As befits such a major country on the world stage, the Canadian business sector is diverse in scope and incorporates many specific industries. The casino sector is a good example and one that has played its part in the wider Canadian economy over time.
This was once confined solely to land-based casino play and saw people flock to real-world casinos in places like Ottawa, Ontario, and Quebec. However, the last few years have seen a real shift in the Canadian casino sector as online casinos have started to assert their dominance. Although the legal framework around iGaming in the country sees many Canadians signing up with reputable offshore gaming sites, the April 2022 launch of Ontario’s very own iGaming market could well be a portent of things to come.
Of course, the shift from land-based casino play to online casino gaming is something that is also being seen in other countries globally. Canada’s close neighbours over the border in the US, for example, are now starting to see more states legislate for digital casino play.
iGaming itself has seen major internal changes
Although the rise of online casino gaming is interesting in itself, it is even more fascinating to dig into how iGaming has developed as a global industry recently. One key innovation that has revolutionized the sector is a move towards more social play. This involves making the gaming experience at online casinos a more social one, which makes it easier for players to engage with other people there.
Although more social experience for players has been something iGaming has focused on in the past, it is only in the last few years that it has been evident on a large scale. But just how have online casinos become more social and transformed this part of the industry?
Social casinos
The number of safe and fun social casinos in Canada shows how popular these specific types of Internet gaming sites have become lately. Social casino sites are also becoming the go-to choice for people in other countries where iGaming is popular. These sites not only incorporate free-to-play casino games but enable users to engage with one another for a truly social, fun experience when playing. This normally involves using the chat function in games to talk to one another and getting to know other players online through participating in tournaments.
Live dealer games
In the same way as the impact of AI on everyday life is something we are all aware of, the impact of social innovations in the iGaming industry is something all casino fans know about.
Live dealer games are a case in point and have taken the iGaming industry by storm in recent times. This has happened to such an extent that most iGaming sites now offer live games to players. These games are so popular in places like Canada because they enable you to get that authentic, real-life casino experience when playing.
They also offer a more social experience because people are able to chat with the human dealers as they play. Most live games have a chat function, which allows players to talk to one another.
Social gaming features on standard iGaming sites
Although dedicated social casino sites show how a more connected iGaming experience is changing the sector, the adoption of social gaming features on standard Internet casinos is also interesting. This sees many real-money casino platforms incorporating features such as chatrooms, forums, and other social networking tools. These resources enable users to engage with one another and form close bonds over time.
How has more social gaming at casinos changed iGaming?
As with all stories that make the latest tech headlines, more social casino play has generated plenty of column inches lately. But just how has this innovation changed iGaming?
The simple truth is that making casinos more social has changed this niche in a number of positive ways. To begin with, it has allowed casino platforms to engage a new audience beyond people who are there solely to play games in isolation.
Taking a more social approach has allowed casino sites to attract people who like to socialize whilst playing, and it has enabled the number of people engaging with iGaming globally to grow in turn.
Making casinos more social has also helped to give the iGaming sector something of an image overhaul in many people’s eyes and redefined how they feel about it. This has enabled people to see that iGaming is a fun activity that is not just about trying to win money or playing games alone. As a result, the prevailing public opinion around iGaming has switched and people now see it as an enjoyable experience where they can meet new people, catch up with old friends and play cool games.
How else has making casinos more social changed iGaming?
A move towards more social gaming at online casinos has also changed how the industry feels about itself. As we have seen from more traditional real-money casinos starting to get on board with social play, this innovation has sparked new ideas and new perspectives within the sector on what it can offer. As time moves forward, we will see how online casino gaming progresses in general and which direction it heads in next.
More social experiences when playing digital casino games have also changed how able the sector is to compete with others in the online gaming niche. We all know that online video gaming is massive and at one point arguably offered a social aspect to play that iGaming could not match.
Recent innovations such as those listed above have enabled online casino platforms to alter this narrative and truly compete with online video gaming. Due to this, the social elements we now see within iGaming have had a truly transformative impact on the industry.
What benefits does a more social approach to iGaming have for players?
Although the above focuses on the changes a more social approach to play at casinos has had for iGaming as an industry, it is also key to think about the benefits it has delivered to players. One obvious advantage is the extra fun it brings to casino gaming online and the way that connecting with other players can make you feel good.
Focusing more on the social side of casino gaming also makes it less about winning money and more about connecting with other people. This could have a very positive impact on the drive for more responsible gaming and reduce the issues some people have around problem gambling.
Greater choice and human connections are key
A push for more social experiences in iGaming is also great as it gives players more choice in how they game. It brings real depth to the sector and allows people to find the way they like playing the classics like roulette best. This could be playing at social casinos, trying out real-money sites with social features, or even gaming in a non-social way on days when people don’t feel like chatting.
Of course, innovations in iGaming around social play are especially beneficial for players who might live alone and not have much contact with people in their offline lives. By making new friends and chatting with people they know at online casinos, these people can avoid the mental health issues that living in isolation may otherwise bring.
iGaming’s social experiment a hit
When we take a look at where the iGaming sector now is in countries like Canada and compare it to where it was 20 years ago, the difference is stark. The constant innovations within the industry are behind this and a move towards more social play at online casinos is one very good example to consider.
