One of the best things about casino games is that unlike other forms of online gaming, the hardware requirements are much less restrictive. There is currently a global chip shortage that is disrupting supply chains, rocking the foundations of the gaming industry, and making it incredibly difficult to acquire gaming hardware.
This chip shortage has also really driven prices up, so it is now more difficult than ever to find good-quality gaming hardware that is not extremely expensive. The good news is that online casino games do not require any special hardware to play. We spoke to Adam Nadeau, founder of Canadian casino review site Playcasinos.ca to learn more about the tech behind online casinos and what kind of devices you’ll need to get started.
The simplicity of online casino games
“One of the best things about online casinos and their games is that they are easy to play and do not require expensive gaming hardware. Anyone with a working internet connection will be able to visit an online casino, register an account, and start playing – subject to terms and conditions, of course,” Adam says.
“While online casinos are easily accessible and widely available, this doesn’t mean that they suffer from poor production quality. Some of the top online casino games feature exceptional audio-visual production including animation, audio, and creative aesthetics. Some examples include Book of Dead, Halls of the Gods, and Gonzo’s Quest.”
The production quality is also extremely high for games other than slot machine games. Many classic casino table games feature fun, exciting graphics as well, but are fairly traditional in nature.
However, Adam adds that the live-streamed games can be extremely innovative, and the industry is continuing to expand and try new things. “Over the last few years, the market for live-streamed game show games has really opened up, and games such as Deal or No Deal and Candy Bonanza have flourished.”
The rise of mobile online casino gaming
It has actually become easier than ever to gamble at online casinos thanks in part to the rise in popularity of mobile technology. Mobile phones and devices such as tablets have become ubiquitous throughout the world thanks to lowered production costs and the rollout of data infrastructure internationally.
“Although online casinos initially were purely made for desktop applications, they were eventually reformulated for mobile devices, and these days, you would be hard-pressed to find an online casino that is not fully optimized for mobile use. The game development companies themselves have also kept up with the demand for mobile by making hundreds of games that can be played on mobile in the same way as on desktop,” Adam says. (tellyexpress.com)
Mobile gambling is increasingly becoming the most popular form of online gambling – both via apps and mobile browsers. One of the reasons for its popularity is the convenience inherent in mobile technology.
“Rather than needing to drive to a local brick-and-mortar casino in order to play a set group of games, gamblers can now simply use their phones. We carry our phones with us everywhere and use them for everything, so this is really something of a natural progression. It is now possible to place a bet while at a bar, try a poker game during a commute home, or play the slots while watching TV.”
Setting up your battle station
Although you do not need expensive hardware to play online casino games, you can always set up your own battle station. The term battle station describes the designated areas people use for gaming. There are entire subreddits and articles dedicated to some of the most intense battle stations, many of which feature impressive monitor displays, LED lights, and expensive, flashy equipment.
“There is a certain amount of creativity, fun, and personalization that goes into setting up a battle station. Gamblers who prefer online casino games to visit their local brick-and-mortar casino may also want to set up their own battle station in order to personalize their space.”
While gambling online does not require equipment such as extra-long mousepads or extended monitor displays, Adam says that some gamblers may still want to set up a few monitors to play different games at the same time. “Additionally, there are a number of streamers who focus primarily on gambling online as their primary activity during video streams. For those individuals and for people who also want to break into streaming, it is worth investing in a classic gaming chair, some décor, a filming setup, and audio equipment.”
Casino games and virtual reality
One of the newest and most exciting aspects of the online casino industry is the introduction of virtual reality or VR. Players can strap on a VR headset and “walk” into an online casino, where they will be able to play all of their favorite games in a simulated environment.
“While VR technology is still developing, so far there have been a number of exciting advancements, and gamblers are now able to play dynamic digital games and table games with other avatars who are joining in via VR. The VR environment may be a bit disorientating at first, but players should be able to adjust after a few minutes,” Adam adds.
The future of online casino games and tech
Although no one knows for sure what the future holds, it is safe to say that the online casino industry will continue innovating and trying new things. There are dozens of new slot machine games released each week, which is in addition to the new casinos being launched and the new tech being trialed.
“The industry will continue to change, grow, and develop, but it is unlikely that gamblers will need to fork out a serious amount of money for expensive gaming hardware any time soon. Instead, the gambling industry is more focused on making its online casinos as accessible as possible.”