How Online Gaming is Becoming Gamified

Video games and gambling have always been two extremely distinct entertainment forms, though both revolve around playing games.

While video games are skill-based, online casino games are luck-based.

In the past, video games were an exclusive realm of geeks and kids, but now, they've become mainstream and have a massive part in the daily lives of Millennials and GenZers.

Online casinos have started taking advantage of this cultural shift and are taking a new approach to their games using gamification.

Top 3 Online Casinos

Targeting a New Demographic

While many Millennials and GenZers have never put money in a slot machine in their life, online or off, most have spent money on video games at some point.

And not just the purchase of the game itself, but rather spending currency on in-game purchases.

Many gamers buy various loot boxes that remind slot machines: they'll get a random in-game prize from a box or a chest.

This loot box system has been incredibly lucrative for companies, many of whom make more money through loot boxes than actual video game sales.

Is Gamification the Future of Online Gambling?

In an ironic twist, the gambling industry is now taking inspiration from the video game industry and has begun “gamifying” their online casinos.

Just like the video game industry copied elements from online casinos, casinos have now started copying some gaming elements.

As a result, many games offered by online casinos and gambling apps are much more interactive than simply pressing a button, and watching numbers or virtual dice roll.

These days players can battle enemies, earn “experience points,” and level up as they play.

Experience points can earn bonus rolls or even a direct cash payout.

The benefits for the casino are obvious: players are incentivized to play more, and ultimately, spend more.

This is essentially the same videogame industry's strategy with their loot box and micro-transaction business models.

Skill vs Luck

Though slot machines are vastly popular in New Zealand, many traditional games like poker or blackjack have become more popular too.

This has opened the door for skill-based gambling where players compete against one another in games that require fast wits and reflexes to win.

While all casino games are based on luck, these games involve actual skills too and give players more control over the outcome.

Many people would rather bet money on a game in which their skill directly relates to how much money they can win than on a game where luck is the biggest factor.

Online Gambling Reimagined

The future of online gambling is looking bright with millennials taking up more interest in gambling.

Gamification and video game elements are bringing new excitement to online casinos.

As we advance, the gamification business model will likely continue, keeping players playing, and keeping gamers gaming.