success, and only those who can maximize their potential through innovation and adaptation will succeed in the iGaming industry.  

Introduction of innovations and new technologies, whether gradual or disruptive, is essential for expansion and growth of iGaming operators. The digital landscape changes and shifts continuously, and the ripples impact the iGaming industry as well. One way to stay on track and not lose course is staying focused on updating games and platforms regularly to keep them working seamlessly with modern technology. All the while, working on the creation of new, innovative products.

Traditionally, the growth and development of online payments were linked to developments in e-commerce. Maybe saying this would be too bold, but in five years from now the term ‘online payments’ may be obsolete. E-wallets and payment platforms become increasingly accessible from smartphones, and slowly starting to dominate offline payments too. While e-commerce still plays an important role in innovation in payments, in the past several years, online gaming and gambling are driving the innovation in online payments.

International Expansion of iGaming Operators and Software Providers

Global expansion used to be reserved for big companies. But iGaming operators and software providers have changed the rules of the game. Now, thanks to global payment technology it is very easy to expand to new markets quickly. A great testament to the power and reach of online gambling are the numerous eSports tournaments with prize pots of several millions of dollars, and stretching across all continents. The industry’s worldwide reach presents obvious and enticing opportunities for businesses, giving them access to millions of customers across the planet.

But in order to truly maximize the potential of international expansion, iGaming software providers and online gambling operators need to ensure they have the right payment methods for each region. And for that, they need to make the right partnership with payment processing companies. When choosing or diversifying payment options, iGaming operators need to make sure their payment provider(s) is able to meet their international needs. And there are few key services their payment provider should have, such as cross-border payments, accepting multiple currencies, etc.

Understanding Local Payment Needs and Possibilities

Usually, most online gaming and online gambling operators offer their services internationally. People from around the globe can open their website, create an account and play. But accepting payments in multiple currencies in order to reach international players is no longer enough. Every market and every region is different. Aside from having different currencies, different regions have their own payment needs, possibilities or preferences. In Europe, and parts of North America, players prefer to use debit and credit cards. While in Asia, digital wallets, such as NETELLER and Skrill, are the first choice of consumers and players driving the eCommerce growth. But digital wallets also have an audience among online gamers in Europe, along with online cash replacement systems.

That’s why when expanding to new markets, operators need to be aware of the local payment requirements, and partner with a provider that has in-depth knowledge of the region they are targeting and the technical capability to support their operation in those markets. Fortunately, there are several payment providers that recognize these needs and provides services in numerous markets around the world. They process credit card payments and offer alternative payment methods such as digital wallets and cash replacement systems.

Enabling Cross-Border Payments

If your online gaming platform is available to players overseas, it is imperative that your payment provider can enable secure and effective cross-border eCommerce. The best practice for online gaming operators is to team up with a provider that offers a broad range of global payment solutions with the scope to process payments in multiple currencies. Ideally, the payment provider should be able to process card and alternative payments in GBP, EUR and USD and as many additional currencies as possible. This will make it much easier for your business to operate overseas. Some providers also have specialist fraud and risk management tools that are helpful in taking the stress out of processing international payments, and ensuring all finances are safe.

Safeguarding Users from Problem Gambling

One key thing to keep in mind when deciding to grow your business is that with the rise of online gaming and gambling, is the industry’s duty to protect players from problem gambling. In fact, operators in the US and EU must take steps to identify risky behavior and stop users from gambling when it’s not permitted or before it turns into a problem. So when choosing a payment provider, online gambling operators should partner with one that is experienced and able to support them in safeguarding their users.

The world of iGaming and advancements in payment tech have influenced one another, driving growth in both fields. But with the ability to expand internationally comes the need to offer players stable and safe payment methods suitable to their needs and preferences. Partnering with the right payment service provider and integrating a comprehensive payment processing solution that can meet any specific customer payment need and preference can be the key to international success and staying ahead of the competition.

Casinos and gambling are still illegal in mainland China. But, it is allowed in Macau and Hong Kong. Over the years Macau has emerged as the gambling hub of not just China, but all of Asia Pacific. Over the years, Macau has gained international importance and has become at par with Las Vegas. In fact, Macau has been dubbed the new Gambling capital of the World.

Lack of Online Gaming Legislation

The Chinese gaming and gambling market is one of the fastest growing in the world. While land-based gambling is legal in Macau, online gaming is not regulated. So, in most parts, the lack of online gaming licensing translates into ‘online gaming is legal’. This is true for players though. The public can place bets with foreign-based online casinos. But the lack of regulation implies that operating an online casino in Macau is illegal, which works against the online gaming operators.

