Gambling is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of entertainment. Records show that people have been wagering since the oldest civilizations. Some even believe that gambling might pre-date societies like Egypt, Greece, and Persia and date back to prehistoric times. Evidence for this, of course, is non-existent.
The Evolution of Gambling
Whichever side of the argument you fall on, one thing is certain: gambling has endured for millennia and still remains one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Yet, the industry has changed, adapted, and evolved throughout history. From street gambling to gambling dens to grandiose, luxurious casinos.
In the 21st century, which commonly bears the moniker “digital age,” wagering has become a largely digital activity. The rise of the internet has had a major impact on the industry. And in this article, we would like to explore how the internet has changed gambling.
Online Games
One of the most obvious and most popular changes comes in the form of online casinos. For those who don’t know, online casinos are websites where you can play all the most popular and beloved gambling games. You can find everything from roulette to slots to poker and blackjack at online casinos.
Among the most popular online casino games is roulette. And if you are curious how to play online roulette, don’t worry because it couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is find a gambling website that you like and make an account. Once you do so, you can play roulette, slots, and any other game you might be interested in.
But, with so many websites, how can you find the right one? One way to make it easier for yourself is to look for a gambling license. A gambling license is, in essence, a seal of approval. Issued by internationally-recognized gambling commissions, these permits ensure that the website has been reviewed and marked as safe and reliable.
The online gambling industry has existed since the 90s. However, it was in the 21st century that it truly blossomed into something amazing. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar business and continues to grow daily.
Crypto Gambling
In 2023, it is rare to find someone who isn’t aware of what cryptocurrency is, and how to use it. The digital, decentralized currency has become a huge trend, with big names like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether especially making headway. The crypto market is also one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.
So, it is no wonder the gambling industry has tried to capitalize on it. There is nary an online gambling site that does not accept crypto-based transactions. Even some land-based casinos have hopped on the bandwagon and will gladly trade chips for Bitcoin. Though admittedly, that is quite rare.
The crypto gambling trend has become so popular that online casinos operating solely on cryptocurrency are thriving in 2023. Gamblers enjoy the idea of anonymity and security, and Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals offer both.
VR Casinos
No innovation is more important to gaming in 2023 than the development of virtual reality. Thanks to science fiction films, most of us are already familiar with VR and how it works. However, many might need to learn that online casinos have begun incorporating said technology to create an immersive and fascinating experience.
Gamblers can put on VR headsets and soon find themselves in a fully computer-generated environment. There, they will find any of the most popular gambling games. Slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, etc.
Best of all, VR gambling allows you to interact with fellow gamblers and captures the classic casino atmosphere. It is great for anyone who wants to experience face-to-face gambling while still wearing pajamas.
Live Dealer Casinos
Though a recent addition to the online gambling industry, live dealer casinos have already become a staple of the iGaming industry. For those who don’t know, live dealer casinos incorporate live streaming technology to create a unique yet familiar experience.
In essence, a dealer streams themselves with a pack of cards. The players join through voice chat or text chat and play the game in real-time. Live dealer casinos offer the same fun and exciting experience as land-based casinos, allowing gamblers to play from home. In that sense, they are the predecessors to VR casinos. However, some people even prefer live-dealer casinos, as they can incorporate well-known card-counting techniques.
It is worth noting that while card counting may not be illegal, most casinos consider it cheating. So, players caught counting cards will likely be escorted out or banned from the establishment, whether online or offline.
FAQ
Can I gamble online for real money?
Yes. Online casinos have made it possible to wager on games or sports without leaving your house.
Can I gamble online using cryptocurrency?
Absolutely. The crypto market is so big that most businesses and industries have jumped on the bandwagon. Nowadays, people can place bets using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Dogecoin, etc.
Are live dealer casinos safe?
In large part, yes. You must find a license to determine whether a live dealer casino is safe. If a casino is licensed, it is very likely safe and reliable.
Have VR casinos supplanted land-based gambling?
Not at all. While VR casinos may be a bold innovation, they must still supplant the land-based experience.
Is crypto gambling safe?
Largely yes. However, you will have to deal with the downsides of cryptocurrency, such as high volatility rates.