Since the very beginning of internet gambling, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing a myriad of changes and inventions that continuously challenged the way we perceive and access gambling (think sweepstakes, Telegram casinos, crash games, the Metaverse).
Over the next decade, mobile devices are expected not only to maintain their position as a popular choice, but perhaps even become the number one way to play online casino games.
From faster 5G networks to more advanced apps, regulators demanding better protection, and global app store changes, the mobile casino experience is going to look very different in 2035 than it does today. If you enjoy slots, live dealer tables, or wagering on the go, here’s what the future could potentially look for you as a player.
Mobile-First Approach to Games and Services
According to Statista, over 96% of today’s global population access the internet using the phone. When it comes to screen time, we spend more time looking at our phones than desktops, and even tablets and TV combined. So, it only stands to reason that gaming studios and operators are going to shift their focus to mobile platforms.
Casino operators are now heavily investing in native mobile apps, linking with mobile-friendly payment services, and reinventing marketing strategies to appeal to an entire new audience of users who could become new players.
The next ten years are only going to cement the notion that mobile gaming is the new standard way to play games.
But it all stems from the mobile-first strategy. What that means is that game developers now design games with a “mobile-first” approach, which means most modern games such as slots, blackjack, and live dealer tables are first optimized for vertical screens and one-hand gameplay, and only afterward scaled up to fit bigger screens.
Of course, desktop play isn’t going away, but your smartphone or tablet is now getting the best features first.
Although this does not mean much to players at this moment, it ultimately means that the industry is slowly transitioning to gaming on the go, meaning that more and more resources will be relocated to support growth in the mobile sector. Over time, this might speed up the introduction of new features for phone gaming, both in games and in the operational aspect (such as payments, support, and responsible play tools).
5G for a Faster, Smoother, More Immersive Gameplay
The keyword for this digital age is speed. Technology is no longer meant only to work, it now has to be fast – super fast, actually. And when accessing the internet, lagging and buffering is no longer acceptable.
The rollout of 5G and low-latency networks means players are not going to suffer through buffering or waiting for their games to load. Live dealer games are instantly available in Full HD 4K resolution within seconds, offering players full immersion as if they were in the room with the dealer, sitting at that very table. And it’s no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for all game developers and studios broadcasting live table games.
A plethora of innovative technologies are also helping this become the new norm. By the late 2020s, cloud-powered graphics will make it possible to enjoy console-level visuals on mid-range smartphones. In other words, dynamic and captivating visuals, and interactive features are slowly entering the arena in order to attract the Gen Z who are looking for fast, easy, and immersive entertaining experiences.
Security Becomes an Even Bigger Priority
As mobile activity grows, so do the dangers that lurk on the internet. Scams, malware, and security threats are increasingly becoming immune to standard protection tools, so security is the number one priority for everyone that’s a part of the digital community.
Therefore, with the rapid growth of mobile casinos, the rules and regulations for accessing games on the go become stricter and more rigorous.
That’s good news for players, as they are guaranteed better protection, more transparency, and safer apps that they can use to access their favorite games and content online.
Security measures are directly linked to location, and we’ll get to regulatory changes affecting specific markets in a bit.
However, security transcends individual markets and regulatory bodies. It’s a global issue that concerns everyone. In some countries, you’ll find real-money casino apps directly on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, but only if the local laws allow it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case everywhere, as operators working under certain licenses offer unofficial apps that are downloaded as files directly from casino websites, which sounds like it’s easier for the players, but it’s a major security concern as it’s more difficult to ascertain the trustworthiness of said apps.
Sideloading casino apps (installing them from outside the store) is very risky because it can expose you to security issues. The best advice we can give you is to stick with official stores or licensed mobile sites.
Tighter Regulation and Licensing
There have been many positive changes in online casino regulations regarding online gambling, many of which are targeting specifically gaming on smartphones and tablets. For instance, regulators across the USA, UK, EU, and other markets now demand that casino apps show clear proof of licensing, which helps tackle the problem of unlicensed operators offering services in grey-area markets where rules have not been fully defined.
