Slot Spike 2021
Like many other sectors, the online gambling industry also took a major financial hit in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to many professional sports events coming to a halt, the online sports betting industry got hit the most.
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The biggest summer sports extravaganzas like the Olympics, Euro 2020, etc., were postponed, leaving punters with almost nothing to wager money on, causing a huge drop in the sportsbooks’ revenues worldwide.
However, the impact wasn’t the same across all online gambling verticals. In fact, the lack of entertainment options and increased amount of time spent at home caused a significant spike in business across these other verticals, especially during the time when there were strict social distancing protocols in place.
Onlinepokerwas one sector of the iGaming industry that benefited immensely from these unexpected developments.
Increased player activity
A majority of online gambling operators that offered both onlinepoker and sportsbook services focused their energies on onlinepoker as there were limited betting options available.
This proved to be a highly effective and sustainable strategy for them. It is pretty clear that onlinepoker received a big push during the pandemic, bringing a multitude of new players as well as old ones back to onlinepoker platforms.
These websites saw people making considerable deposits into their onlinepoker accounts, looking to test their metal on the virtual felt.
Going by the statistics revealed by well-known payment facilitators, they witnessed a sharp increase in the onlinepoker payments with the lockdown sanctions getting scaled up.
Some of them reported 7-day averages of consumers who made onlinepoker deposits increasing by as much as 50% during March 2020, which remained the same throughout the end of May.
Even though the numbers decreased starting in June 2020, which can be attributed to decreased gambling activity during the summer months in general, the figures were far better compared to what they were in the pre-lockdown time.
However, many sports events have resumed regular action during autumn (after being heavily impacted by the coronavirus and the resulting lockdown). Numerous casinos based in North America and Europe are gradually reopening as well.
So, one thing everybody has been wondering with various physical poker events coming back is if the resurgence we’ve seen in onlinepoker will continue its course?
The long-term perspective
If looked at closely, onlinepoker’s future is very much tied up with how the fight against Covid-19 pans out going forward. A lot will also depend upon people’s attitude with regards to when they would like to come back to the times before the lockdown.
If people continue to be apprehensive about socializing because of Covid-19, this might have a long-term positive impact on various digital entertainment options, including onlinepoker.
In that case, reputed poker websites like Global Poker (detailed Global Poker review here) and others will continue growing in the times to come.
Even though land-based casinos have reopened and resumed operations with various social distancing protocols, it would be up to the poker players to decide if they will still feel comfortable sitting at a table with strangers, exchanging chips and cards with each other.
Going by the research data of payment facilitators, consumers have been very reluctant to use cash during the pandemic times. In fact, a good percentage of them expressed apprehension about using cash even moving forward.
These people would be reducing their overall cash use in the future owing to health concerns. And even though casinos can easily provide these players with alternatives, helping them go completely cashless, it won’t be possible for them to do away with cards and chips.
In fact, comprehensively converting the physical experience into a digital format will likely prove a rather difficult task.
Slot Spike 2021 Game
On the other hand, despite the fact this consumer shift from the physical to digital format is mainly because of the lockdown and Covid-19, it has only accelerated the already existing trend driven by evolving technologies.
The continuing roll-out of augmented reality, virtual reality, 5G, and other technologies will allow online operators to provide a significantly improved poker experience to the online players.
Apart from health concerns, all these steps will also contribute to the growth of onlinepoker in the future.
Regardless of whether there is a global or regional worsening of the pandemic or the entire world returns to a complete lockdown again, onlinepoker operators are expected to stay focused on capitalizing on the push received from the pandemic.
It is very clear how onlinepoker has managed to attract a great multitude of new players in 2020. The continued focus on building upon and sustaining that momentum will further boost the growth as the number of onlinepoker handsplayed increases every day.
Mobile gaming as another important factor
The technological advancements over the past decade have completely transformed how poker is being played today in different parts of the world.
Earlier, people used PCs and consoles to enjoy gaming. Today, cheap and easy access to mobile devices has completely revolutionized the online gambling industry.
A large percentage of poker players has shifted from conventional platforms to mobile ones.
In addition, the robust configuration, affordability, and portability of smartphones have contributed significantly to the constantly growing base of onlinepoker players.
Push by the millennials
Another significant factor that is expected to contribute to onlinepoker‘s growth even after the lockdown is the millennial population of the world.
A large majority of the global population is under 45 years of age, and this demographic is the biggest contributor to the onlinepoker industry.
Millennials are particularly passionate about playing poker on their mobile devices, which serves as an excellent opportunity for the operators to go all out to capture their interest and attract them using all kinds of marketing strategies.
On the whole, with the onlinepoker industry constantly racking its brains and doing everything possible to introduce novel concepts for the players, it will likely continue its upward trend even after the lockdown.
Many of these operators are introducing interesting interactive formats and features to improve user engagement, making poker as exciting as in the off-line format (if not more).
All these efforts and initiatives will help keep the industry moving forward, catering to experienced players and those with small bankrolls just starting their poker adventure alike.
