Log into any online casino in the digital age, and you can hardly tell the difference between playing the game online and walking into a physical casino. Everything feels real, from the images to the sounds, especially in Irish casinos, such as those showcased on www.bestcasinosites.ie. But this was not always the case. We take a walk down memory lane where we look at how casinos came to be so engaging and how this all started. The journey might surprise you.
The Early Casinos
Before the 90s, the thought of playing online casino games was just that – a concept. But that soon changed when developers found a way to make the games available online, forever changing the casino landscape and paving the way for the multi-billion pound industry that exists today. Back then, the following aspects were the norm:
- Desktop access. People could only access the internet through desktop computers. As such, anyone who wished to play had to buy a computer or use a cyber café.
- Dial-up internet. People born in the digital age will probably never know the value of fast internet. But anyone who has ever used dial-up internet can attest to just how slow it was.
- Basic visuals. Developers were just getting the hang of creating casino games for online play. As such, the visuals were pretty basic, and players could clearly tell that this was a far cry from the physical casino experience.
- Limited game selection. Players had access to games such as slots and roulette, as these were easier to make. The variations of these games were yet to come into play.
What’s more, the payment options were few, with sites limiting players to card payments and wire transfers. However, even with all these limitations, casino players could not believe their luck. They now had access to games around the clock, and they were quick to jump at the chance to play, motivating the developers to stick to the course despite the pushback from traditional casinos.
The Evolution of Modern-Day Casinos
Online casinos heavily relied on technology. As such, they could only progress as fast as the technological advances. So, at each point that technology scored a win, so did online casinos. Let’s look at how this played out:
- The making of mobile games. For a long time, many people were unable to play casino games as they did not have access to computers, while others did not like the idea of carrying a bulky computer around. But with the making of the smartphone, this soon changed. These devices were portable and served more roles than just playing games, thus making them convenient for playing games on the go. Casino games responded to this opportunity by making mobile-centred websites and apps that further simplified access.
- The use of engaging sounds. Casino games are not just about what people see. It is also about what they hear. For a while, developers had been using simple and classic tunes. But these soon stopped appealing to players as they got used to the idea of playing games online. Casinos addressed this by partnering with artists and seeking licenses from music boards, allowing them to play different types of music for each game to match the moods. It worked like a charm.
- The variation of the games. While classic games were fun, many people got tired of seeing the same games over and over. It was not long before software developers met this growing demand for change by offering one variation after the other. Over time, sites have built up their collections, some boasting thousands of titles and counting.
- The use of realistic imagery. Basic pixels worked great at first. After all, playing online games was innovative, and people could not believe their luck. However, with technology advancing, websites soon started showing more realistic images and videos, which prompted software developers to do the same. The introduction of augmented reality was a huge step in this direction as it allowed the developers to make games that simulated reality. Now, players can enjoy settings that depict a typical casino, including live dealer games where holographs represent dealers, which makes the games more exciting. Talks about the future use of virtual reality (VR) have also started bearing fruit, with more casino operators testing the fit of this new technology.
- The building of communities. The traditional casino offers players multiple avenues to meet other people, which adds to its appeal. Online casinos met this need through live chats, community forums, and social media pages. VR will also play a role in the coming years.
What’s more, casinos now boast more payment options, including blockchain technology, to cater to player preferences for a more convenient experience.