As a result, there are many iGaming operators that operate offshore but serve Macau. These online gaming operators use state of the art technology to ensure that players have the best online gaming experience no matter if they use desktop computers or mobile devices. Online casinos are easily accessible and have an extensive selection of fun and exciting games. They also offer players the option to make quick deposits and withdrawals, making playing easier and more enjoyable.

However, that are many operators that backed out of Macau because they want to avoid getting in conflict with the Chinese government, which has a very strict stance against gambling in general. But for now, Macau is still one of the most liberal gaming and gambling environments in the world. But when it comes to iGaming, the lack of legislation is similar to the rest of the world. iGaming operators are shut out of the place, but the public is free to enjoy online gaming at their own leisure, and risk.

China wants to Strengthen Gaming and Gambling Regulations

Regardless of the huge revenues that come from Macau’s gambling, and gambling tourism, the Chinese government is pushing Macau to tighten its gambling industry oversight and strengthen regulations. There is also a desire for Macau to monitor the changing trends in the casino sector and diversify into non-gambling activities. China wants Macau to focus on leisure and family tourism and put gambling in the background. However, there is now more of an emphasis being put on entertainment and retail stores across the region.

But if China wants Macau to be more aware of the latest trends in casino and gambling, what does this mean for the legalization of online gaming? Is China going to accept the dominance of online gaming and finally create legislation that allows online gaming operators to work on Chinese soil? We can only wait and see.

Through the years, the media has often criticized the gambling industry. As a result, many people believe the stereotype that gambling is harmful, and just another vice that can cause addiction due to human desire (and often greed) to make easy money.

In reality, though, there’s another side to that coin. Gambling can be very beneficial to local communities that have been hit by an economic crisis. And it helps in terms of creating employment opportunities, generating tax money, and much more.

Creating Jobs for the Locals

With the opening of a new business, comes the need for hiring workers. Legalized online gambling can play a crucial role in improving the employment rate, in small cities and megalopolises alike. And since the online casino industry is open 24/7, need stuff more than the regular 9-5 businesses. This means that whenever an online operator or an iGaming software provides opens a venue, they are creating employment opportunities for the locals. From highly skilled employees to front-line workers, these companies need many people to provide front- and back-office support to players.

The gambling industry, including online casino operators, iGaming and casino software providers can be a very motiving and rewarding working environment, which encourages people to get a job and stay with the business longer. For example, online casinos offer almost all of the jobs we see in traditional casinos – their online dealers, customer support, technical (back office) support, and much, much more. So people starting as dealers can easily work they up into managerial positions.

Additionally, iGaming software providers earn significant amounts; they are able and willing to pay their workers more. Statistics show that countries, where online casinos and iGaming software operators are legal, have higher employment rate, and average salaries are also higher. Which makes it clear that this industry has a lot of potentials to bring positive (economic and societal) changes to local communities.

Giving Back to the Community

Just like any other entity, online casinos and iGaming software providers are supposed to pay taxes. Also, the players who win (big) money are required to fulfill this obligation. While tax rates vary in different countries, casinos iGaming software providers still have to pay corporate income tax, just like any other business in the country. There may also be different fees on top of the taxes. Similarly, gamblers have to give a specific amount of their winnings, which depends on the country’s laws, and types of games they play.

In addition to being taxpayers, the gambling industry can additionally help and encourage economic growth by means of organizing charities and participating fund raising events. Since gambling has a bad reputation, sportsbook and casino software providers are also supporting local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of other people, raising gambling addiction awareness, sponsoring gambling prevention centers, etc.

Increasing Interest in Sports

Online sports betting is a huge segment of online gambling. While it’s very profitable for the economy, it’s also helping other businesses attract more customers who are interested in a specific sports event covered by the betting agents. This includes local bars, cafes and bistros that live stream games and matches, shops that sell sports and fan merchandise. Even sports venues where gamblers can engage in their favorite sport.

Sports are present in almost every local culture, and online sports betting can additionally increase their influence and turn local sports teams and competitions into internationally known stars and events that attract tourists. A great example of this is the football leagues. Football fans regularly place bets and (most of them would) gladly travel to watch their favorite team play live.

Arguments Against Online Gambling

While we can see that legalizing online gambling can be very beneficial to local economies, there are still many opponents that speak of the social costs of gambling and the harm it does to society. They connect it with problem gambling or gambling addiction, and very often to crime, thanks to cinematic representation in the 20th century.

However, these effects have a lesser impact than the long-term economic and social benefits associated with gambling legalization. All reputable online casino operators, iGaming and sportsbook software providers have policies that address problem gambling and are actively involved in preventing it. They also contribute a substantial part of their profits to organizations that help people who are addicted to gambling to recover. Research has even shown that the expansion of online gambling has no impact on the level of addiction among players.

