5 Things to Expect for the Future of Casinos

For as much as technology has changed just about every aspect of our lives, casinos have remained fairly similar over the years. Of course, the lights shine a little brighter, the games make more noise, and things like video poker and slots have become more prominent. But the overall experience hasn’t changed all that much.

Evolution is inevitable for any industry that wants to stay alive, especially in the “entertainment” category. In this article, I’ll go over some of the ways experts are expecting casinos and the casino experience to change in the not-so-distant future.

1 – Electronic Gaming

From the casino’s perspective, the purpose of electronic games—such as slot machines in the past—is that they take in money without requiring a physical person such as dealer to be there in order to play. Slot machines are still a major revenue-driver, but they’re slowly losing floor space to other forms of electronic games.

If you’ve taken a trip the casino lately, you may have noticed that games which were traditionally considered “table games” such as roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and more, now have digital versions that allow players to gamble on their own. While the physical table versions still exist, the video option is becoming increasingly-popular.

To say that these virtual versions of classic games will make dealers obsolete is probably still a bit hyperbolic, but expect the number of dealers to shrink and the number of machines to increase in coming years.

This isn’t going to be much of a jump, because real money online casino gambling has already conditioned a large part of the population that forms of electronic gambling are good alternatives to live games.

2 – Skill-Based Games

It’s widely accepted that just about every game on the casino floor, perhaps with the exception of poker, is primarily luck-based. Even when playing a game like blackjack where there is some strategy involved, still comes down to luck. The best blackjack players are the ones who know how to maximize their odds within the confines of the system.

Nowadays, gamblers are starting to explore options that give them a little bit more control of the outcome. Some games are individual, but there are some that let you compete against other real-life players head to head (or in a small group).

One example of a skill-based game that has starting rolling out in 2018 is the time-tested classic Pac-Man. Several Las Vegas casino have launched “Pac-Man Battle” which gave players the opportunity to win more money based on how well they play the game. It looks like all those hours spent in the arcade as a kid may finally pay off.

In the Pac-Man game that’s currently available, two to four players compete against each other with a cash prize on the line. It’s not only fun to play, but fairly entertaining to watch.

Other skill-based games are slowly rolling out, and it’s expected that more will follow in the footsteps of the Pac-Man Battle Casino model. If you’re the competitive type who likes an opponent other than bad luck, big things are on the horizon.

3 – Esports

Esports are a growing force in the gambling world. If you’re not familiar with what it is, esports can best be described as competitive online video games.

I know that some may scoff at the idea, but these aren’t the Mario Kart games taking place in the frat house. Esports teams are well-organized, highly-proficient units that compete on a huge stage for millions of dollars. As of 2020, esports has already crossed the threshold into a billion-dollar business.

Whether you’re a fan of playing the games themselves (the most popular are League of Legends and CSGO), watching experts do their thing, or simply interested in betting on something new and exciting, esports betting might be a good fit for you.

After watching players compete for even just a few minutes, you’ll be shocked at how intense the action can be. You might even start thinking of it as a “real sport.” But even if you aren’t ready to take that leap, the drama and the skill are undeniable.

Before betting on any of it, I would recommend at least getting somewhat acquainted to how the gambling process works as it pertains to esports. It shares many similarities with traditional sports, but there are still some differences that are important to take note of before putting your money on the line.

4 – Virtual Reality

Just the term “virtual reality” sounds like something from the future. And in fact, the future is already here.

Casinos across the world have begun to implement these headset-based game on the gaming floor and in private areas dedicated specifically to VR. So, exactly what games should people expect to see when they pop on the VR goggles? The answer is: a lot of the same games you’re already seeing out on the floor currently.

From blackjack to slots, even high-limit poker games, gaming establishments across the country have started to experiment with a range of different offerings to see which gathers the most attention.

In addition to carving out VR hubs within a casino, the remote capabilities can bring the casino right into your home. Imagine sitting on your couch, popping on a pair of goggles, and being transported to any casino in the world—complete with realistic sights and sounds. Make no mistake about it, these capabilities are coming sooner than you think.

If you’re wondering just how popular virtual reality is becoming, all you have to do is look at the data. In 2016, a study reported that the amount of money bet in virtual reality games was just shy of $59 million. That number is expected to explode more than 800% by 2021 when an estimated $500+ million will be wagered while playing VR games.

The technology behind this form of gambling is still new to many people and not widely accessible to everyone in their own homes. With that being said, as prices continue to drop and more people become more familiar with the VR experience, the sky is the limit in terms of profitability for casinos. Even those who consider themselves to be gambling “purists” have to admit that the potential is pretty exciting.

5 – Sports Betting

Without question, the biggest difference in the future of casinos will be the widespread implementation of sports betting. Laws across the country have become much more accommodating in terms of sports gambling regulations.

Some industry experts are still a little unsure how sportsbooks are going to be incorporated with casinos once each state inevitably legalizes it. But most agree that it’s going to be some combination of both in-person betting as well as online sportsbooks.

The world of online sports betting has grown exponentially in recent years as bettors no longer have to deal with complicated payout processes using offshore bank accounts, or the looming threat of the authorities shutting down their accounts (along with their bankroll).

When you throw in the added benefit that tax revenues will have for each state that legalizes sports gambling, the only question left to ask will be, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”

If you’ve always been someone who bets on sports online only, I would highly suggest taking a trip with some friends to a sportsbook near you. Wall-to-wall TVs and a crowd of like-minded individuals can make for an exciting day trip.

If your state has not already legalized sports gambling, check in frequently to review the laws in your state. Chances are if it’s not already legal, it’s in some stage of the legalization process.

Conclusion

The casinos of the future are going to be a fully-immersive experience that includes the latest technology. As people are exposed to more entertainment options than ever before, gambling establishments must be extra diligent in putting together an unforgettable experience.

If the idea of VR, esports, and video table games seems a bit overwhelming, rest-assured that for the most part, they’re extremely easy to learn. Easy to win? That might be a different story.