The world of online casinos is evolving at an astounding rate. The market’s current global value stands at around $61.5bn. By 2024, it is expected to exceed $114.4bn which registers a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. This rapid market expansion is mainly due to the pandemic and people not being unable to visit casinos in person and searching for alternate playing options online. And among the online casino games, poker has proven to be one of the most popular games.
Its online iteration especially has grown in terms of popularity in the current digital landscape. While online poker was banned in 2011 in an event known as “Black Friday”, it has slowly been returning to some areas of the country. The states that have legalized online poker are Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Connecticut. And as more online poker sites emerge so too has the technology behind them evolved, with one of the key areas of advancement being artificial intelligence (AI). With more legislation passed in favor of online poker, the market is becoming more saturated. This is leading providers to make advancements to their platforms and services to set themselves apart from the rest. The integration of AI is one way that online poker providers are reaching out to players.
Supporting Virtual Reality Softwares
Augmented and virtual reality has been one of the latest developments found in today’s gaming industry, so it’s no surprise that the online poker market is trying to incorporate it into its platforms. A video had previously circulated showing how to play physical poker using augmented reality. Virtual reality (VR) use in online poker is also increasingly popular with platforms like PokerStars offering an online VR experience. AI algorithms are ensuring that the casino experience remains authentic through determining winning hands and making sure the cards are shuffled fairly. Players can also practice against simulated players that use AI technology to dictate what moves will be played based on their difficulty level. As more players look for a convincing online experience through VR poker, companies will use AI to provide realistic dealer and opposition experiences.
Customer Support
AI chatbots are becoming increasingly popular across all industries, as they can now answer your questions without the need for a human to be physically present. Online poker providers and casinos are now leveraging this technology to offer 24/7 support. In the case of online poker platforms, chatbots are programmed to answer frequently asked questions. This allows for a more streamlined playing experience as chatbots can answer basic questions immediately, while any complex issue can be related to an employee. Chatbots allow online providers to replicate the customer support services that physical casinos are famous for.
Player Engagement
AI is one of the most powerful tools in a provider’s locker when it comes to generating data analytics. It allows the close monitoring of a player’s habits so that offers can be tailored and player behaviors understood. This is particularly evident with poker providers who offer other games such as online slots and roulette. Understanding how long someone plays and which games they use means a provider can accurately predict player behavior. They can use this data to customize a player’s interface, so their favorite games are displayed and even suggest new ones that players might enjoy. The use of AI in this way allows for greater customer retention on online poker platforms.
AI is slowly transforming online through the implementation of VR, faster customer support, and increased player engagement. So it goes without saying that as the online industry continues to expand in the next few years so too will AI’s role.
