The iGaming industry has always been quick to adapt to developments in technology, from the adoption of cryptocurrencies to Virtual Reality (VR). In New Zealand, providers have acted fast to incorporate these developments across their games and websites to enhance player experience.
Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have had the most profound impact on iGaming platforms, enhancing customer service tools and tailoring user experience. In this article we’ll explore how AI and other recent developments in technology have influenced New Zealand’s iGaming platforms.
5 Key Advances in Technology That Redefined Online Gambling
In recent years there have been huge advancements in technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, VR and cryptocurrency, that have overhauled iGaming in New Zealand. In order to keep up with an increasingly online world and a crowded market space, platforms have adopted cutting-edge technology to stand out.
#1 Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a software which is designed to replicate human abilities such as thinking, learning and decision-making. In 2024 Datacom reported that 66% of businesses in New Zealand have used AI in some form. The iGaming industry has also been quick to adopt AI to improve user experience.
Improving Customization
Firstly, generative AI is used throughout the industry to enhance customisation. Through analysing huge amounts of data relating to a user’s habits, AI can identify patterns which indicate a player’s gaming interests. After identifying these patterns, generative AI can better tailor advertisements and game recommendations for an individual player.
In the future, agentic AI, which has greater decision-making autonomy than generative AI, could be used to automatically send marketing materials based on player preference. Agentic AI could also be used to change advertisements automatically to reflect the location of the player.
Enhancing Customer Service
AI has been adopted widely across iGaming platforms in customer service. Whereas in the past players would have to wait to receive a response from a representative, the introduction of AI chatbots means they can get instant answers. In order to give an accurate answer, AI analyses information across the iGaming platform and the wider web. One of the most innovative aspects of AI is the ability to learn from interactions with customers, this means that it will only continue to improve in terms of customer service.
Preventing Cheating and Fraud in iGaming
AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data quickly also makes it a useful tool in preventing cheating and fraud in iGaming. By analysing player habits, AI can determine unusual activity, such as an account being constantly active or a player making decisions faster than humanly possible.
AI can also monitor behaviours related to fraud, including large bets on unlikely scenarios or within an unknown league, indicating match fixing. By recognising patterns in player behaviour much faster than a human could, AI can lead to earlier intervention by banning accounts and blocking transactions.
#2 Virtual Reality
Across New Zealand, there is expected to be over four million users of VR by the end of 2029. iGaming platforms have introduced VR to give players an experience similar to playing at a land-based casino. VR is used to generate a 3D environment allowing players to interact with features like casino chips and cards using a headset. Players can modify a virtual avatar that can interact with dealers and characters within the game.
Using innovative graphics and soundscapes, their character is then immersed within a casino environment. In VR poker, for example, players sit around a virtual table to interact with a dealer and features like cards. As audio and visual elements like graphics continue to improve, VR will become further integrated within iGaming.
#3 Mobile Developments
In December 2019, the first 5G mobile networks were introduced across New Zealand. New Zealand’s iGaming providers were quick to embrace this new technology in order to improve user experience. One of the key selling points for iGaming providers is the convenience of playing from anywhere at any time – now with faster processing times and improved connectivity through 5G- more games are compatible with mobile devices.
Improvements in Quality of Graphics & Addition of Complex Features
Developments in 5G have also improved the quality of graphics and complexity of features providers are able to offer. While in the past, some mobile sites haven’t provided a full library of games or highly graphic aspects like wheels, new mobile developments have allowed providers to support more complex features.
Introduction of Progressive Web Apps
Another development in technology has been progressive web apps which allow for software to be installed across devices using one codebase. PWAs make more games compatible with different devices. Providers have capitalised on this technology to introduce games which could only be played on a PC before, to mobile. It also means that games are accessible to more players as PWAs can adapt to the software capabilities and run in browsers if necessary.
#4 Cryptocurrencies & E-Wallets
In 2024 inland revenue reported 7 million transactions with a value of $7.8 billion were made relating to cryptocurrencies across New Zealand. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are digitalised and decentralised forms of currency. Their value isn’t determined by a central institution like a central bank and is instead dependent on supply and demand.
Cryptocurrencies: Fast Transactions, Lower Fees & Anonymity
The iGaming industry has been quick to adapt to the rapid rise in cryptocurrency by offering it as a form of payment. There are a number of advantages for players looking to use crypto when iGaming, including faster transactions, lower fees, anonymity and better exchange rates. Better exchange rates are particularly useful to Kiwis as the majority of players use overseas providers.
E-Wallets: Enhanced Security and Speed of Transactions
As well as offering cryptocurrencies, iGaming platforms have adopted e-wallets as a transaction method. E-wallets, such as Skrill, provide heightened levels of security by allowing players to withdraw and deposit without directly entering financial information. They also allow faster deposits and withdrawals. These wallets can also be used in combination with crypto, keeping the player’s information safe at all levels.
#5 Live Games
Live games allow players to capture the same level of interaction found within land-based casinos through interactions with dealers and croupiers. Developments in camera and audio technology allow games to be livestreamed to players and enhance real-time interaction. As well as interacting with dealers, players also have the option to interact with each other players using chat functions. Live games also incorporate vibrant graphics and set designs to create an immersive casino environment.
Continuous Improvements in Live Games Technology
The technology behind live games is still in development with audio and visual tools continually improving. As a result, some games can encounter technical difficulties and leave players disconnected. In order to avoid such issues, players often turn to affiliate sites that provide best-of-lists of online casinos.
The Role of Trusted Affiliate Sites in Vetting Casinos With Poor Live Games
One of the most trusted sites that rates gambling platforms within New Zealand is BetKiwi. Under their easily accessible ‘Live Casinos’ section, players will find honest reviews and ratings of each live casino, including information about the quality of their live dealer games.
This is especially helpful for players looking to find the key features of a casino at a glance and decide on the best option quickly. As iGaming technology rapidly evolves, one of the great qualities of BetKiwi is their team’s commitment to update their casino lists monthly to ensure players are only recommended the best options.
The Future Bet- What’s Next for Online Gaming Sites in NZ?
The future of online gaming sites in New Zealand will be shaped by developments in technology like AI. In the future, online gaming platforms could adapt to AI by using it to customise user experience by tailor content to preferences. We could also see generative AI used to automate and tailor marketing materials.
Already we are seeing online gaming sites adapt to new technology like VR by incorporating it into their game offerings. As VR technology continues to improve and becomes more accessible to players, it’s likely that more VR games and specialist platforms will emerge.
Wrapping It Up: How Has the iGaming Industry Adapted to Developments in Technology?
The iGaming industry in New Zealand has changed to adopt developments in technology from AI and live games to cryptocurrency. Due to its ability to process vast amounts of information efficiently, AI has completely overhauled customer service and player analysis and in the future will likely be used to further customise player experience through tailored advertisements.
The influence of technology has been felt across platforms, including in transactions through the introduction of cryptocurrency and e-wallets. Advancements in terms of audio and visual capabilities have led to the innovative introduction of live games, which have become increasingly popular for players looking to replicate land-based interaction.
Overall, the iGaming industry is constantly evolving and effectively incorporating cutting-edge technology such as AI and VR, into the iGaming experience.
