12 post-Covid iGaming trends you need to know

The iGaming industry has evolved rapidly since the pandemic with new trends shaping how we play, bet and engage online. We look at the post-Covid trends redefining iGaming.

Covid-19 accelerated the shift from land-based casinos to online platforms, and from desktop to mobile devices. So, it’s no surprise that of the main trends that have emerged since 2020, trends 1-4 are about the popularity shifts in how we game.

1. Growth of online gaming

With physical venues temporarily closed and sporting events cancelled during Covid, many players shifted to online gaming. For example, regular players in the UK were more than six times more likely to play online compared to before Covid, a University of Bristol study showed.

They also tried new online products. During April 2019, 26% of UK gamers engaged in more than one online activity, a figure which rose to 42% during April 2020, according to UK Gambling Commissionfigures.

2. Expansion of sports betting

Sports betting initially faced a downturn due to Covid cancellations but rebounded when lockdown restrictions eased.

Revenue in the online sports betting market is projected to reach $14.3 billion in 2024, according to Statista. That’s a considerable increase from $0.92 billion in 2018, when sports betting was legalized in several US states, and $1.57 billion in 2019, the pre-pandemic year. In-play or live betting has also grown, driving both higher engagement and revenues.

3. Virtual sports and esports boom

The appeal of virtual sports grew during the pandemic. These simulated games are unaffected by real-world event cancellations, popular during off-seasons and represent diversification opportunities for traditional sports betting operators.

Meanwhile, esports betting also gained traction, attracting a younger, competitive gaming demographic. Revenues are expected to grow at a 6% CAGR 2024-2029, leading to a market value of around $3.5 billion by 2029, according to Statista.

4. Live dealer games surge

Live dealer games provide real-time interaction between dealers and players. They boomed during lockdown as players sought to replicate the traditional casino experience. Their popularity has continued post-pandemic, further enhanced by improvements to streaming quality and mobile compatibility.

Trends 5-8 are about how operators are using technology to make the gaming experience more personalized, human and social.

5. Mobile gaming on the rise

The shift to mobile gaming has made iGaming more accessible to more people, more often. This has helped open new markets in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

It’s enabled operators to attract new players from untapped demographics, such as women and younger consumers, and turn casual players into regular customers. So much so, the global market for mobile gaming is projected to grow from an estimated $100 billion in 2024 to $150 billion by 2028.

6. VR and AR experimentation

Although still niche, some iGaming operators have explored virtual reality and augmented reality to offer more immersive gaming experiences. Currently limited by the cost and the availability of hardware, VR/AR casino rooms, poker and sports betting experiences are on the future roadmap for iGaming.

7. Personalized user experiences

As competition has grown, so has the emphasis on providing personalized experiences. Many iGaming platforms use AI and data analytics based on user data and behavior to tailor game recommendations, personalize promotions, prevent fraud and manage risk.

8. Growth in social and community features

Isolation during the pandemic highlighted the demand for social interaction. iGaming operators are using technology to make the remote gaming experience feel more personalized and more human.

They are implementing chat functions, leaderboards and multiplayer options add a social element to online gaming.

Trends 9 and 10 are about iGaming legislation and regulation.

9. Legalization and market expansion

The pandemic prompted several governments to reconsider iGaming regulations. Many jurisdictions are legalizing regulated iGaming activity. This has encouraged both local and international operators to enter new markets and form strategic partnerships.

10. Increased compliance requirements

Cross-border expansion comes with more cross-border compliance requirements, particularly around know your customer and anti-financial crime. Regulations around responsible gaming have also been tightened.

The use of credit cards to fund online gaming has been banned in several jurisdictions. And age verification rules have been strengthened to protect children and vulnerable adults from problem gambling, gambling-related harm and crime.

Trends 11 and12 are about the importance of payment choice and speed.

11. Rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain integrations

Many iGaming operators have started accepting cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Plus, embrace Blockchain so players can verify the outcomes of games, which helps build trust with demonstrably fair and transparent games.

12. Fast and flexible payment solutions

Against this backdrop of technological change and innovation, payment choice and speed has become a competitive differentiator. Players expect pay-outs to be as quick and easy as pay-ins so they can celebrate and play again.

Operators are now also offering more choice as to how players can deposit and withdraw funds. Digital wallets (e.g. PayPal and Apple Pay), bank account-funded payments and local payment methods have become ways to attract and retain players across different regions.

Inpay: keeping it simple

iGaming has evolved into a highly competitive industry, driven by changes in technology, regulation and player expectations. Inpay helps simplify payment complexity for iGaming operators – and their players.

Our instant, low-cost, multi-currency payments to 200+ countries act as a simple alternative to SWIFT and wire transfers.

We deliver the instant pay-in/payout experience players increasingly demand via our proprietary banking network. That’s true across 36 European countries with Instant SEPA, and many more further afield, including some of the industry’s most traditionally complex corridors in APAC, LATAM and more

Winnings arrive in full which is great for players. And even better for iGaming operators, as payments are cheaper than traditional bank transfers, debits or original credits to cards.

We also offer Open Banking-enabled pay-ins, which are more convenient for players, and increase conversion rates for operators, with significant savings vs card payments.