The Internet of Things, often stylized simply as IoT, is a quintessentially 21st-century phenomenon that perfectly encapsulates the modern world’s extreme reliance on technology and forward-thinking computing software. As smart devices are changing how we consume media, IoT is transforming our relationship with various aspects of daily life, from transportation to home entertainment.
The online casino industry is one of the most exciting areas where the Internet of Things could have a profound impact. While many people wouldn’t immediately think of online gambling when it comes to IoT, there are far more use cases than you might have realised.
Some are only now coming to the fore, while others are still developing. Regardless of how far along they are in their conception, the future looks bright for the online casino industry. Keep reading for a breakdown of how IoT can bring the online casino world to life for players at home.
What is IoT?
Before we get into the various examples of how IoT can help online casino players enjoy a more engaging and immersive experience, let’s clear up exactly what we mean by “Internet of Things.” According to Merriam-Webster’s definition, the IoT is
“the networking capability that allows information to be sent to and received from objects and devices (such as fixtures and kitchen appliances) using the Internet.”
So, what does this mean in lay terms? IoT refers to the interconnected network of objects we use daily that can communicate with each other and the online world. For example, a Fitbit can monitor various health metrics on your wrist before sending this information to an online database for you to peruse on your phone.
Elsewhere, you could set a smart thermostat to turn on the heat only if the temperature falls below a specified number. You could even link this thermostat with an electricity and gas meter, ensuring the heating doesn’t exceed a set daily cost.
In essence, the Internet of Things is an invisible network of appliances, gadgets, and computer devices that constantly communicate data to enhance our everyday lives. But how could this benefit the online casino industry? We’ll explain some of the most pertinent ways in the next section.
Key Ways IoT Is Bringing Online Casinos to Life
Playing at an online casino has various advantages over traditional land-based establishments, although one common complaint can be the reduced immersion and less authentic atmosphere. IoT is set to completely revolutionize this as casino software developers pull out the stops to create more exciting possibilities. Here are some key ways to expect the Internet of Things to bring online casinos to life at home.
Enhanced Interactivity
One of the main things IoT is good for is providing enhanced interactivity due to real-time data tracking. This could bring a notable extra immersive layer to online casino gaming, with players wearing things like smartwatches to track their heart rate during a high-stakes poker game. This information can be helpful in post-game analysis and could be integrated into games to adjust difficulty levels or provide real-time advice.
Personalized Experiences
Following on from the enhanced interactivity, casino players can also enjoy much better and more personalized gaming experiences using the Internet of Things. The most common example is games and devices constantly tracking specific gaming preferences, subsequently tailoring game recommendations and bonuses for individual players. For example, if you repeatedly play Megaways slots for longer and have an amplified heart rate, the software would deduce that these are your favourite titles, updating your casino feed to reflect this.
Immersive Gaming
One of the most impactful ways IoT can bring the home online casino experience to life is with immersive gaming features. Imagine if every winning spin on an online slot made your home lights flash green, for example. Alternatively, coming into a crunch round during a game of online poker could see your lights dim and redden to reflect the nail-biting atmosphere.
Real-Time Monitoring and Strategy Help
Another area where IoT can enhance the home online casino gaming experience is with real-time monitoring and strategy guidance. This is particularly useful for games like poker and blackjack, where you can learn a lot about how to employ the best tactics simply by tracking your moves and their results.