Game Changers 2020: Which Trends Are Going to Shape the Online Gambling Industry?
The online gambling industry has made tremendous progress in the past two and a half decades. This progress has been more evident than ever in the last few years, thanks to all of the technological advancement and innovative ideas that the different online casinos around the world adopt. We expect nothing less from 2020, which is promising to bring a lot of exciting new features and technologies to make the online gaming experience even better.
Innovation is needed for the gaming industry to thrive and is arguably the driving force behind it. In this article, we will review several important trends that we find will be vital for the future expansion of the online gambling industry.
Without further due, here are the three gambling trends that will shape the future on online casinos:
1. Megaways Slots
Megaways Slots are trademarked by the Australian software company Big Time Gaming and have taken over the online casino world by storm. The games feature an exciting pay mechanism that is run by a random reel modifier, which changes the number of possible symbols with each spin. Megaways slots offer players more ways to win and much more excitement than traditional slots.
How Do Megaways Slots work?
The random reel modifier might sound complicated, but in reality, it works on a straightforward principle. In a Megaways Slot, each reel can contain an arbitrary number of symbols, changing with each spin. The number of symbols determines the actual amount of pay lines, unlike traditional slots, which have a set number of pay lines that remain the same throughout the game. Of course, the games have a maximum amount of pay lines which can appear, with the majority of games developed by Big Time Gaming offering 117,649 ways to win. Since Megaways Slots became so popular with players, other developers have since bought the license and developed their versions, which can also include different numbers.
Winning in a Megaways Slot works a bit different than with usual slots. Instead of lining the symbols along the specified pay line, players have to land identical symbols from left to the right on adjoining reels. The placement on the reel, size, and number of the symbol on each row does not matter. The symbols only have to connect one after another, from left to right.
2. Predictive Value Segmentation
This term refers to the capability of tools to automatically identify and create thorough visitor segments, which have a higher probability of reacting similarly to specific events or conditions. Before predictive segmentation was introduced, this task was carried out manually, which posed certain limitations. Marketing professionals had to analyze, identify, and segment online traffic, one segment at a time, to analyze user behavior.
Predictive Value Segmentation in Online Casinos
The increased competition in the online gambling industry has resulted in the need for online casinos to identify and segment their visitors in order to understand and learn better what they want. The most common ways that casinos segment their visitors is by using behavioral variables (i.e., how often they visit, how much they spend, what games they play the most, what time of the day they play, and others). By segmenting visitors in this way, casinos can create personalized incentives for the different players, which are much more effective than the generalized call to action.
Recent studies in the field of segmentation, however, suggest other ways that online casinos can use to segment their visitors. The use of attitudinal variables in segmenting visitors (i.e., commitment, affect, etc.) can offer a few benefits to online casino marketers. Nairn and Bethon write in their study of Advertising on Consumer Market Segments that attitudes are stable and enduring, which may be more reliable in predicting profitable customer segments than using the behavioral variables. They also suggest that by segmenting players using attitudinal measures may identify loyal customers who cannot be identified with behavioral variables such as frequency/monetary value/recency.
By adapting more variables in their segmentation process, online casinos will be able to identify better and meet the needs of the different customers. Still, they will also be able to have a more accurate assessment of the player relationship with the brand.
3. Bonus Buys/ Feature Buy
Bonus buy slots, also known as feature buy, is the new craze among casino players. Bonus buys are designed to let the players purchase the game's unique feature, instead of waiting for it for hundreds, if not thousands of spins. The buy feature allows players to cut the corner and skip directly to the bonus feature. To do so, the player can pay between 50x and 100x the average bet in order to access the bonus game directly. It is trendy among players who want to skip the wait for scatter symbols and proceed directly to the bonus round.
Where to Play Feature Buy Slots?
Many casinos offer games that have the option to buy the bonus round. However, some operators have disabled this option. Most online casinos use a few providers that make feature buy slots, while others offer a whole collection of such slots. We recommend the following online casinos:
The Most Popular Feature Buy Slots
1 – White Rabbit
White Rabbit was released in 2017 by Big Time Gaming and is the first slot ever to feature the bonus buys feature. The game instantly became a success and paved the way for many others. The price of a bonus of the game is 100x the average stake. The slot offers five reels with 4096 pay lines.
2 – Medusa Megaways
NextGen Gaming powers this exciting 6-reel Megaways slot. It provides interesting gameplay and numerous different ways to win. Highly volatile, there are wins of up to 50 000x the initial stake on each spin/free spin. Medusa Megaways offers a Buy Pass feature, which allows players to skip directly to the bonus round. The price is 100x the initial stake.
3 – Spinal Tap
BluePrint Gaming released this popular 5×3 engine slot in 2018. The game comes packed with all sorts of bonus games, reel modifiers, and free spins features. Players have the option of buying the VIP Guest pass for 50x the stake, which will give them immediate access to the Bonus Mode.
4 – Temple Of Treasure Megaways
Temple of Treasure is another slot by Blueprint Gaming, released at the beginning of last year. The slot has a setup of 6 reels with 2 to 6 symbols per row. The game will give players up to 117,649 ways and a max win of 50,000x the initial stake. Players can use the bonus buy option for 100x the stake.
5 – Genie Jackpots Megaways
Genie Jackpots Megaways is a sequel to the trendy slot developed initially by Blueprint Gaming. Unlike the original, however, this slot is not part of the Jackpot King progressive jackpot suite. Genie Jackpots uses the Megaways game mechanic under license from Big Time Gaming. The game features a 6×5 game mechanic and 15,625 ways to win. Players can access the bonus round for 100x the initial stake.
Voice of the Player Magazine Issue 9, Article List
Welcome Note March 2020
Q&A with Karl von Brockdorff: The Perpetual Need to Innovate
Psychogram of a Poker Cheater
Game Changers 2020: Which Trends Are Going to Shape the Online Gambling Industry?
We Asked…The Pros Answered: Artificial Intelligence & The Gambling Industry
International Focus: Online Gambling Updates from the U.S. 2020
Artificial Intelligence & The Modern Online Casino
How is Gamification Shaping the Online Casino Industry?
