2025 promises to be a turning point for the iGaming industry, encompassing sports betting, online casino, lotteries, bingo, video poker, and other forms of online gambling. With the growth of technology, such as the introduction of AI, the interest in more immersive experiences grows as well among online players, and the idea of eliminating the gaps between land-based casinos and online platforms doesn’t seem so unrealistic.
Regulatory changes implemented by the majority of gambling authorities, including the UKGC, have led a lot of British players to turn to international and European platforms that set fewer restrictions in terms of stake limits, offer more generous bonuses, and even more modern tech solutions.
The EU Casinos That Accept UK Players are also starting to embrace new technologies, changing their views on the quality of the game experience. More and more online casinos use technologies like machine learning, blockchain transactions, and AI data analysis to deliver more advanced and personalized experiences, where all user expectations can be met.
Considering the amount of profit the online casino could generate, according to market predictions, the industry is estimated to reach numbers exceeding £200 billion globally – something that cannot go unnoticed by most regulators and states. New markets are opening, and more regions are trying to adjust to the new opportunities that online gambling is ready to offer in terms of increasing profit.
A well-regulated gaming industry, in conjunction with the rapid growth of technologies, can benefit players and national economies. Operators that are ready to invest in AI, VR, and AR can win in the long-term perspective. That way, they are creating more effective marketing campaigns and preventing user churn.
iGaming in 2025 is not only about games or technologies, but it’s about creating a seamless and secure experience in online gambling. How can VR and AR change the perception of playing or betting online?
| Type of activities | What does it give to players? |
| AR sports betting | You can sit at the table, you can watch everything that is happening around and on the table, and interact with dealers and players sitting next to you |
| VR table games | You can bet and watch the game without switching the screens, stats, and odds appear in real-time via augmented overlays |
| VR/AR TV Shows | Quiz shows, Wheel of Fortune, Stock Live, and more TV shows come to your home where you are becoming the first character, choosing your next move, or guessing the next question. |
What are the other potential positive impacts of this approach on the user experience? For sure, the latest technologies can be successfully adopted in terms of marketing perspectives, increasing safety levels for players, and creating more targeted strategies in terms of user encouragement. Big data analysis, machine learning, AI support, and immersive interactions can play a significant role in field developments. Let’s take a look at some trends predicted by iGaming professionals:
| Type of Technology | What is it about? | Perspectives |
| Big Data | Huge amounts of data can be processed and analyzed within seconds | More effective marketing campaigns, fraud prevention, and higher safety levels in financial transactions |
| AI | Personalized approach based on analysis of the previous actions of the players | Prediction of future tendencies of players’ behavior and user retention |
| Machine learning | Depiction of the main tendencies in user behavior, ability to customize content based on data analysis | Operators will be able to better understand the users’ needs and create an optimised gaming experience |
| AR/VR | Emerging imaginary and real worlds in one | Creating innovative game mechanics and tools for users that will allow full immersion in the game |
It all sounds quite promising for now, but why are VR casinos still not a common experience for the majority of online operators? Well, the main reasons for them to choose not to keep pace with technology development may be as follows:
- Poor or insufficient transparency in regulation, although more and more countries are starting to proceed with changing their attitude towards online gambling, most of the operators are not feeling confident enough that they will be able to survive in strict and suffocating conditions, such as license costs, taxes, mandatory stake limits, and statutory levies. Controversies and gaps in laws, sometimes a total absence of transparent “game rules,” lead operators to settle under offshore licenses, which are much more affordable and allow blockchain transactions.
- The high cost of HR helmets means that not every user can afford to buy a special helmet for this kind of experience at the casino; most of them cost thousands of pounds. You also need enough time and private space to play while wearing the device, unlike regular mobile gaming.
- Lack of providers, undoubtedly, there are enough software creators on the market who are ready to create new games for VR users, but the investments are not yet sufficient.
- More financial requirements for operators, not all operators are ready to recustomize their platforms for VR and AR technologies, taking into consideration the lack of gaming content and the expenses of these adjustments.
All these obstacles seem to be interconnected and cannot be overcome without a comprehensive approach involving regulators, site operators, and software providers. The prospects are vast and highly promising, but achieving meaningful results will require joint efforts and mutual understanding between parties.
