Online Gambling Rising During Lockdown: What Does This Mean for the Industry?
The coronavirus and multiple lockdowns across the UK and the world have caused the public to adapt and live their lives very differently. Not being able to head outside and do the things that we used to do almost automatically and religiously became the norm, impacting our daily lives. While lockdowns and not being able to head out for a coffee with friends and family can impact our mental and physical health, there have been many changes that have allowed us to explore new hobbies.
For instance, the online gambling industry has seen an influx in activity since lockdown. Many of us are turning to the internet in the hopes of finding entertainment and ways to keep connected with our friends and family. Online gambling has provided many people with the comfort and entertainment they have been seeking during these unusual times. Logging on and settling down to play a few games (sometimes solo, other times with friends and family) has helped people remain occupied when they are unable to do the things they usually love.
But what does this surge in popularity mean for the online gambling industry?
Consumer behavioural changes were expected once the first lockdown hit the UK. Therefore, the gambling industry has had to adapt and put new measures in place. Legitimate online gambling websites are expected to protect their consumers at all times, but with more people turning to online gambling, they may have to enforce tighter security measures so that they have more barriers to counter online hackers. What’s more, there has also been a surge in online casinos (with more appearing online), meaning there is greater competition.
Whether you are an owner of an online casino or a member of the public who loves to visit an online casino, here’s what the coronavirus and lockdown has done to the online gambling industry.
More Competition
People are spending more time at home and on the internet. This is because they are, as previously mentioned, unable to go outside as often as they used to or head to certain establishments such as bars, cafes, restaurants, shops or even hairdressers. This influx in free time spent within the home has caused many of us to head online for entertainment. Logging into streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu or Disney Plus is one popular source of fun, but so is online gaming, including online casinos.
Many online casinos have appeared because of their growing popularity. This means members of the public have more choice, but it also means that there is a rise in unfriendly and dangerous websites that may be there to steal your identity and sensitive information. Of course, you should only ever click on a trustworthy website. When you sign up, you should have a strong and secure username as well as unique and strong password. Before signing up, however, you should search for website reviews and see whether it is listed as trustworthy.
This added competition in the online gambling industry also means that there are more bonuses for you to choose. Online casinos have many offers available so that they can entice new players in the hopes of acquiring their custom and making them a regular to their website. You therefore want to ensure that when selecting an online casino, you are getting the most out of your money. For instance, Online Casinos is a website that shows a list of the best and most trusted online casinos on the internet. By going through their website, you can get a welcome bonus, a rating score, as well as their own personal score. Head to OnlineCasinos for more information on which website is best suited for your needs but can also provide you with the best incentive.
Increased Security Measures
Although previously mentioned, the security measures of online casinos have needed to be improved so that their customers can gamble online without the worry of their information being stolen. Of course, many online gambling websites will have the proper measures in place, but with more people turning to the internet, it has become a hotbed for hackers, too. This is because new people who are heading online may not be properly educated in the best practices on how to stay safe or spot a phishing email or untrustworthy link.
As an online casino, it is in your best interests but also your duty to ensure that your customers feel and are kept safe while using your website. But how can you do this? Firstly, you will want to be listed as a licensed casino. When you are licensed, you will have information at the footer of your website so that people visiting your website can see whether you are legitimate. Secondly, you want to ensure that your URL has an SSL certificate. Thirdly (and finally), you should offer multiple payment methods. A diverse range of payment methods not only looks attractive to your customers, but it also helps your customers use a secure payment process that they trust and are familiar with. Popular payment options include Apple Pay, PayPal, Paysafecard and, of course, manually typing in their payment details.
More Products (e.g., more slots, etc.)
Online casinos are rolling out more casino games such as slot machines so that they can entice more customers. More products, however, mean that online casinos need to ensure that the games work well but are also properly optimised. You may also have to increase your marketing methods so that they gain the traction you desire.
The online gambling industry is a popular pastime for many, but more people have turned to the internet as a form of entertainment since the pandemic began. Online casinos have had to compete with one another and find ways to withstand this surge of popularity. With no certainty as to when lockdowns will end, online casinos will need to continue finding ways to remain an attractive form of entertainment to the general public.