It’s a fact that casinos are a significant cultural phenomenon and play a big role in the lives of many people. They are a great source of fun, are present a way for people to socialize, enjoy a good time with their friends and make new ones, and on top of it all, earn some money. But very often, winning cash is not the main reason people engage in online gambling. Instead, it’s the socialization, the thrill of the game, and rush of adrenaline why people decide to enjoy this digital form of entertainment.

As one of the fastest-moving industries, iGaming has been through many changes and challenges over time. Players are always seeking new exciting experiences, regulations change, and as new markets open, the pressure seems to increase in the more established gaming markets. Keeping ahead of trends and following the changing dynamics necessary for staying relevant in the industry is becoming harder as the speed of events increases. But to better understand the future of gaming, we first must understand the factors that influence and shape it.  Here, we will explore the key trends that are expected to impact the online gaming space and drive innovation in the upcoming 12 months.

Commoditization of Content

When it comes to iGaming, there is no discussion that content is king. The whole gaming market is built on a wide variety of content aimed at providing a plethora of player experiences. But lately, standing out from the crowd has become a challenge. On top of the 30,000 games that already exist, we see over 50 new games launched almost every month.

The question is, how many of these games offer a new and different experience? Perhaps creating a unique gaming experience is not so easy, but the games that perform the best share some common characteristics such as enchanting theme and unique reel arrays. Some online operators even go a step further and try to bring content from land-based casinos to digital, in a new gamified form. But in order to attract player, operators must find simple, enticing ways to promote games.

Challenging Times in Europe as Markets Mature

Regulation has always been a hot topic in gaming. But now it’s more prevalent than ever. Markets in Europe are reaching a certain level of maturity where players expect a high level of service and quality from game manufacturers and operators alike. At the same time, as the markets grow, regulators keep evaluating their policies and implementing new ones in an attempt to keep the industry accountable.

Greater political scrutiny and new regulation are creating additional operational challenges. The existing advertising bans, crackdowns on bonusing and stricter AML/KYC checks make it even harder for operators to keep their heads above water. And only those who can be creative and fast can succeed in the upcoming year. One way that operators can stay ahead of the regulatory curve is to lead a change by embracing the new technology, including the blockchain. Another way operators try to lighten up the burden of the regulator is by scaling, so we expect to see many mergers and acquisitions in the coming months.

The emergence of Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming is slowly but surely taking over. In fact, nearly 70 percent of iGaming turnover is generated via a mobile device. This number will only rise as the migration from desktop to mobile continues. Going mobile is one of the main challenges the industry faces since there are many debates over many aspects of mobile gaming.

But mobile UX is still in its infancy, which means operators that already started curating exciting and engaging mobile experiences for their player, via responsive websites or mobile apps, are leading the way. Mobile devices offer the ability to create a truly immersive and personalized experience, but developers and operators need to first truly understand mobile. Only then, they can create experiences that will drive the future growth of (mobile) gaming forward.

Player Acquisition and Retention

One key thing to remember in 2019 is that players should always come first. Only platforms that deliver personalized, bespoke experiences will survive in the long run. This is especially important now because many operators are facing the challenge to attain new and retain existing players. The associated costs, and restrictions in advertising are making it even more difficult to get in front of your potential players.

While the gaming industry is just begging to catch up in respect of targeting and personalization, using data science and technology to understand target markets and players’ behavior can greatly help in creating a stronger backbone for smarter, more effective player acquisition and retention strategies. Responsible gaming has to be part of the equation though. As it is very important for rewarding and encouraging the right play, and identifying when players display the wrong types of behavior along with suggesting or implementing ways to stop that behavior.

Looking Forwards to the Next Chapter

The begging of the year has been very exciting and successful. But also full of lessons and challenges. And we can safely say that the iGaming industry is changing so much, so fast, that the only way to keep up is to accept the trends that are changing gaming forever. With AR, VR, blockchain, cryptocurrency and other technological advancement entering the industry, reimaging the way games are played and offering the player new, even more personalized and immersive gaming experiences is the only logical next step.

The Scandinavian region has a long-standing history with online gaming.  The region has given rise to incredibly successful titles such as Minecraft, Clash of Clans, Battlefield, Angry Birds. And through the years, the Scandinavian countries have proven over and over that they create a trend-setting game design, and have a big community of talented developers embracing new technologies. So it’s no wonder they are the ones that move things forward in MMO games, VR and AR gaming and technology.

Until recently, only Denmark allowed private operators to enter the market. But due to the EU requirements, Scandinavian countries are slowly giving a green light to the gambling industry, which is using the opportunity to gain momentum. At the moment, the region is under pressure to create and adopt a legislative framework. However, not all countries are on the same page when it comes to online casino operators.

