The world is slowly waking up after the pandemic-induced slumber of 2020, with many industries looking quite different.
The retail sector has been severely affected, whilst hospitality is being forced to adapt and change to the current restrictions in place. News that lockdown restrictions might even be extended is still causing a degree of panic amongst business owners, not least those who operate physical locations.
The gaming sector has been completely obliterated, with land-based casinos and other such establishments closed for long periods of time, but that means good news elsewhere. A report by iGaming Business explains how last year, the online gaming industry seized upon this and saw strong growth, despite a slight contraction at the start of 2021. It seems gaming customers have been happy to turn to their mobile devices and home computers for a gaming substitute.
Online slots are hugely popular, and the iGaming report suggests that sessions that last more than an hour are on the increase. What keeps players coming back, and keeps them at their screens for periods more than 60-minutes? Almost certainly, one factor is the variety of games, with so many different titles, brands and themes used in the current offering of slots online. Indeed, the range of casino games on Gala Bingo includes recognisable brands such as Wheel of Fortune and Beetlejuice, which helps attract gamers with different interests, as well as allowing slot fans to diversify when playing their games. The choice is one huge pull for online providers and with increasingly powerful devices delivering great graphics and sound, their experience is immersive and engaging.
The other key aspect of online slots and iGaming which has improved is the safety for players. Earlier this year, the UK Gambling Commission brought in a raft of changes that sought to create a safer marketplace for gamers using online slot providers. Those changes included slower slot spins, reducing features that gave the illusion of control over the outcome and combating sounds and imagery that gave the appearance of a win when that was not the case. Essentially, they made the experience easier to understand and clearer for players in terms of wins, losses and chance.
Those changes were welcomed by the Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston, who said: “The steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age.”
Those were the latest steps by a regulatory body that has sought to work with the gaming industry to provide a clearer and fairer experience for players. Almost all the major online slot providers now provide standard security for customers which includes encryption techniques to protect details and transactions. Certainly, those based in the UK and the US adhere to that data protection, meaning players can spin away safe in the knowledge that their details are secure.
Other elements of a reputable provider which have become standard include clear bonus policies, reliable payment providers (including an emerging trend towards cryptocurrency) and games coming from well-known, regulated software providers. Finally, most online providers now have dependable and reactive customer services. These are all things you can check prior to playing, too – for instance, you could send a customer service department for a provider a random question and, if you get a swift response, it gives an indication they may be safe and secure.
The online gaming sector may have benefitted from the recent pandemic, but the standards and safety demanded by players and regulatory bodies has been increasing year on year, and is currently providing the safest experience ever for gamers.
