Published on October 12th, 2018 | by Sunit Nandi

How iGaming Embraced the Mobile Revolution

Thought to have originated in the Tang dynasty of China before 1000 A.D., playing cards did not arrive in Europe until around 1360 A.D. Their existence was to play games, so it is safe to assume that card games have been around long as long as the cards used to play them. Games that are popular today, such as poker and blackjack, are several hundred years younger than the cards themselves, both going back to around the 17^th century.

The iGaming industry has embraced the mobile revolution.

The Development of Casinos

In some form or another, wagering is linked to almost all societies in history, including the Napoleonic era France, Tudor era England and Ancient Romans and Greeks. However, it didn’t always take place in casinos. Europe’s first “gambling house” to bear any resemblance to a modern casino goes back to Venice in 1638. Its purpose was providing controlled gambling in the carnival season in the city.

Modern casino destination cities did not take off until the 20^th century after the state of Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, followed by New Jersey in 1976. That resulted in the creation of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, two of the most popular destinations for those wishing to visit casinos. These casinos became entertainment centerpieces, offering hotels, live music, swimming pools and much more.

Moving with the Times

The late 20^th century and early 21^st century saw a widespread increase in the use of the internet among the general population. Like many industries, the casinos began to offer an online version of their games. The first online casino went live in 1995 thanks to the 1994 Free Trade and Processing Zone Act in Antigua and Barbuda, a law that allowed for the issuance of licenses for internet-based casinos. Reportedly, the first wagered game took place with the Luxembourg International Lottery, which allowed online purchases in October of 1995. The growth was fast, and by 1997, there were around 200 online casino websites. The development of online casinos made it easier for new players to get involved in playing card games.

Going Mobile

Mobile technology facilitates playing with friends.

Playing card games like poker and blackjack are fun ways to relax. However, sitting hunched over a computer is not necessarily conducive to this. That’s why, in general, there are many reasons why mobile apps are better than websites, and online gaming is no different. The idea of playing on a mobile device, in a more relaxed environment like on a sofa or bed, can help to make card games more attractive to casual players, allowing players to play on the go during commutes or long journeys. For iGaming companies wanting to reach a broader audience, capturing the mobile market is critical.

The preference for mobile users is social and casual games. That makes card games, puzzles, slots and board games ideal for the format, with the ability to start a game quickly, requiring little to time commitment to play. Many of the games are also easy to pick up, making barriers to entry low. The success of the mobile format can be seen in the fact that there are higher numbers of gamers playing these types of games on their mobile devices than on their desktop computers. Between 2016 and 2018, the use of online casinos has increased by 70 percent, with most of this growth seen on mobiles.

Conclusion – Staying Ahead of the Curve

Online casinos and the iGaming industry can trace their history all the way back to the Tang dynasty of China with popular games such as poker and blackjack having a rich history beginning back in 17^th century Europe. This long history and rich tradition are still seen today in the suits we use in card games, having changed little over the years. The social element of the game has also changed little over the years, with playing games still a popular activity to do with friends (or strangers). Despite this, casinos have always been quick to react to changing macro factors, which is evident by the rise of Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the early and mid-20^th century and the growing popularity of online and mobile casinos from the late 20^th century onward.

Tags: embraced, how, iGaming, mobile, revolution

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.