One of the latest changes tackles geolocation, as casino apps must now verify the players’ location before they play.
For instance, if you’re playing in the United States, you’ll notice every casino app asks you to enable geolocation. That’s because gambling is regulated state by state, and apps can only accept bets if you’re physically inside a licensed state. Without location services turned on, you won’t be able to place real-money bets.
In the UK and across Europe, licensed casino apps display the regulator’s logo (like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority) along with a license number. A reliable and safe app also links directly to the regulator’s website where players can double check the license.
The tightening of rules means that we are probably looking at the end of the no-KYC casino era. Players will be required to prove their location, identity, and banking information before they are allowed to enter, play games, and ultimately cash out their winnings.
Responsible Gaming Tools
Like we said, security is a priority, and player protection is the goal all regulators are focusing right now. But as the number of mobile casinos and players grows, so does the need to protect the ever-expanding audience.
One of the things you can expect every regulated mobile casino to include in the future is built-in responsible gaming tools. These already exist in great measure, of course.
Still, with in-app tools that are more accessible, players can easily:
- Set deposit and loss limits
- Take cool-off breaks
- Track their session time
- Self-exclude instantly when the need arises
The point is to give players an easy way to get support and assistance without having to feel ashamed or anxious about needing help. International helplines and anti-gambling software work in almost every country of the world, but in-app tools are another necessity, providing an extra layer of security for the players.
These features aren’t just fun add-ons. Regulators make them mandatory to protect players, and they’ll become more advanced in the coming decade for sure. And then even casinos who include them performatively – which are venues to avoid, of course – will be forced to increase their level of commitment and support for their players in order to maintain a healthier, responsible environment for everyone involved.
One-Tap Payments Directly from the Phone
Another big trend that has been active for a while is mobile payments. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in mobile-only payment services that allow users access to making payments without exiting apps or switching between tabs.
Mobile casinos even now lean heavily on e-wallets, Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as instant bank transfers. But things are expected to get even more streamlined and easier. This might not have a big effect on deposits, as they are already fast and generally easy. Most of the mobile payments today support deposits, have solid limits, and little to no fees for topping up the casino account. However, there lies a problem that many players face – the limitation of having to pick and choose services that support withdrawals, as not many mobile services support both types of transactions.
However, from what we’ve seen so far, it seems like the financial services are working on solving this issue and allow players to deposit and cash out using the same apps with just one tap. This means that withdrawals will also get faster (and possible, where they currently aren’t) with some markets moving to near-instant payouts directly to your bank or wallet.
Besides mobile wallets, crypto is also growing, gearing up to become a top choice for punters. Metaverse and the use of NFTs were a thing for a hot minute, but they haven’t exactly entered mainstream use. However, don’t write them off just yet, as they are still on the table, though there is a conversation to be had about the legal aspects of playing in the Metaverse and all the implications of that.
Key Takeaways: What All This Means for You as a Player
Here’s a short overview of all the mobile casino trends we expect to become even more pronounced in the next few years.
- Safety as priority: Licensed casino apps and geolocation checks are here to protect you by making sure you’re only playing in legal markets and in apps that promote security and transparency.
- Faster gameplay and better performance: Novelties such as 5G ensure games load faster and run smoother than ever, creating a seamless experience even when switching from phone to tablet and vice versa.
- Games will be more immersive and fun-oriented: While winning is always the goal, the entertainment aspect will become a bigger priority, as studios are already adjusting the games to fit the needs of the new digital audience.
- Payments made easier than ever: Deposits and withdrawals will be faster, simpler, and fully mobile-integrated thanks to an array of mobile-only services tied directly to your device.
Final Thoughts
Although it is not really possible to predict exactly how the industry will look like in 10 or even 5 years, it is almost certainly going to be the age of mobile gaming.
The next decade is poised to transform how players experience playing casino games in general. From smoother gameplay powered by 5G, to stricter licensing regulations that focus on keeping players safer, we expect it to be faster, more entertaining, and safer than right now. We look forward to seeing what the future brings us, and we’re fully prepared to see our phones become the stage for the ultimate casino experience.
