The gambling industry has been developing rapidly in the last few years. It is influenced by many factors, including the development of information technology, globalisation, inflation, pandemic and income growth. The popularity of gambling has also increased due to its convenient access to people who have mobile phones and computers, which makes it easier for players from Ireland, Europe or the US (or anywhere else in the world, for that matter) to participate in online gambling games at any time they want. Players can not only play only but also find valuable casino-related resources where they can read to know more facts and stay on top of the game. So far, how has the gambling industry developed in 2023, and what can be expected going forward? Let’s find out!

Technological Advancements Driving Industry Growth

The gambling industry is growing rapidly, and technological advancements are a major driving force behind this growth. Namely, the way people gamble is changing as technology becomes more advanced and accessible. Technological advancements have influenced the way gamblers bet, play games, pay when they are playing and interact with each other online. Gamblers can now use their mobile devices to access websites or applications that offer real-money gaming opportunities. They can play at crypto casino sites and opt for blockchain-type payments and remain anonymous when gambling. All of this

has led to an increase in both revenue generation and player participation across the globe.

Changes in Gambling Regulations and Policies

Governments regulate the gambling industry to ensure that it is fair and safe for players. Different types of regulations exist, including licensing requirements and rules about how much money can be wagered or won on a particular game. Moreover, several countries around the world have changed their gambling laws in recent years, affecting the global gambling market significantly.

For example, the US gambling market has practically undergone a revolution over the past five years. In 2018 the Supreme Court struck down 1992 federal law. This has led to many US states legalising sports betting and allowing top-notch operators to offer their services within those states. Furthermore, in April 2022, Ontario, Canada, launched a sports betting market, allowing wagerers from the region to place bets on their favourite sports events.

And these are just two examples; there have been numerous gambling changes on the global level, as countries around the world have relaxed gambling laws massively.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Gambling Industry

The Coronavirus outbreak was a major event that affected the whole world, including the gambling industry. It started in China and quickly spread to other countries and radically altered the way we live.

Most governments ordered citizens to stay indoors until further notice. Revenues from tourism declined significantly, as well as spending on entertainment venues such as casinos and bars/clubs/restaurants, etcetera. Despite the fact that the casino industry suffered, the sports betting industry sustained a greater impact in 2020 and 2021. As casino players could switch from land-based casinos to online and mobile platforms, sports betting was completely cancelled at the time as the majority of sports events were postponed.

Gambling has changed significantly because of this, creating new preferences and waves of gamblers, as well as new markets popular now in 2023.

Image source: Pixabay

New Forms of Gambling: Virtual Reality and eSports

If you are one of the 2 billion gambling enthusiasts in this world, you probably realised new forms of gambling have emerged. One of these is virtual reality (VR), which allows users to simulate gambling activities such as:

• Slot machines

• Poker tables

• Roulette wheels

Even if VR sets might sound like a 2016-2017 thing, the IT giants beg to differ. In 2023, Apple may release its long-rumoured mixed reality headset, which will reportedly combine virtual reality and augmented reality.

The popularity of eSports–electronic sports–is growing rapidly around the world, especially among young people who play video games competitively online with others from around the globe. eSports betting took off mainly due to the pandemic 2020, as it offered bettors an opportunity to wager on the sport. Nowadays, in 2023, it is one of the most bet-on markets in the wagering industry.

The Rise of Online Gambling and Mobile Betting

The rise of online gambling, or “virtual betting,” has been one of the biggest trends in the industry. Online gambling is growing at a faster rate than offline gambling, and it’s easier to access for everyone. In simple terms, people would rather play at the convenience of their homes or offices than go through the trouble of commuting to a nearby casino.

Mobile betting apps make this convenience even better by allowing players access wherever they go: whether they’re commuting on public transportation, waiting in line at Starbucks or sitting down for dinner at home with family members after work/school. Mobile applications allow users 24/7 access without having any additional costs associated with travel time/expenses involved when visiting brick-and-mortar locations.

Future Prospects and Predictions for the Gambling Industry in 2023 and Beyond

In just one year, from 2022 to 2023, the global gambling market saw an increase of 56.4%. To be precise, it grew $449.04 billion in 2022 to a bizarre $702.45 billion in 2023. The industry will continue to expand into new markets, especially those with high populations and high internet penetration rates. As technology continues to advance, developers will focus on implementing new features that can increase revenue for casinos and betting sites alike. Mobile betting is also expected to increase over the next five years as more people shift their gaming habits from traditional land-based casinos to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes