Industry predictions: AI becomes more prevalent and VR/AR to elevate the player experience

Mike Grenham, MD, Planet Sport

AI becomes more prevalent

I believe the value and quality of betting content will continue to rise over the next 12 months, especially as regulation will likely impact TV advertising and sports sponsorships in the sector. We have seen whistle-to-whistle bans come into force in several European markets and as the UK Gambling Commission finalises its review of the Gambling Act 2005, I think we can expect to see something similar imposed in the UK too.

In addition to this, I think it is pretty clear that further consolidation is inevitable and there will be plenty more M&A activity throughout 2022. It is worth noting the size and value of recent deals coming out of the US market, which are eclipsing what were previously considered large takeovers. It indicates the industry is in rude health with plenty of untapped growth on the table.

Finally, predicting the advance of technology is a tricky game where it’s easy to go down rabbit holes, but I do feel that the advancement of efficiency and new display mechanisms in retail are long overdue. Some excellent products are waiting in the wings to revolutionise this sector. It’s also inevitable, on a wider industry level, that AI will become more and more prevalent.

Steven Roman, marketing coordinator, Real Dealer Studios

VR/AR to elevate the player experience

In 2022 we are going to see the continued rise of crypto and esports, two of the most exciting developments for the wider igaming industry. Both have been on the cusp of entering the mainstream for many months now and I think this year we will finally see more widespread adoption of, and engagement with, both.

I believe that regulations will become increasingly stringent, in particular when it comes to the ways that online casino and slot games reward players.

As a table games producer, we are keeping a close eye on the intense battle that is happening between bricks-and-mortar casinos and the online world. In the medium term, we think the outcome will depend on the extent to which online can engage land-based players. I believe this will require improved video quality and more immersive experiences.

Virtual reality and augmented reality have a lot of potential in this regard and just like crypto and esports are becoming more mainstream. I think we will see a lot of developers and producers embrace these technologies this year as they look to take the player experience to the next level.