
As we enter 2025, there has been much discussion about the future trends in the iGaming industry.
Here is what to expect in the next 12 months.
The Increased Use of AI
AI is everywhere and the iGaming industry is no exception in utilizing this technology.
One of the primary uses for AI is personalization. Data-driven recommender engines like GamePark use machine learning and player data to deliver personalized experiences. This can be done in the lobby, on the site, and across the marketing funnel, increasing the engagement and stickiness of each customer.
AI can be used to present unique gaming experiences, providing tailored lobbies for each customer as well as specific offers which may be of interest. These can be sent at times of high engagement and across the most appropriate marketing channel, improving profits and reducing churn.
In future, AI will improve its predictive modeling. This means casinos will be able to select the best games for each player automatically based on that player’s unique behavior. This will make the gaming experience seamless and reduce manual workload.
AI will also be used to detect fraud and cheating more easily, adding another layer of protection for operators. It can also be used to predict problem gambling before it happens, increasing customer safeguards.
Gamification
Gamification has been a buzz word for a while but its importance will only increase in the next 12 months. Utilizing AI, particularly when it comes to marketing, will mean gamification tools like leaderboards will only increase in popularity.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Localized offerings are important and players expect to be able to play in their own currency (check out our payment orchestration platform PayLab here). However, this can be problematic in some countries, with payment methods being slow or non-existent.
Cryptocurrency resolves this problem, enabling fast and secure payments. Most payment providers already offer crypto options and these are likely to increase in 2025.
There are advantages for casinos when using cryptocurrency too. As the Blockchain records the result of each game on an unalterable ledger using distributed technologies, there is a transparency to each transaction. This cannot be changed by players, casinos or hackers, providing additional security.
The Importance of Mobile
The trend towards mobile gaming is unlikely to stop in the next 12 months, so operators will need to adopt a mobile-first approach. With the use of 5G becoming more widespread, particularly in the developing world, so too will opportunities for mobile engagement.
Casinos that offer the widest range of mobile games, as well as a slick mobile experience, will be the ones that do well.
Increased Regulation
With the gambling industry growing, it will come as no surprise that governments will look to regulate the sector, continuing the changes seen in iGaming regulation in 2024.
New laws and amendments to existing ones will both be likely, with player protection the main focus. Also expect laws on fraud prevention, KYC and AML, which will protect operators as much as customers. Things could be chaotic though, as 2024 demonstrated.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality has become increasingly popular of late and this is expected to grow in 2025. People like being able to bridge the gap between the real-life and digital worlds. This is where both VR and AR step in, as they enable a more realistic gaming environment.
The drawback of Virtual Reality is that a headset is needed, but expect advancements here too, particularly as the technology is becoming cheaper and more accessible. With some sites already offering VR-enabled gaming, expect this trend to increase in the next 12 months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, swift technological developments often lead to innovation and the rise of AI promises to be a game changer. In addition to blockchain technology, there are a few clear trends which we can expect over the next 12 months. Getting your casino prepared for these is key if you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace.