You may have heard the term iGaming before and not been sure about exactly what it meant. If you are a newbie to the world of iGaming, it can be even more confusing.
iGaming can be a confusing term and the fact that it is fairly similar to a number of other labels and names has led to a lot of general confusion surrounding what the industry is actually about.
Whether you are a beginner to the world of iGaming, you are curious about what this rapidly developing new industry is, or you are a veteran of the industry looking to reaffirm your understanding of the sector, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about iGaming, what it is and what the future holds for this exciting new industry.
What is iGaming?
The term iGaming is the shortened version of the term “internet gambling” and sometimes, instead of iGaming, the term eGaming is used. eGaming means exactly the same thing, but it just uses the “e” as a prefix, similar to how esports uses an “e” as well. The term iGaming was coined in the early 2000s as the popularity of online casinos and gambling platforms began to grow.
In an article recently published in International Gambling Studies, the team of international researchers defined internet gambling, or iGaming, as: “an online game in which payment is required, monetary prizes may be awarded and the outcome of the game is predominately determined by chance”.
You may be wondering about online games, video games or the games you play on your phone and whether those qualify as iGaming. Online games in which betting is not incorporated as a part of the game itself are not included in the iGaming umbrella. For example, games such as Big Fish Casino, in which players pay money to play casino games but have no chance to win prizes or money, do not count as iGaming games.
So, what sets iGaming apart from its more tangible counterparts? iGaming is purely tech-based, while more traditional gambling, perhaps in a brick-and-mortar casino, is enjoyed in person at the casino itself or in a poker room. It should also be noted that iGaming is different from gaming, which typically denotes video games.
Some of the most popular iGaming games include poker, lottery, sports betting, betting on horse races or bingo, and casino games such as slots, roulette and baccarat. New games are constantly being developed, which have improved graphics, visual effects and audio accompaniment to enhance the overall experience for iGaming fans and users.
What are the best iGaming platforms?
The iGaming industry has exploded in popularity over the course of the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. As a result, there are now hundreds, if not thousands, of different online gambling platforms to choose from, all of which are working overtime to attract the interest of new consumers.
SkyCity Online Casino is one of the biggest online platforms available now, and has been attracting the interest and praise of industry experts. They also offer an extensive games library, competitive bonuses and state-of-the-art player security. Several resources are available for new gamblers – you can read their blog here for more information about the industry and best practices.
Depending on the platform you use, you may find that certain platforms have a better games selection, customer service, bonus offers or ease of use. When deciding on which site to use, you should read a number of reviews to ensure that the platform of choice has everything you are looking for. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a platform is safety and security, as you will want to choose a reputable iGaming casino platform that takes additional steps to protect your sensitive information.
A look to the future
As the last 27 years have shown us, the online gambling industry is nothing if not industrious, innovative and competitive. It looks like the online gambling industry will continue to grow and develop as more and more gamblers give the online platforms a try and new gamblers sign up to apps for the first time.
It also appears likely that new technology such as AR and VR, or augmented reality and virtual reality, will be used in order to enhance the fun, excitement and liveliness of online gambling. No matter what the future brings, you can be sure that the iGaming sector will continue innovating and improving.