How modern technology is improving the casino world

3rd August 2020

In today’s world there is no doubt that technology is ubiquitous, controlling and changing every aspect of our lives .Think about the cars we drive, the phones we use, and the homes we run. We can take virtual tours of buildings, design our own furniture, try out different looks, pay without cash, remotely switch on our heating and answer the door, order online and automatically restock our fridges. It is also thanks to technology that, during the recent lockdown, many people were able to work from home or to connect remotely with loved ones.

 

Technology is also transforming businesses; one area that has really benefited is the gaming industry and, specifically, casinos, such as those at https://mrcasinova.com/online-real-money-casinos/. We wouldn’t automatically connect information technology and casinos but they do make a surprising case study. In fact, technology has had a huge impact on both online and offline casinos, with many being keen to try out new developments such as artificial intelligence.

The fight against fraud

Fraud is a common and very real threat for casinos and facial recognition has been hugely beneficial to help fight it. Using biometrics and facial recognition allows casino operators to spot fraudsters and scammers regardless of hairstyle or clothing and to share that information with other casinos to jointly protect their business.

Some casinos are even taking this a step further by trialling edge computing and the internet of things to identify when someone underage (or otherwise banned from playing) sits down at a casino table. The video technology then sounds an alarm to alert the staff who can then check the ID and consequently avoid a hefty fine.

Dealing with data

Big data is one area where all types of businesses benefit from technology. Big data is simply the extraction and analysis of vast amounts of data to identify patterns to improve business. From a casino perspective, this could be data about gaming transactions, identifying potential scams and cheats as well as spotting relationships between a dealer and players or between groups of players that could uncover a fraud.

Data is also used to help create a much better experience for the player, particularly by online casinos, with meaningful and targeted offers rather than blanket advertising. The combination of data and chat bots means that customer service can be improved: so, if a player has a question, the bot can use data and information the company has on file to provide the most appropriate answer.

It’s a virtual world

Casinos are constantly developing action and excitement in order to provide a better experience for players. Virtual reality is another area that is perfect for the gaming industry and of significant interest to millennials who have grown up with fast-paced 3-D graphics and interactive experiences. This age group would not typically enter a bricks-and-mortar casino but, provided with an interactive game that requires a good degree of skill, would be willing to try it out, bringing in a new audience to the industry.

Mobile-ready or mobile-first casino games are now being created. These new games come from some of the best software companies in the industry – names the younger players recognise as having a reputation for fair play, providing a degree of security and authenticity.

Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy in the gaming industry but is set to be transformed: one area it can be used in is the identification of gambling addiction by monitoring behaviour patterns. The system can then alert the online casino operator who can either freeze the account or suspend play.

The virtual concierge

As the industry becomes more competitive, offline casinos are looking for ways to create customer loyalty and entice new customers. One way is to provide an all-round experience for their customers, not just the gaming aspect. Using smartphone technology and customer data, casinos can offer add-on services such as booking a hotel room, a show, ordering transport and basically acting as a virtual concierge. Players can continue their favourite games all from the comfort of their hotel room if they wish and even order room service. Apps can provide targeted push notifications of special offers for an even greater customised experience.

A casino anytime, anywhere

Land based casinos in the UK are like many other businesses, and will surely face a decline as the effects of the pandemic hit our economy. During the recent lockdown, searches for ‘online casinos’ were at an all-time high. While the rest of the industry was shut out, online business was booming.

The first online casino started in 1995 and little did we know at that time just how fast the industry would grow. Now, it seems impossible not to spend an evening in front of the television without at least one online casino advert popping up.

The ability for the industry to use automated programming and random figure generators has put slot machines, roulette wheels and blackjack literally in our hands. This, coupled with how technology has impacted the way we make online payments, has fuelled the growth in online gaming.

Final thoughts

Online casinos are most definitely a force to be reckoned with and traditional casinos offer the promise of atmosphere and fun. The problem is that no one knows when we will ever be back to normal and so, in the meantime, the industry needs to use all the technology it can to stay afloat and to actually grow during these difficult times. As the IT industry continues to develop new technology, casino owners are eager to trial new ideas and so improve both online and offline experience and security for both business owners and customers.