iGaming has seen substantial growth in 2021 and looks set to continue this upward trajectory in 2022. This multi-million-dollar industry has created a new market with millions of players joining annually. During the pandemic, iGaming became even more popular, with people confined to their homes for months and looking for something to distract them from the harsh realities of Covid.
Here is a look at what to expect from iGaming in 2022:
iGaming and online gambling
The legalization of online gambling in several American states has given iGaming a significant boost. Defined as playing or betting on a game or event’s outcome on the internet, iGaming is a growing reality in the United States. While several states allow online sports betting, only a handful have online casinos, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Michigan. Michigan joined this select list of states with online gambling earlier in 2021, and playing at an MI online casino is a growing trend among residents and visitors alike.
Sports betting
Sports betting is a favorite American pastime, legalized after an old Supreme Court ruling was overturned. Now that iGaming is becoming more popular bettors do not need to leave home to place their wagers. People no longer need to visit seedy backrooms to place wagers on sporting events, doing so openly and legally. More people indulge in sports betting on their smartphones, and most online sportsbooks have apps to facilitate this.
Convenience
Younger generations crave online convenience in everything they do, and iGaming is no exception. They want to access it anytime from anywhere, without needing to travel somewhere to place a bet. They are also making forays into the cryptocurrency market, where they trade anonymously, and make substantial profits.
Despite their desire to have gambling options at their fingertips, young people still want to experience the sights, sounds, and ambiance of a brick-and-mortar casino. Software developers continue making strides in this regard, bringing the casino to an online player’s living room using cutting-edge graphics and audio technology. This is one of the most significant factors that has led to the rise of iGaming worldwide.
eSports
Like iGaming, eSports are relatively new concepts with a growing market of avid players. Betting on eSports remains a gray area as many states have not included it on their list of approved betting sports. This should change now that the International Olympic Committee is in the process of bringing eSports into the Olympic fold.
Governments would be foolish to prohibit eSports betting as it is a growing market with an avid following of younger players. Casino and sportsbook operators understand that they cannot expect to prosper in the future without appealing to younger generations. Therefore, they strive to accommodate this new trend.