Even for those who may not have been looking for them, at some point or another, our time on the internet has brought internet casinos to our doorstep. Whether it was a no deposit offer that flashed on the side of our screens, or a pop up advert for the latest NetEnt video slot, we’ve all been made aware of the strong presence online casinos have on the net and the seemingly endless growth they enjoy.
But how exactly did online casinos build this unshakeable foundation that took over the internet? What is it that makes this industry survive despite the odds? Below, we’ll take a look back at how the gambling industry managed to evolve along with the times, taking advantage of new innovative technologies to defy the test of time and emerge victorious, no matter what got thrown in its way.
A New Frontier
Although the internet’s technology has been in the works for decades, the commercial aspect of the platform only came into our homes in the early 1990s. Dial-up modems may have been the bane of many an existence, but they provided an access to the fast growing network that would change the world. Sure enough, casino owners and entrepreneurs saw the potential that the internet would have for their business and, by as early as 1994, when online transactions became safe and viable, casinos began their move into the online space.
Slowly but surely, by the end of the 20th century online casinos had built a steady foothold on the net, bringing in a whole new audience from locations that would have previously been completely inaccessible to these gambling establishments. Of course, with great power comes great restrictions and the 2000’s saw a change in atmosphere, with sanctions and regulations imposing limitations on online casinos and enforcing licensing requirements to regulate the industry’s growth.
But that wasn’t nearly enough to deter the wave that online casinos were riding. Over the next two decades the industry flourished, evolving with the times to keep up with player demand and improve upon the winning formula that made them so successful in the first place. With an industry worth over $56.05 billion, online casinos are one of the internet’s largest businesses, showing no sign of backing down or slowing their strong ascent.
The Never-Ending Gamble
The key to casino survival has been its ability to evolve according to the times, investing in technology that keeps it relevant and appealing to new generations as the years go by. This openness to change and growth has been absolutely crucial in the past, but what exactly does the future hold in store for online casinos?
With the global rise of smartphone technology, casinos jumped at the opportunity to give their online establishments wheels, with the portable and instant aspects of the platform meaning that more people could enjoy casino entertainment with less physical restrictions. With the recent interest in virtual reality technology, the next logical step is for casinos to take over the VR space, bringing the virtual casino experience into our living rooms.
Immortalised in Code
Although the internet meant the death of many an industry that was too hard-headed to change and adapt, online casinos are living proof that evolving with the times is the key factor in surviving the constantly changing tech sphere that we live in. With many casino businesses investing in the technology of tomorrow, the industry is always one step ahead, ready to make the necessary leaps to stay relevant and necessary.
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