A few decades ago, the thought of mobile gaming, let alone smartwatch gaming was just something that was beyond imagination. But thanks to the rapid evolution of technology and accessibility of the internet, mobile casino games are now a norm, and we have even made the swift transition to smartwatch gaming.
More casino software developing studios such as Playtech and gambling operators like Ladbrokes and Unibet already have betting apps for smartwatches powered by the iOS operating system. Microgaming, who is also in the mix, is working on an application that will run on every type of smartwatch in the market. The next decade is surely going to be a pretty exciting one for mobile casino vulkanvegas.com gamblers. Let’s take a closer look at how smartwatch gambling started and where we are now so that we can have a rough idea of what we should expect in for the future.
First-Ever Smartwatch Casino Games
Like any other piece of mobile technology, smartwatch technology has made incredible strides since they first came to be. Although the details were not very clear on what a standard smart what should look like, some think Samsung’s SPH-WP10, launched in 1999, was the first model wearable device that could be considered the pioneer. On the other hand, some people say that the origin of smartwatches dates back to the 1970s.
All the same, online casino games being playable via smartwatches is a rather new concept first introduced in early 2014 at the World Mobile Congress event. This congress, which is held annually, is recognized for providing a platform for key developments that pave the way for the transformation of the gaming industry.
As you might have guessed, the gaming giant Microgaming, hailed as the father of online casino gaming, became the first software company to roll out smartwatch-compatible games. Microgaming’s Thunderstruck game, which is very popular amongst slots enthusiasts, was introduced at the Royal Vegas Android AIR casino back in June 2015. This was quickly followed by Dark Knight Rises, which led to attention being drawn towards slot machines being playable via smartwatches- though it would still take some time before the games could be played for real money.
Advantages of Playing Via Smartwatches
Other than looking cool and techy, some of the advantages of playing casino games on a smartwatch include:
- Multitasking Made Simple
Seeing as the watch is belted on your wrist, you won’t have to worry about dropping it. The case is different with a smartphone as you can easily drop it down while trying to make coffee as you enjoy your favorite slot machine game all at once.
- Mobile to the Maximum
When it comes to mobility, nothing can beat a fully-working smartwatch, not even a smartphone. With the smartwatch having practically all the abilities of a standard smartphone, you can do pretty much everything on the go, including playing online roulette as you wait for your flight at the airport for instance.
- It’s Definitely Amusing
Just knowing that you can enjoy wagering on your favorite mobile casino games from your wrist is enough motivation to do so. Moreover, smartwatches come with a design that is suitable for their purpose. They look slick, sharp, and generally feel like a non-compulsive way to gamble given that a watch isn’t something that anyone can stare at for hours on end, as is the case with smartphones and tablets.
Are We There Yet?
Obviously, given that smartwatch gambling is still considered to be in their early stages, there are certain things that players could struggle with smartwatch betting. For example, the small screen size could take some time to become accustomed to. Besides, it could be a problem when it comes to getting realistic means to make some types of wagers at an online blackjack or roulette table.
Additionally, unlike smartphones, which already have a sort of standard form factor that manufacturers generally follow, smartwatches are designed differently. For instance, some smartwatches feature a round shape, while others a squarish version, with some even coming with thinner rectangular screens. This could delay the development of mobile casino apps for smartwatches. Nonetheless, in case the demand for betting via smartwatches intensifies, developers will always find a solution.
The apps are not only simple but intuitive and will let you play for free, play for real money, and withdraw your earnings, all on your right or left wrist. You can download the apps from Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or directly access them via a top online casino.
Designing betting apps, particularly meant for smartwatches, remains a solid commercial move. By 2017, over 50% of bettors had already switched to gambling via mobile devices, and there’s no doubt smartwatch gaming apps might be the next big thing if things are done right.