Big Time Gaming’s Megaways invention continue to completely change the landscape of online slots. When Bonanza Megaways was first released in 2016, it sent shockwaves across the online gambling world. Bonanza Megaways utilised the Megaways mechanic which meant that the slot offered up to 117,000 paylines – a previously unheard of number.
Since 2016, there has been well over 70 slots which have had the Megaways mechanic added to them. In fact, Big Time Gaming has allowed other slots developers such as NetEnt, Red Tiger Gaming and Microgaming the privilege to install the Megaways engine on their own slots. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways was one of the biggest online slots launches in history and was developed by NetEnt and Red Tiger with the permission of Big Time Gaming to use their Megaways engine.
By the end of 2020, Microgaming announced that they had acquired the license from Big Time Gaming to create their own unique Megaways slot titles. By January 2021, Microgaming launched their first Megaways slot, Shamrock Holmes to moderate success.
We expect that 2021 will witness the launch of lots more Megaways enhanced slots. We have made a short top 5 list of the most anticipated new Megaways slots set for release in 2021.
The Ruby Megaways Slot
With a release date set for 31st January 2021, Ruby Megaways is first on our list of the most anticipated upcoming Megaways slots. Ruby Megaways will be the first 2021 slot release of several from the slot developers iSoftBet. This Megaways title offers cascading reels, mystery symbols and free spins with unlimited multipliers. With a maximum win available of 35,000x your wager, some lucky slots players will be in for some huge wins.
This slot is not much of an innovation, however. iSoftBet have looked to bring the Megaways engine to a slot with a very retro feeling to it. The Megaways version looks much the same as the original The Ruby slot except players will see a larger playing area. This slot is simple but extremely charming. With so many great features though, we are looking forward to this release in 2021.
Bar-X Triple Play Megaways Slot
One of the first ever Megaways slots to be released by game provider Storm Gaming, Bar-X Triple Play Megaways is set for release in February 2021. This Megaways slot is hotly anticipated due to its 76,000x Super Pay bonus feature which can be triggered randomly on any spin! This game will also feature a free spins round as well as an exclusive bonus called the Bar-X mini-slot Pick Me bonus. This bonus allows players to keep spinning and winning mid-game.
After a period of quite repetitive and samey Megaways slot releases, we are certainly looking forward to a Megaways slot which looks to move the franchise forward in a positive direction.
Moriarty Megaways Slot
Another highly anticipated Megaways title set for release in February is Moriarty Megaways. Featuring trigger cascading reels, multipliers, random modifiers, free spins and a top prize of 10,000x, this iSoftBet release will be available to pay at many slot sites in the UK.
Moriarty Megaways is a take on a classic detective story. Featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, this slot showcases the scoundrel Professor Mortiary as you’ve never seen him before. Drawing inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle’ stories, we expect this Megaways title to be a hit and extremely popular upon release. This slot will allow players to experience the outlook from the perspective of the anti-hero – Professor Mortiary.
Players will be able to place bets from as little £0.02 per spin up to £20. The Megaways grid allows for 117,649 ways to win too. Two bonus rounds have been revealed so far which are Sherlock’s Max Megaways and Watson’s Mystery Symbols.
Thai Flower Megaways Slot
The fairly popular but somewhat dated Thai Flower slot is set to get the Megaways treatment in 2021. Thai Flower Megaways will be released by BluePrint Gaming and will come with 15,625 paylines. Fortunately, the graphics are set to be given an update and will immerse you in the beauty of Thailand.
With a maximum win potential of 20,000x your wager, there is lots of money up for grabs in this Megaways release. Thai Flower Megaways will be high variance and have an RTP of 96.21%. With a minimum bet of just £0.10, Thai Flower Megaways will be a great game for players on a lower bankroll who still want to be in with a shot of winning a lot of cash.
Fluffy Favourites Megaways Slot
Slot provider Eyecon (owned by Playtech) are gearing up for a huge release with Fluffy Favourites Megaways. Set for release in March 2021, this slot promises fans of Fluffy Favourite slots a great time. The Megaways engine will allow for 117,649 paylines. Currently, there has not been much information released in regard to Fluffy Favourites Megaways. We expect to hear more news surrounding this title in February.
What Else Will 2021 Bring?
The UK online gambling market is expected to see continued growth in 2021. Despite the pandemic which continues to threaten to bring to a halt professional sport and thus sports betting, the online casino and slots market remains strong. 2020 witnessed a spike in online searches for the term online casino among the UK population.
Megaways slots are now clearly the most in-demand video slots on the market. This is one reason why slots developers are so keen to release their own titles. With that being said, the UK government are set to make changes to the UK Gambling Act from the end of March 2021. It is not known exactly what changes will be made, but many in the industry are expecting greater restrictions on casino games including betting limits.
Regardless, there will be many more Megaways slots released in 2021. The five we have listed above will be just the tip of the iceberg.
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