Since the global Corona pandemic at the latest, iGaming has made a name for itself. And not only in the USA, but also in Europe, where it has been able to attract more and more people due to the multi-layered possibilities, attractive games and many bonuses.
While this time was also good for the iGaming industry due to the generally high level of boredom among people, the question arises at this point as to what will happen next. What developments can German casinos, for example, which also offer more and more interesting bonuses, different deposit methods and promotions, but are also subject to certain conditions, expect in the next few years?
In this article, we want to find answers to these questions and take a closer look at what the biggest iGaming trends in Europe are in 2023 and how they will influence the future of European iGaming:
1. Live dealer games remain as popular as ever
The combination of the convenience and convenience of playing online with human live dealers has proven to be profitable. Over the course of 2022, more and more online game developers have decided to launch live dealer games as well, the popularity of which has risen sharply in both Europe and emerging markets.
The gambling provider Evolution Gaming in particular is clearly on a growth course. The company, which is behind popular live dealer games such as Blackjack Grand VIP, Blackjack Fortune VIP and Salon Prive Baccarat, recently announced the opening of its second live casino studio, which will give operators access to a wider selection of live casino games.
The popularity of live dealer games has been steadily increasing with the expansion of online gambling in Europe. The public’s growing appetite for mobile-first experiences and the development of immersive VR technologies will further accelerate the transition to live online gaming.
2. Cryptocurrency integration will be the norm
The integration of cryptocurrencies in online casinos is becoming more and more important. Crypto casinos allow users to play, deposit, and withdraw using cryptocurrencies as their primary currency. It is expected that in 2023, more online casinos will offer crypto transactions on their platforms.
However, there is currently still a gap in this area with regard to licensing. This is because in order to process payments with real money and receive bank accounts, online casinos must obtain a gambling license from a recognized authority. However, there are currently no laws regulating the use of cryptocurrencies for gambling or remittances.
Although they are still in their infancy, crypto casinos are increasingly seen as a safer alternative to gambling with fiat currencies. This is mainly due to the increased security measures during transactions and the improved protection of personal data (crypto casinos usually require less personal data from players than traditional online casinos). Accordingly, it can be assumed that there will be even more visitors to crypto casinos in the future.
3. Esports betting is becoming increasingly popular
The market for e-sports betting has changed a lot in the past ten years. In 2010, the market for eSports betting was opened and official bets on StarCraft 2 were allowed. Since then, a number of providers have positioned themselves in this space, offering an ever-growing range of options for all esports fans.
And this is necessary, because after the boom in the years of the pandemic, e-sports continues to enjoy a returning customer base. So much so that there are now providers who organize their own tournaments to make a name for themselves in the industry on the one hand and to attract interested parties from outside to place new e-sports bets on the other.
Experts assume that this interest will increase even further in the coming years. Due to the diversity that already exists in e-sports, as well as the lively interest around the world, it can be assumed that e-sports could possibly replace some classic sports in terms of sales volume.
4. AI will create more trust
Pretty much every industry will benefit from artificial intelligence technology in some form. iGaming is no different. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into online gambling platforms promises everything from improved customer service (think automated chatbots) to highly personalized games where players receive the jackpots, bonuses, and rewards that are relevant to them.
AI also helps legitimize the industry. AI helps to continuously improve the security of platforms by detecting high-risk behavior and fraudulent transactions, and protecting users’ financial data through automatic encryption software. This can create a better environment for other players and also greater trust. This is particularly important with regard to the future.
5. Emerging markets will establish themselves
The primacy of the internet, industry regulation, and changing attitudes towards online gambling are making iGaming platforms in emerging markets more accessible than ever before. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) predicts that iGaming revenue in Europe will increase by 19% in the coming year, thanks to emerging European markets in Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Greece. The latter also offers a lot of beautiful destinations.
In addition, there is also general potential in Germany, which is already considered one of the world’s largest markets and attracts several million players every year. However, the legal basis will also play an important role here, as it creates the basis for growth or restriction and must therefore be closely monitored.
6. More gamification
In 2023, gamification will also become increasingly important. As one of the key growth directions in player retention in the industry, more and more online casinos will look to incorporate gamification elements into their own offerings.
Among other things, operators are expected to focus more on jackpot campaigns this year to attract, reactivate and motivate players to engage in the desired way of playing. According to a study by SOFTSWISS, 49.6% of jackpot players increased their average bet amount in response to a global jackpot campaign, increasing operators’ revenue.
In 2023, bonuses will not only increase player retention, but will also serve to regulate high-risk gambling activities and protect players who spend too much money. To achieve this, operators will opt for new, innovative bonuses with flexible mechanisms that cater to the different needs of players.
7. VR will be found more and more often
The success of live dealer games has already laid a solid foundation for more immersive iGaming experiences. Virtual reality casinos will be the next stage of this trend. Some online casinos already allow players to enter a virtual environment, similar to a 3D video game. Social Club VR, which was developed for the Oculus Rift, offers interactive single and multiplayer games.
Currently, however, most platforms are still in the testing phase, and the opportunities for real money games are few and far between. You should also not forget that the acceptance of VR is far from given. If online gamblers behave similarly to gamers, then adoption is likely to be slowed down by a healthy dose of skepticism. According to data published by YouGov, 32% of American and 24% of UK gamers don’t see a practical application for VR, in part due to the high price tag and lack of compatible content. The situation is currently very similar for the European market.
On top of these uncertainties, Meta’s disappointing third-quarter 2022 results, which saw shares plunge 25% and mass layoffs, don’t exactly boost confidence in a VR future. Still, this is certainly an area to keep an eye on in 2023.
8. More blockchain in iGaming
Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that blockchain technology has been identified as one of the most promising trends in the iGaming industry for 2023. Blockchain gaming allows players to create and own virtual assets, store them on the blockchain, and trade them securely. This could prove to be an innovative way to reward players for their skills and dedication to the game.
Developers can also use blockchain technology to create “smart contracts” that govern interactions between players and developers in a secure, transparent, and immutable way. Blockchain also allows players to create their own avatars and earn rewards for completing tasks or participating in events.
Similarly, the use of blockchain can help ensure fairness and prevent fraud in the iGaming industry. With so many potential applications, it’s no wonder that blockchain is considered one of the most important trends in the iGaming industry in Europe for 2023.
Result
As you can see, there are quite a few iGaming trends that are causing a stir in Europe this year and will also lay the foundation for further future growth of the industry.
Be it VR, which together with its use in the iGaming industry may finally make a breakthrough, or the use of artificial intelligence instead. The latter has the potential to optimize the industry in the long term and ensure more trust on the part of players.
Also, blockchain and e-sports betting will play an important part in the development of the iGaming industry, and gamification should not be neglected when it comes to creating stronger customer loyalty.
With all these trends, it will be interesting to see which trends can ultimately hold their own and which trends may only be a temporary phenomenon.
