Speak to any insider in the gaming world and they’ll tell you just how competitive it is. The market saturation means that operators follow tech trends incredibly closely and then harness technology to steal an edge on competitors.
These companies understand, too, that players have certain expectations, which the operators try to meet and is one of the reasons online casinos have become so popular.
There are various casino games that are popular online but one game in particular is the world of online slots. There are many reasons why online slot games are popular, the speed and ease of access of the games make them a popular choice, as well as the variety of themes players can choose from. Slot providers also offer a range of slots promotions for players to use when they play online slots.
As players start to play more at online casinos than at real ones, things look more ominous for brick-and-mortar establishments and fans of playing slots on machines or casino games in person. This post is a look at the challenges facing designers of traditional slots and the need to improve games, how they’ve responded some of the trends casinos have observed and measures they’ve implemented to serve their clientele.
The challenge facing in-person slot designers
Anyone responsible for designing a slot game for people to play in person has a real challenge on their hands versus the online slots world. Online slots are easy to play, boast splendid graphics and offer smooth gameplay. They also come in a variety of themes, making it easy to attract anyone with a particular passion, whether it’s for a specific sport, music artist, TV show, film or other area of interest. Not only this, but they’re cheap to play and the jackpots are high(er), since the online operators don’t face all the same overheads that the traditional establishments do.
This forces designers to seek different ways to enhance the gaming experience on in-person slots and keep them engaging. These machines are also one of the biggest sources of income for the establishment, if not the biggest, so there’s real interest for them in the designers constantly exploring new approaches, too.
Computerisation and innovations
Technology has played a key role in boosting innovations of slot games for providers.
The computerisation of slots has helped them to take off in establishments. It has helped the casinos to offer higher jackpots and more exciting games than before.
Now, in-person slots are about engaging and entertaining the player for as long as possible. One of the major innovations in this way has been the development of multiple lines. Instead of betting on a single line, players can bet on more than one line at a time. The line could be diagonal, sideways, up, down… there are all sorts of lines, but it creates the feeling of a partial win for the player and, as a result, boosts their engagement.
A look at some of the trends and measures traditional casinos have implemented
Casinos are fully aware of the competition they face from the online sphere. Naturally, a lot out there have entered the online sphere to expand their offering and accommodate players who wish to enjoy gaming online.
However, casinos haven’t just ploughed all their resources into the online domain, as important as this has been. Some are taking other steps so that they can attend to the demands and requirements of those players who still like to spend a night out at the casino. Here are some of the measures they’ve taken and trends they’ve followed up on:
Cashless payments
Although cash is a preferred method of payment in casinos because it’s easier to track spending, not all customers like to carry cash to the casino. A lot more are using digital wallets or wishing to use contactless forms of payment now. They’re also asking for cashless loyalty systems.
Increased safety measures
Safety has become a lot more important to consumers and casinos are doing their best to keep their customers as safe as possible. Operators have changed establishment layouts so that players can socially distance from each other easier. They’ve also been allowing slightly fewer players to sit down at a gaming table and there are gaps between gaming positions, again to aid social distancing. Players will also find plexiglass screens have gone up between them and the dealers.
Safety measures have been adopted regarding catering, too. Players can now order drinks from their tables. If they wish to eat, they can choose from grab-and-go options in a food hall, rather than sit down in a traditional food hall.
Use of digital technology to improve customer service
Digital technology has taken on an even more important role in the provision of customer service. Casino establishments that offer hotel accommodation have given guests more control over their stay, thanks to a mobile check-in and check-out service, which some prefer because it’s efficient and reduces unnecessary person-to-person interaction.
Digital technology can enhance the overall customer experience, from speed to easy access.
Guests at some hotels can also use a keyless check-in, which enables them to use their mobile phone as the key to their room. This is another popular option with guests. Since they can check in and book via their mobile, experts predict establishments will also extend services to purchasing and playing at the casino via mobile and that these will become more commonplace in the next few years.
The traditional casinos have a real battle when it comes to competing with online rivals, but there are still plenty of people who prefer the old-school way of casino gaming. Measures such as the increase of safety measures, cashless payment and implementation of digital technology for customer service will help them to serve these customers adequately so that they keep visiting the casino and enjoying the gaming experience.