With the rapid advances in technology and access to the internet, it has become common to play at online casinos. Many people use their mobile devices and casino apps to play games like slots. Smartwatch gaming seems to be the next logical step.
What type of smartwatch do you need?
Casino software developers are already developing betting apps for smartwatches. A player can use an Android smartwatch at an Android casino or an Apple smartwatch at an iOS casino. Microgaming is already working on a smartwatch that will run on every type of smartwatch.
The first smartwatch casino games
The origin of smartwatches dates back to the 1970s. However, being able to play casino games using smartwatches was only introduced much later. The concept was introduced in 2014 at the World Mobile Congress event.
Microgaming was the first company to produce smartwatch-compatible games. Its popular Thunderstruck slot game was introduced in 2015 at the Royal Vegas Android AIR casino. This was followed by Playtech’s The Dark Knight Rises game. Players could play these games for free but it would take some time before players could play them for real money.
Intuitive user interfaces (UI) and functional designs are non-negotiable when using any apps, including gambling apps. Today, players want to be able to play for real money and withdraw earnings, all from their right or left wrists. Even though they are designed for smaller screens, the apps must still provide engaging gameplay and a streamlined player experience.
Advantages of playing via smartwatches
Multitasking becomes easier when playing games on a smartwatch strapped to a wrist. You don’t have to worry about dropping it like when trying to multitask using a mobile phone.
A smartwatch has most of the capabilities of a mobile phone but in an even more compact form. You don’t have to pull out your mobile phone when you want to enjoy a few spins. When you’re on a quick break or waiting in a line, you can access slot games with a few taps on your wrist.
Smartwatch designs are very suited to the purpose. Designs are sharp and sleek and watches provide a non-compulsive way to gamble. Users will tend not to stare at a watch for hours as they do with a mobile phone or tablet.
Integration with your other devices means that you can start a slot game on your smartwatch and continue the game on your phone or laptop without losing progress. When you can sync across devices, it gives you a more consistent and uninterrupted gaming experience, no matter how you choose to play. You can also receive notifications about bonuses or promotions on your smartwatch, even when you’re not actively playing.
Challenges of playing via smartwatches
Players could struggle with playing via smartwatches due to the small screen size. It’s a challenge to adapt the gameplay experience to the small screen without losing functionality or entertainment value.
Smartwatches come with different screen shapes. There are square, round, and even thin, rectangular-shaped screens. This lack of standardization could delay the development of casino apps for smartwatches.
Increases in demand could result in solutions
If the demand for playing slots via smartwatches increases, developers are likely to find solutions to the challenges. For example, developers are simplifying interfaces and controls to ensure games are easy to play. The games usually have streamlined designs with fewer but more prominent buttons and simpler game mechanics.
The new Apple Watch launch in September featured a thinner watch than ever with the biggest and most advanced display. The larger display of the Apple Watch Series 10 offers more active screen area than previous versions. This helps to provide better readability and usability. The refresh rate is also faster when the Apple Watch is in always-on mode. These factors make it easier to play slots on these watches.
Future potential
As smartwatches become more powerful, the scope for more complex games increases. Developers are likely to start incorporating features such as voice commands and augmented reality elements. Smartwatch gaming may offer even more convenience and immersion when playing slot games in the future.
