Previous｜Gold99
Decades ago, the idea of gaming on a mobile phone, let alone a smartwatch, was something beyond imagination. But thanks to the rapid development of technology and the ubiquity of the internet, mobile casino gaming is now the norm, and we have even transitioned rapidly to smartwatch gaming.
More casino software development studios such as Playtech and gambling operators such as Ladbrokes and Unibet already have betting apps for smartwatches powered by the iOS operating system. Microgaming is also involved and is developing an app that will work on all types of smartwatches on the market. The next decade is sure to be a very exciting one for mobile casino gamblers. Let’s take a closer look at how the smartwatch gamble started, and where we are now, so we can get a sense of what we can expect in the future.
First Smartwatch Casino Game｜Gold99
Like any other mobile technology, smartwatch technology has come a long way since its inception. While details on what a standard smart device should look like are still unclear, some believe that Samsung’s SPH-WP10 in 1999 was the first wearable device that could be considered a precursor. On the other hand, some say the origin of smartwatches can be traced back to the 70s.
Nonetheless, playing online casino games via a smartwatch is a fairly new concept, first presented at Mobile World Congress in early 2014. Held annually, the conference is recognized as providing a platform for key developments paving the way for the transformation of the gaming industry.
As you might have guessed, gaming giant Microgaming, known as the father of online casino gaming, became the first software company to launch a smartwatch-compatible game. Microgaming’s Thunderstruck game is very popular among slot enthusiasts and was launched at the Royal Vegas Android AIR Casino in June 2015. It was followed by The Dark Knight Rises, which led to attention being paid to slots playable from smartwatches – although it will be some time before the game can be played for real money.
Advantages of playing games via smartwatch｜Gold99
Aside from looking cool and technological, some of the advantages of playing casino games on a smartwatch include:
- Multitasking made easy: Since the watch stays on your wrist, you don’t have to worry about it falling. This case is different from your smartphone because you can easily put it down and enjoy your favorite slot game while trying to make coffee.
- Maximum mobility: When it comes to mobility, nothing beats a full-fledged smartwatch, not even a smartphone. This smartwatch has almost everything a standard smartphone can do, and you can do almost anything on the go, including playing online roulette while waiting for your flight at the airport.
- It’s definitely fun: just knowing you can enjoy wagering your favorite mobile casino games right on your wrist should be enough motivation to do so. Furthermore, smartwatches are designed for what they are used for. They look sleek, sharp, and often feel like an unobsessed gamble because watches aren’t like smartphones and tablets that anyone can stare at for hours on end.
Are we there yet?｜Gold99
Clearly, players may be confused about some aspects of smartwatch betting given that it is still considered in its early stages. For example, small screens may take some getting used to. Also, this can be a problem when it comes to placing certain types of bets at online blackjack or roulette tables.
Also, unlike smartphones, which already have some sort of standard form factor that manufacturers generally adhere to, smartwatches are designed differently. For example, some smartwatches have a circular design, while others have a square design, and some even have thinner rectangular screens. This could delay the development of mobile casino apps for smartwatches. Still, if the demand for betting via smartwatches increases, the developers will always find a solution.
These apps are not only simple but intuitive, allowing you to play games for free, play for real money and withdraw your earnings, all on your right or left wrist. You can download apps from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or access them directly through top online casinos.
Designing betting apps, especially for smartwatches, remains a solid business move. With more than 50% of gamblers already switching to mobile devices by 2017, there’s no doubt that if all goes well, smartwatch gaming apps could be the next big thing.
