Mobile gaming is one of the fastest growing parts of the gaming industry with technological developments made year upon year. In 2014 the number of global users for mobile overtook that of desktop users, and in the US alone 55% of internet use was through mobile devices running apps and mobile browsers. Know to be ahead of the curve in the adoption of advanced technology into their games, major online casino brands have embraced this surge in mobile popularity far more than any other web-based industry. The very first mobile casinos with their basic game-play and simple graphics hinted at what was to come, ongoing advancements in gaming technology mean that today’s players can access the latest in cutting edge technology to bet on the go.
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It is estimated that by the end of 2017 global revenues from mobile casino gaming will rise to 100 billion USD, with an estimated 164 million users accessing these games from their mobile devices. The appeal behind mobile casinos are convenience, mobility, ease of use and the integration of top software and security features including Optical Character Recognition, Random Number Generators and Secure Socket Layers.
Realtime Gaming (RTG) is a company that provides the secure casino software behind leading US brands, with Playtech and Micrograming casinos offering similar software for non-US based players. The games that are powered by the software made by these companies are run at real time by a human dealer, and players can take part in the game using their smartphones and tablets as a console. The physical transactions that the dealer makes are translated into data by the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programs built into the software, enabling mobile players to participate in live casino action. As well as offering an immersive and exciting experience for the player, the results of the games are determined by a live dealer rather than an automated process.
Like their bricks and mortar counterparts, the reputable online casinos are transparent and subject to verification. One of the most frequent pieces of technology incorporated into their games is RNG (Random Number Generator) software, that also powers everything from slot machines to table games. A RNG is a highly sophisticated randomizer used to generate results in casino games. It basically assures a completely random outcome through the generation of a unique sequence of numbers or symbols when each card is dealt or each time the slots or roulette wheel spins. The incorporation of RNGs into mobile casino games means that the outcomes cannot be predicted, leaving each game left purely to chance and human skill.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Data Encryption Protocols are used by some of the most secure websites in the world, including banks, and are one of the fundamental pieces of technology used by reputable online casinos. Incorporated into gaming software in either 128 or 256 bit, SSLs randomize the important information inputted into a gaming profile like personal, financial and login details. As far as security goes, it has been said that if every computer in the world was focused on cracking a 128 bit key they wouldn’t even reach 1/1000th of the goal. A 256 bit key is approximately 340 billion times harder to crack than the 128 bit key, meaning that peace of mind is a priority. The security of SSL is enhanced even further when casinos offer different deposit options such as virtual wallets.
Much has been said about the future of online gaming, and Virtual Reality (VR) is widely mentioned. With VR technology developing rapidly each year and major advances slated for 2017 and beyond, there’s no doubt that mobile casino games will undergo yet more rapid development to result in immersive, sensory experiences on the go.