Are you one of those people who is devoted to playing casino games? If so, you know the rush of playing these games virtually from wherever you are convenient. Have you ever thought about what makes these online casinos irresistibly fun?
The late 90’s marked a turning point for online casinos, as they decided to stand out in a crowded market. That’s when the gamification came into play. Transforming the online casino industry forever. Operators founded a winning formula by injecting game mechanics into the casino experience. Leaderboards, badges, and rewards became the secret sauce, making online casinos ridiculously fun and addictive. Players could not get enough of these casinos afterward. They keep returning over and over again as a result of gamification. By doing so, they were spending more money on casinos.
What is online casino gamification?
To enhance the online casino experience, game-like elements and mechanisms are incorporated into the online casinos, and this is online casino gamification. The idea of online casino gamification came from video games where players are influenced by challenges, rewards, scores, etc., so in an online casino experience, leaderboards, tournaments, achievements, levels, races, jackpots, missions, and badges are brought to enhance the user experience.
Benefits of gamification in online casinos
- Gamification adds excitement and interaction to online casinos, keeping the players engaged for a longer time. It also gives the players a sense of progress and achievement from game rewards, loyalty programs, complete missions, and unlocking levels.
- Gamification makes you feel like it’s your own personalized experience with personalized avatars, missions, and profiles. You are making the gaming experience a unique reflection of you.
- This gamification experience gives you social interactions, as you are competing with friends and strangers alike, sharing your leaderboard or score with friends, and meeting new like-minded people.
- To make you a loyal user, the gamification experience includes rewards, bonuses, loyalty programs, and many other discounts and coupons.
Tools are used for gamification.
Gamification in online casinos is done with the help of many tools.
- Mission
- Tournaments
- Level
- Points
- Badges
- Jackpot
- Prize drops
- Store
- Activity and communication channels
Mission
Having a mission or setting a mission for a game is a gamification tool. The mission provided by the casinos might be as simple as logging in, making a deposit, placing a certain amount of bet, or trying out a new game.
Tournaments
Tournaments bring players together in a spirit of friendly competition, challenging them to reach a common goal and win prizes. By pitting against each other in a bid for the top leaderboard spots, tournaments create an atmosphere that motivates the players to keep on playing and get ahead in the game.
Level
Levels are a way to measure the progress in the gameplay. As the player reaches a milestone, his level is automatically updated, and they level up and unlock rewards.
Points
Points are an important tool in gamification, which helps track player progress and unlock new levels. They also serve as a virtual currency, allowing the players to buy items and perks in online stores. By accumulating points through the gameplay, the players can access exclusive rewards, bonuses, and content.
Badges
Badges are a way of showing off your achievements in online gaming. Players earn badges as a result of their achievements or reaching a specific level, allowing them to display their progress.
Jackpot
Jackpot offers the player the chance the chance to win life-changing prizes. With the regular jackpots and progressive jackpots that grow with each bet.
Prize drops
Prize drops are surprise prizes that could drop at any moment in between the gameplay. As a player suddenly and unexpectedly receives a prize, it makes the game more enjoyable and something to look forward to at all times.
Store
The store is a virtual marketplace where players can redeem their points for rewards and items. With a wide range of options to choose from, players can enhance their gameplay experience with boosts, bonuses, etc.
Activity and communication channels
Activity and communication channels provide the player with personalized updates and gameplay reviews, such as their achievements and progress.
Challenges faced by casinos in implementing gamification.
- Fairness and balance are top priorities for the casino, as players will only come back if they have fair gameplay. If somehow the player feels that the game is unfair, he or she might not come back again. To foster a loyal player base, the casinos ensure transparency and fairness on their platform.
- Casinos face a challenge in keeping players interested. If the players lose interest, they will leave. Casinos should offer a variety of players for every type of player. Even if they get bored, they should have multiple other options.
- Online casinos should find the right balance when adding the gamification feature. Too many features and complicated games can overwhelm the player, leading them to leave. A casino must find the right balance in which it is enjoyable but not too much to handle.
Conclusion
In summary, gamification boosts the online gaming experience. The online casino industry is evolving from time to time, and this gamification strategy is just a way to adapt to the changes and what the player demands to stay in the industry.