The iGaming industry may have set the standard for online media now and in the years that follow. Our entertainment options have mostly been found online these days via streaming devices and apps. Yet, iGaming is its own entertainment option and can provide plenty of opportunities for those looking to have fun. We will discuss whether or not it’s changing how we consume online entertainment and media in this guide.
We’ve come a long way from the cable television era of entertainment to watching your favorite movies and TV shows online. Not to be outdone, gaming has also evolved as well – allowing us to play our favorites on our mobile devices at any time and any place. Let’s talk more about iGaming and its role in online entertainment.
How Did iGaming Rise To Its Current Popularity?
iGaming, short for internet gaming, is nothing new. In fact, it’s been around since the internet itself made its public presence known in the 1990s. Back then, it had basic graphics and didn’t have the immersive sounds that today’s platforms have. It was certainly much different compared to today’s platforms that are available to Indian players via: askgamblers.com/online-casinos/countries/in/bonus.
Over the years, iGaming has grown into an industry with its valuation surpassing $1 billion. At the outset, it was nothing more than your standard casino games like slots, blackjack, and even poker. Speaking of poker, the poker boom of the early 2000s can be credited for at least growing one part of the iGaming industry with online platforms popping up all over the place.
Even offline poker has grown in popularity. Could iGaming be credited for influencing its growth as well? Some may say yes.
Fast forward through the next two decades and you’ve seen online media expand. This is due to the availability and accessibility of high-speed internet and smartphones – both of which have been a blessing for Indian game players. At this point, more than 1 billion Indians have smartphones and the Internet penetration is around 52.4 percent (as of 2024).
Has Entertainment Become More “Gamified”?
To define gamification, it’s game-like elements that are featured such as points, rewards, and leaderboards. As such, they have been implemented across various non-gaming sectors including fitness and education. For the most part, iGaming is a form of entertainment that offers such gamification features because not only is it entertaining, but it also keeps people engaged. For example, who could be the leader at the end of a contest featuring their favorite digital card games such as blackjack or poker? How many points would one earn if they had a higher-ranked hand compared to other players? Contests can be so close, that it would be hard not to watch the leaderboard to see who can win.
Such features can also be found on streaming platforms – a place where iGaming and entertainment can come together. Aside from people playing games, there are plenty of enthusiasts that are watching from the “digital sidelines”. They can participate in the live chat and even discuss the outcome. Taking it a step further, iGaming platforms offer betting opportunities such as eSports events that are being streamed on Twitch.
Enthusiasts enjoy the best of both worlds – betting on live eSports and watching it on a different platform. Everything is unfolding in real time and engagement is high thanks to community discussions and even information that may lead someone to place a bet in the process.
Staying on topic with sports betting, Indians can watch their favorite cricket teams on CricHD and use a betting platform of their choice so they can place real-time bets based on what could happen next. Another great reason why live streaming entertainment and iGaming are awesome when they go together.
Mobile Gaming: Entertainment In Your Pocket
Imagine having an easily accessible way to get entertainment options in your pocket. In fact, smartphone technology makes that possible. You can play mobile gaming titles on apps or even iGaming platforms using your favorite web browser. Most of the iGaming platforms won’t have dedicated mobile apps but will have a responsive web design in order for their site to fit on whatever platform you are using – be it a smartphone or a tablet.
The biggest benefit of mobile gaming is being able to play your favorite games anytime and any place. However, the thing to remember is that smartphone technology like 5G and public wi-fi both play a role in making sure that mobile gaming on the go is possible.
Final Thoughts
It may be true that iGaming is doing its part to become a major entertainment force in the online media realm. After all, you have the opportunity to have fun while being entertained. Even if you aren’t the gaming type, watching the action unfold as a spectator is quite exciting. They don’t call it entertainment for nothing.
