Gambling, one of the most popular hobbies in the world, has also taken the internet world by storm, with the iGaming business experiencing some of the highest growth rates in history in the last two years. As we remained inside due to lockdowns and quarantines, more individuals resorted to online gambling as a new form of online entertainment, and iGaming companies reported an increase in the number of new and returning users.
With a surge in the number of iGaming platforms like online casinos and sportsbooks, the opportunity to play table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as place wagers on major sporting events like the Super Bowl, enticed players from the four corners of the globe, with sports betting becoming one of the most popular online activities in 2021. If iGaming was formerly seen to be a shady business, it is now recognized as an essential element of the online entertainment sector.
With an infinite number of iGaming operators and websites, the availability of online gambling options has never been larger, and we can now choose the games and wagers that best suit our interests, as well as the most advantageous bonuses and promotions provided by these operators.
Although there are hundreds of options available today, the following activities have been the most popular in iGaming in the last few months and are expected to draw even more players in 2022.
Table games
Table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat have long been popular hobbies across the world. However, with most land-based casinos obliged to close in 2020 and 2021, bettors all over the world had to turn to iGaming to keep the action going.
Despite the practically infinite number of websites available, many trustworthy operators provide these classics, whether on mobile-friendly websites or mobile applications. With smartphone penetration rising year after year, most iGaming developers are continuously striving for improvements to deliver the best mobile experience to both casual and high-roller players.
These websites include precise gaming mechanics, appealing aesthetics, and a genuine experience for consumers playing from the comfort of their own homes, with game options ranging from roulette and craps to card games like baccarat and poker. There are also games with live dealers that handle and run the game in real time while players watch the entire gaming process through streaming.
Live game shows
Live game shows, which are currently one of the most popular trends in the iGaming industry, have grown in popularity in recent months, becoming an appealing choice for both casual and high roller players and being offered by nearly every reputable online casino.
Bettors may now play games based on TV game shows in real time, as if they were on the set of Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, or one of the many renowned American game shows, thanks to the emergence of live streaming technology over the last decade.
Just like live dealer table games, live game shows are operated by professional hosts and transmitted to players from studios and land-based casinos. It is also possible to interact with the dealer and other players, giving live game shows a social component.
Slot games
Slots are certainly one of the most popular gaming activities in the world, but they also account for 70% of all casino games available on the internet. With a wide selection of additional features like free spins and multipliers, as well as a wide choice of themes that include branded games such as Street Fighter and Jumanji, online slots are among the most engaging iGaming activities available today.
These aesthetically appealing and simple-to-play games are available at nearly every online casino, with additional features like progressive jackpots and unique incentives. The top websites provide a diverse selection of games with a variety of themes and cash awards, and they are created by some of the most reliable software developers in the iGaming industry.
Online slots are accessible to everybody and do not require any specific skills, which helps to explain their appeal. Even though winning can be tough at times, the thrill of playing slot games and hitting a jackpot can be highly enticing to many players.
Sports betting
Sports betting has long been one of the world’s most popular pleasures. However, with recently opened legal markets in various jurisdictions throughout the United States, online sports betting has become one of the internet’s hottest fads, with online sportsbooks and bookies reporting substantial growth in both active users and wagers last year.
There are already hundreds, if not thousands, of online sportsbooks available, with the bulk of them allowing US players. The NFL, NBA, and MLB are just a handful of the most popular betting markets offered by the majority of providers.
Esports betting has also grown in popularity, particularly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when major sporting events were canceled and esports competitions featuring titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive kept the action going.
