Mobile casino apps have taken the baton from desktop sites in recent years. This is due, in part, to the fact that gamers of all types are using mobiles more than ever. According to a Newzoo report published in late 2024, the number of mobile gamers will hit 3.2 billion worldwide within 12 months. This trend has engulfed all parts of the gaming industry, particularly the casino sector.
Casino Players Prefer Mobile Apps
Although desktop sites are still popular, mobile casino apps have taken over in recent years, particularly among players in their twenties. Analysts at Market Research Future predict that the mobile gambling market will be worth $215 billion by 2034. Of that figure, North America will lead the way, with analysts forecasting that its market share will increase from 28.5% (in 2022) to over 40% by 2034.
The popularity of mobile platforms, such as the PlayStar casino app, NJ-based, is largely due to their accessibility. After downloading the software, iOS and Android users have access to over 500 games, integrated mobile payment options, and instant support. What’s also appealing about this app and others like it is the fact that it’s smart. Users can manually personalize the app by setting games as favorites.
Casino apps can also suggest games, features, and promotions automatically based on a user’s actions. This combination of accessibility, personalization, and entertainment has made mobile apps the go-to medium for gaming. However, the foundations on which mobile apps stand strong may be weakening thanks to the rise of virtual reality (VR). Mobile devices are part of the VR revolution because some devices, such as Tecknet VR, can be mounted into a headset. However, they’re not integral.
VR Might Not Take Hold in Casino Gaming
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That’s because the latest headsets, including Meta Quest 3S, are all-in-one mixed reality devices. That means someone can unpack, plug themselves into a VR headset, and immerse themselves in a 36-degree world of images, animations, and entertainment. This threatens the dominance of mobile apps. Why would someone play games on a small two-dimensional screen when they can be inside a game? That’s a good point, but it misses some of the nuances in casino gaming specifically.
Casino players don’t necessarily need immersion. While it would be nice to sit virtually at a blackjack table and pretend to handle cards, it’s not necessary. What’s more, it’s cumbersome. Although VR technology is improving, it can’t quite offer the speed and efficiency that casino gamers expect. This alone is one reason why mobile gaming’s demise isn’t imminent. We can also point to recent attempts to launch VR casino games, such as Microgaming’s VR Roulette. Previewed in 2016, the prototype hasn’t led to any mainstream products almost a decade later.
Finally, there’s the integration of augmented reality (AR) elements into live casino games. Bridging the gap in this way could be enough. There’s no doubt that today’s gamers enjoy the combination of virtual and live elements, which is why AR-enhanced live games could be the future. This doesn’t necessarily mean that VR gaming won’t overtake mobile casino gaming in the future. For now, though, it seems as though the dominance of mobile apps will continue in at least one part of the gaming industry.
