Worldwide, casino games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment. But most players today aren’t flocking to casino floors in Vegas or Macau. Instead, they prefer the ease and convenience of online platforms. Thanks to advances in technology, virtual games are just as fun to play as live variations—and might even include social features, like in a live dealer game.
Given most casino players stick to online platforms, the digital era of blackjack and slots has become hyper-competitive. Providers must stick out from the crowd if they want to attract new players—and especially if they want to keep them coming back for more. But which features will help an online casino stand out from its competitors? Let’s cover the most important elements from the perspective of players.
Welcome Bonuses (& Rewards)
Obviously, offering a high-value bonus is one way to attract a casino player. But when it comes to the best casino bonuses, there’s great variation. One of the most common offers is free spins, which can be used for slots. Because slots are the most popular category of casino games, it’s a great offer that will appeal to many players.
However, for more avid players of blackjack, baccarat, or roulette, for example, an offer like a no-deposit bonus or a deposit match are both great options. A no-deposit bonus lets a player take advantage of an offer without depositing anything into their account, while a deposit match instead means that a provider will match a player’s very first deposit up to a certain amount.
Lastly, keep in mind that avid players will also seek out a platform that offers a rewards program. This means that they’re regularly offered promos and bonuses based on their playing history. To create a more tailored rewards experience, the best platforms out there rely on AI.
Variety of Games
As mentioned above, slots are the most popular type of game. But even within a single category of game, players will expect options. That means that game variation is only the tip of the iceberg. For example, if a player likes roulette, they might want to cycle between playing European and American variations.
If they’re feeling in the mood for some social interaction or if they want to more closely emulate a brick-and-mortar experience, they might seek out a live dealer game. In this case, a real-life croupier manages roulette just like in a live establishment, which is streamed to a remote player via a live video link.
Functional Software & a Mobile App
Lastly, players are on the hunt for a seamless playing experience—and one that runs well from a laptop or even a smartphone. Certain platforms require players to download software, while others work straight from a browser. Regardless of the setup, players must be able to easily navigate to find the games they like, learn how to make deposits and withdrawals on a payment portal, and possibly even enter events like virtual tournaments. The more difficult it is to navigate, the less likely a player is to come back.
Given the popularity of mobile gaming, many players also expect a seamless and intuitive mobile app. This allows them to take full advantage of virtual casinos no matter where they are.