Online Gaming Legislation in Scandinavia

The Scandinavian market has tried hard to keep a regime of monopoly in gambling. And that’s the reason why legislation has been so strict in these countries. As a result, Scandinavian providers have very limited opportunities. The first exception was Denmark when the country approved serious amendments to their gaming and gambling laws in 2012.

Due to the pressure coming from the EU, Sweden has also made changes to their laws and  opened the market in January of this year. Finland is slowly beginning to interact with online casino operators, and Norway is the only country that does not intend to end the state monopoly. But considering that Norway is not an EU member, they do not have to comply with the legislation of the Alliance.

The Overall Condition of the Scandinavian Gambling Market

There is a huge interest among industry leaders to enter the Scandinavian market. This is because quality of living is very high in these countries. Which for gaming operators translates as having a lot of people that play at high stakes. According to statistics from H2 Gambling Capital for 2016, the average spending on gambling per month of players from this region:

• $390 per year in Norway;
• $320 in Sweden;
• $300 in Denmark;
• $485 in Finland.

Scandinavians are avid online players. They prefer horse race betting, especially in Norway, in Denmark they mostly play poker, while in Finland and Sweden online gambling is rising in popularity with poker and sports betting. This is very important for operators because online games are now legal in Sweden, and are expected to become legal in Finland too.

The Gambling Industry in Denmark

Back in 2010, the Danish government had to regulate gambling and cooperate with the online casino providers and operators. The state monopoly was ended, and the new law came in force on 1 January 2012. But the gambling market has been divided in two parts. One regulated, one still monopolized. The latest updates were introduced in late 2015 though, with the amendments that legalized betting on fantasy sports, along with some changes to the licensing procedure which is now managed by the national gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden.

The Gambling Industry in Finland

Even though Finland is not in the EU, it belongs to the Scandinavian region, and is of great interest to the gambling community. The Finish market is still state-owned and controlled, and consists of three sectors:

Casinos and slot machines are operated by RAY company.
Veikkaus Oy operates State lotteries with cash prizes, scratch cards, sports betting, as well as pool games.
Horserace betting – by Fintoto Oy.

But with the reform in 2017 were united under one name: Veikkaus. In Finland there are also games run by charitable organizations – non-cash lotteries, bingo, and keno. Interestingly enough, surveys show that two thirds of Finish citizens support the government policy regarding the state monopolization of gambling. And over half respondents do not want foreign gambling companies to be allowed to enter the country. Finland considers introducing new identification requirements for the operation of slot machines, but these changes should come into force in 2023.

The Gambling Industry in Sweden

Until recently, Sweden had a state-owned monopoly using the local operator Svanska Spel. Starting from 1st January 2019, the Swedish online gambling market become open for licensing international operators.  The process of de-monopolization of the national gambling market begun years ago, and foreign operators and land-based casinos had an opportunity to work in the country.

Yet, the share of Svanska Spel is still much bigger than the share of international gaming companies. Online casinos that operate outside of Sweden were never prohibited though. According to EU legislation, Swedish citizens are free to play these sites. As a result, many European operators have used the chance to focus their efforts on attracting players from Sweden.

The Gambling Industry in Norway

The Norwegian gambling market is still partially owned by two major state-owned gaming companies:

Norsk Tipping AS offers lotto, keno, lotteries Eurojackpot and Viking Lotto, scratch cards, number games, sports betting, betting terminals (IVT) and online gambling.
Norsk Rikstoto offers horserace betting.

Additionally, there are games organized by private operators sponsored by non-profit organizations. This part of the market consists of bingo, casino on vessels, card games, poker, as well as small local and regional lotteries. These private operators account for less than 20% of the market.

But the Norwegian market is not about to open up to international operators any time soon. In 2016, the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Culture supervising the gambling market introduced a new law. This new law favors the strengthening the state monopoly and banning access of foreign operators of online gambling. The government justification for the rejection to open the market is that implementing another regulatory framework may lead to the development of gambling addiction.

Future of Scandinavian Gambling

While having a state monopoly on the gambling market is the usual practice in Scandinavian countries, online gambling sites are becoming increasingly popular. Since no one country can monopolize the Internet, and the European Union law requires equal rights for all gambling operators, governments are forced to put an end to their prohibitions and make the Scandinavian market open to online gambling.

The change of legislation in Sweden is a huge step forward for this market though. It creates tremendous prospects for online gambling operators in Sweden, and many believe that if the Swedish market develops enough to generate a steady income, the strength and influence of state monopolies in other countries in Scandinavia and European Union may be reduced as well.