Traditionally, casino gaming has been a social activity. It has been synonymous with late nights at posh establishments and has associations of celebrity, wealth, and thrill. Land-based casinos and the locations surrounding them tend to be extremely busy, with all the activities unfolding on the floor being an integral part of the overall experience.
However, with the growing popularity of online casino gaming, everything has changed. Whether playing online slots, table games, or live dealer releases, playing casino games online has significantly shifted from physical establishments to digital spaces. But how are online casinos contributing to this social change? This is what we are going to address.
The Rise of Internet Casinos
The gambling industry has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies and ideas. In fact, it’s easy to conclude that it has been championing the development of many technologies.
For instance, it was among the first to fully adopt and exploit the power of the internet. Only the eCommerce industry had adopted using the internet by the time online casinos were using the technology. While the first interactions of table games offered by casinos were technically mind blowing – according to the technology and standards of that time – many avid players felt something was missing out. In reality, even operators knew their players were craving for more, but there was very little they could do. The technology to change things wasn’t available then.
Multiplayer and Live Dealer Games
Naturally, gambling is a social activity. While some players visit establishments to play and win real money, others visit them for the thrill and banter experienced at the table. And generally, human beings are social creatures. According to statistics, social interaction is important for maintaining emotional, mental, and physical health.
Therefore, when the technology to take table gaming action online became available, operators didn’t hesitate to jump on the bandwagon. The first provider to develop these games was Evolution Gaming, which has since been incorporated on top online casino sites such as Spin City. The company was founded in 2006 with the aim of bridging the gap between the online world and the traditional casino experience.
The software company developed casinos that effectively replicated the classic gambling experience. Not only did they integrate real-life human beings, but they also allowed players to interact with each other while playing the games.
The Working Principle Behind Live Casinos
Live dealer games work in the same format as traditional table games. All the action unfolds at the table, with the dealers taking the pilot’s seat and controlling everything. They will cut and deal the cards, spin the roulette wheel, and collect losing bets – just as it would happen at the brick-and-mortar casino.
The only difference is that all this action is streamed from actual brick-and-mortar casinos or gaming studios in different parts of Europe. To place a bet, you will use the user interface where different buttons appear.
Better yet, you can communicate with other players seated at the table. This is achievable through the live chat feature, which allows you to type in the message and the dealer/player responds to you. And while you can see the dealer, they can’t see you. They can only read the messages you send them.
The Balance of Interaction and Isolation
While live dealer casinos brought gambling action closer to the player, it also took some players far away from people. Gambling became a problem not because of the live casinos but because they only highlighted a challenge that was hidden in the past among people.
Unlike classic casinos, where social interaction and physical presence were inherent, playing casino games online was in isolation. This led to many players being disconnected from real-world social life. It also led to a potential increase in solitary gambling patterns.
For many players, especially during the COVID-19 era, this isolation gave rise to feelings of loneliness, which eventually led to gambling addiction.
Dealing With Gambling Problems – Online and Offline
To deal with the risk of isolation, key players in the gambling industry are incorporating features that will promote social interaction and responsible gambling. Notable features include:
- Time limits and notifications, enable players to get notified on the importance of taking breaks while playing casino games.
- Self-exclusion programs allow players to voluntarily ban themselves from accessing online gambling services.
- Community engagement, where events such as tournaments and interactive sessions are used to promote social interactions online.
- Free of charge medicare and help, especially for those who are affected by gambling services.
The Success of Live Dealer Casino GamesÂ
Since their inception, live dealer casino games have come into their own over the last decade. Their success has been accelerated by the incredible advancements in technology. But even with the success, there are some questions worth answering. Are they really worth trying? Are they safe? The answer to these questions is a resounding yes, and they are 100% safe and secure! According to a report published by the UK Gambling Commission, the live casino section generated over £8.4 billion in 2023. This eclipsed the traditional land-based casino industry, which generated around £3 billion in the same year. As technological advancements are made in the AI and VR industry, we can only expect a more immersive and realistic gaming experience in the niche.