Where is Gaming Heading at ICE Totally Gaming 2018?
Let's explore the largest gaming conference of the year which took place between February 6th and 8th in London. ICE Totally Gaming gathered over 500 companies showcasing their products and discussing the latest trends in the gaming industry. This trade fair held within the ExCeL building has become highly comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics including casinos, sports betting, bingo, lotteries, payment services, fantasy sports, eSports, and social gaming. All these areas are closely intertwined with their digital representation.
The recent advancements in technology have significantly influenced the gaming sector. Firstly, the digitalization of existing products and their distribution over the internet and more recently, the adaptation to mobile devices revolutionized gambling. As the industry continues to evolve, new and promising technologies, such as blockchain, big data, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, are now considered potential game-changers. However, it remains unclear which technology will ultimately take the lead and redefine the sector.
At ICE 2018, the discussion around new technologies and their implications was a common theme, given the uncertainty about the future direction of the happiness business. Industries are considering the potential of blockchain to potentially obsolete traditional gaming models. Companies now need to decide which areas to invest in and identify suitable partnerships.
Vahe Baloulian, Chief Strategist at BetConstruct, expressed this uncertainty during an interview with ICE TV. His company offers comprehensive solutions for gambling operators, from brick-and-mortar to online casinos. He highlighted how their approaches towards technology are need-based. While casino and sports betting will continue to be the core business, BetConstruct is experimenting with deep data, AI, virtual reality, and cryptocurrencies. Baloulian remarked how the world is rapidly evolving and the gambling industry needs to keep up.
Gavin Isaacs, from Scientific Games, also presented his view on the future trends of the gaming industry. According to him, the consolidation trend that's already evident in the industry will continue. The rapidly changing technology necessitates this consolidation to ensure that no single company can cover all facets of gaming. Therefore, it's crucial for companies to identify their weak spots and address them through strategic acquisitions. Scientific Games, for instance, acquired Nyx Gaming to prepare for the opening of the US sports betting market. Private equity, which has already made considerable investments in this sector, will play a significant role in such acquisitions.
Another notable change at ICE 2018 was the introduction of a separate area for consumer protection. This space included representatives from regulatory bodies like the UKGC and gambling addiction prevention organizations. 2017 was marked by extensive debates about the safety of gambling, particularly in the UK, with companies under scrutiny for not doing enough to protect customers from irresponsible gambling. Authorities have emphasized the need for product-level checks to limit the addictive potential of gaming machines.
Companies are also being held accountable for the actions of their advertising partners. There have been instances where misleading campaigns have attracted regulatory attention. Consumer advocates argue that gambling companies should be held liable for the misconduct of their marketing partners. So, where is the gaming industry headed? While it's difficult to predict with any certainty, it's clear that player protection will remain a key focus area to avoid any regulatory action. Although it is still uncertain which technological innovations will dominate, virtual reality might make a significant impact on online casinos in 2018. Alternatively, it could be blockchain that disrupts the sector.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
