Gamification of Online Casinos

Interactive Challenges: A True Gambling Adventure

One of the most obvious examples of gamification in online gambling is the introduction of interactive challenges. As the term might suggest, an interactive challenge is one where the player actually has an effect on the game. Namely, rather than following the same pattern of gameplay, as one would in classic slots, the game might issue a challenge in the vein of “Match a Specific Symbol on a Specific Reel.” Now, there is a challenge for the player to focus on, which gets them invested in the game further.

Of course, the real reason interactive challenges have become such a hit is the rewards. Upon accomplishing such an endeavor, players might be rewarded with a prize of some kind. Usually, it will manifest in the form of free spins, which the player can then use to spin a few more reels without risking any cash. Other times, it might be a match deposit bonus, which will double a player’s bankroll in their next game. Whatever the reward is, it is one of the reasons that interactive gambling has become a hit.

A New Crowd: The Success of Gamification in Online Gambling

If we were to look at some amateur studies, we would find that fans of video games are much more likely to gamble online, than in land-based casinos. If we were to guess, we would have to say that the reason for these findings is that online casinos already have a video game-esque vibe. After all, they are just as much descendants of the video game industry, as they are of the gambling industry. So, gamers are already a subsection of the iGaming fan base.

But, with gamification, online casinos have been able to attract a whole new crowd of gamers. Not just the ones looking for the simple, luck-based games they might recognize from films and television. But also a crowd willing to challenge themselves, and conquer a whole new style of game. Hardcore gamers will certainly enjoy the challenge-based and interactive elements of gamified online casinos. These challenges might also lead them to appreciate casino classics like blackjack, poker, roulette, or baccarat.

But, it isn’t just the hardcore gamers that these new developments made in online casinos are attracting. They also have had a profound influence on bringing in casual gamblers, who’ve gotten sick of the classics. A lot of casino goers want to be challenged, and want to experience something new. For those people, gamification presents a new challenge to overcome, and a new experience to enjoy. So, while gamers can go from video games, to gamified casinos, to the classics, old-school gamblers can follow the opposite trajectory.

Upping the Challenge: How Gamification Retains Fans

Any good businessman knows that attracting new fans is not enough to sell a product. Casinos must be capable of enticing existing players to return. Up until now, they’ve been doing it with loyalty bonuses, VIP programs, and an ever-expanding gaming library. Certainly, it has been enough to contribute to player retention, at least for some of the better-known sites. However, as technology develops, casino operators must find new ways to boost user retention.

Gamification is the latest attempt on the part of casino operators to keep players interested. So far, it seems to be a very effective method. For a long time, casino games have been identified with luck. But, by implementing elements from classic video games, operators have managed to add a strategic element to the gameplay. While chance is still a big part of gambling, players now face some tactical challenges, which they have to overcome by using strategy.

While this type of gamification is not enticing to all, the people who are intrigued by it are far more likely to return, and play the games again in the future. As for those who don’t like it, well, we have good news. Not all casino games have jumped on the gamification bandwagon. In other words, casinos have a variety of options to pick from, both from old-school, chance-based games, and modern, gamified choices. In other words, every player should be satisfied when visiting a gambling website.

Specialty Games: The Hot New Trend in Online Gambling

So far, we’ve discussed the impact than gamification has had on the gambling industry. But, we’ve purposefully saved the best and most profound change for last. Gambling websites have introduced a slew of new and original games, that have elevated casinos to a whole other level. Because of their recent introduction, there is no category for these specific titles. So, online casinos have taken to calling them “specialty games,” and their success has not gone unnoticed.

Of these games, the most popular are often called “Fish” or “Fishing” games. As the name would suggest, the games involve fishing. But, it isn’t as simple as trying to catch fish. Fishing games are modeled after old-school shooters, like Space Invaders. In these games, players take control of a deep-sea diver, or perhaps a submarine. They are armed with a harpoon gun, and their goal is to capture as many fish as possible.

Each of the fish is worth a certain amount of points, and the game developers have even included different stages, mini-bosses, and even a final boss, whose worth quite a bit. By racking up the points, players increase their chances of a larger payout. But, as we said, fishing games are just the most popular of these new specialty games. They are, by no means, your only option.

Old-school Microsoft users will remember that the operating system used to have games embedded into it. Among them, the most iconic one was Minesweeper. Though the game has gone out of vogue, casinos on the internet have brought it back in a very interesting way. Of course, they’ve added a gambling twist to it as well, so gambling fans can have a lot of fun, trying to navigate the bomb-infested field.

The Future of Gamification and Online Casinos

Video games are continuously growing in popularity. The industry is now one of the biggest entertainment markets around, and more and more people are getting into it. Even indie games are doing better than ever. Knowing this, we are certain that the future of online casinos lies in gamification. By making gambling feel a lot more like gaming, casinos can capitalize on the growing success of video games, but also, introduce new and exciting challenges for their long-term fans.

That being said, we must remember that casinos and video games don’t always mesh. Some gamblers prefer the old-school, chance-based games, that they could expect to enjoy at classic casinos. Other, perhaps younger gamblers might prefer the challenges of gamified gambling. For that reason, it is important for online casinos to diversify their library. Rather than putting all of the eggs in one basket, give multiple options for all of the different players. That way, everyone can have something to enjoy.

Some may say that, in attempting to please everyone, online casinos could end up pleasing nobody. However, in this case, the old, and rather wise saying, does not apply. After all, online casinos have done an amazing job of creating a multi-billion-dollar market before gamification. So, there is clearly still room for old-school, luck-based slots, that don’t require much effort or strategy. Still, it is never a good idea to buck a trend. Which is why we would also say gamification is an excellent way to attract new fans.

Conclusion

Gamification is the latest, hot trend in online gambling. It is very unlikely that it is a passing trend as well. Online casinos have hopped on it, which has led to some incredible changes in the industry. Among them, the most important ones are the enhanced sense of community, the growing number of customers, and an introduction of some incredible new games. What the future holds, remains to be seen. But, we are certainly excited to see what online casinos have in store for us.