I think over the last few years we are seeing more and more players flock to independent online casinos rather than sites that aren’t made by the big betting organisations or related to them in any way. 

Now usually, we would see the biggest slot sites being headed by these big companies and these get all the plater attention but now as players are branching out more, new casinos are popping up every day which means players have more choices than ever before.

This is partly one of the reasons but it goes deeper than that and on this page, we will try to run through all of the biggest reasons as to why these independent casinos are doing so well. 

Availability 

Before the current time we were in, independent casinos were a lot more difficult to access, they were hidden and the biggest casinos were getting all of the attention. As demand grew, new casinos were being made and sites like Hideous Slots were there to help players find independent sites with slots to play; not only does it make it easier but it also shows that these sites are trusted by a big affiliate, and can calm any of players nerves when it comes to safety. 

Unique Game Options 

One of the best things about these independent casinos is that they have a range of games that the biggest sites don’t offer. Although big sites will offer a huge range of games and some exclusive games that you can’t get anywhere else, these independent sites offer games that you won’t get anywhere else and will usually be better than the more popular games (in our opinion). 

If you are looking for unique slot experiences and games then these sites are perfect for you as they offer rare slots, innovative softwares and niche games which you won’t find anywhere else.

The Privacy

Surprisingly these smaller and independent sites offer more anonymity than the bigger and more popular sites. The reason for this is that the bigger sites need to comply with UKGC laws and regulations which means there are more verification steps and they need more information from you. This information is used by these sites to comply with the anti-money laundering systems that are essential to online casinos and other gambling sites. 

The Payment Methods 

When you think of the biggest casinos and gambling sites certain deposit methods will always be available for players, however, and that is for a specific reason. When casinos register and comply with the UKGC’s regulations, they need to fit in with safe and trusted payment methods too which narrows down the methods they can use to a smaller range.

Now, if you use an independent casino you will see they offer the usual and more popular methods, like e-wallets and debit cards, as well as more niche methods with the biggest being crypto methods, like Bitcoin. 

As well as the safer and the niche options, they also come with quicker methods that can give you your money even quicker than the traditional casinos can.

Crypto

This is the perfect link between privacy and payment methods as privacy/anonymity is a major aspect of crypto deposits. They keep your information private and the deposit didn’t come from your bank which means that your information will be private and your info will be safe. 

Do We Recommend Independent Casinos?

Well,  overall we think the decision is down to you. Some risks come with using independent casinos but if you see sites, like Hideous Slots that we mentioned before, that can offer a layer of safety to these sites then we recommend giving them a try and who knows, you might find your new favourite casino!

Ireland has been climbing the global tech scene leadership ranks for a long time. Although several international technology titans are based in Dublin, another Irish city has been attracting serious attention regarding tech: Galway. Galway is a beautiful, vibrant West Coast town full of rich history and culture. Still, it is also making ground as an up-and-coming tech centre.

Thriving Startup & Tech Giant Ecosystem

Galway has emerged as a tech hub for various reasons. The National University of Ireland, Galway, and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology produce a well-educated workforce. These colleges not only churn talent but also do cutting-edge research and initiate innovation in the industry. Furthermore, the public and exclusive sectors have invested greatly in Galway to create an appropriate startup ecosystem. PorterShed and Galway Technology Centre offer essential resources to young businesses in need of a scale-up.

International Technology Firms in Galway

Galway has piqued the interest of global tech firms. It hosts the European headquarters of multinational corporations such as Medtronic, Cisco, and SAP. They are drawn to Galway thanks to the lower cost of living (compared to Dublin), the vibrant community and quality of life that help keep the best and brightest folks in town. 

A Centre of Innovation and Collaboration

To achieve its success, Galway has relied heavily on successful collaboration between academia, industry and government. There are many initiatives where close collaboration with industry partners is evident to drive innovation in big data and machine learning, for example through the Insight Centre for Data Analytics at NUIG.

This collaborative culture has been embraced within the city’s tech community, with annual events such as the Galway Technology Festival and Startup Weekend. These activities allow entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to exchange ideas while finding new opportunities for growth.

The Emerging Online Casino Industry Galway

Galway also has a tech scene that includes – perhaps surprisingly – the online casino industry. With digital entertainment, e-commerce, and other platforms also thriving, the need for solutions in the online gaming place also expanded. Galway has tech talents who are enhancing this domain by working on secure payment systems, improving user experience and compliance.

The online casino industry is merely one of several and varied sectors of technology that have made themselves at home in Galway throughout the years and generations, thus further showcasing how well adapted this city is to excel at various branches of technology. This also signals an opportunity for more niches that require people with technical know-how and creative design skills.

Building a Sustainable Tech Ecosystem

Galway is planning for sustainable growth in the near future. The city is eager not to spread its tech wings at the expense of the liveability that has contributed towards making it an attractive place. This includes all activities that support remote working practices as well as those activities that drive a greener economy, which are congruent with Ireland’s environmental objectives.

Overall, there is no denying Galway has a huge part to play in Irelands booming tech scene. The city is displaying an appealing mix of cultural roots, ambitious innovation and varied potential that is becoming increasingly attractive to tech firms and workers alike. 

The iGaming industry is one that has a profound ability. It can continue to develop and grow, as it relies heavily on technological advances.

While the industry is pretty competitive given the number of online casinos and sportsbooks that are available, there is still plenty of scope whereby progress can be made to improve it.

The next six years (2024-30) can be an extremely exciting time for the sector. In 2023, figures had shown that it managed to grow at a rate of 9.3% (CAGR). While it is likely to slow down, projections do have it continuing to grow at a CAGR of 6.47% over the next five years (to 2029).

What could the iGaming industry look like in the next six years?

Given the industry’s reliance on various technologies, it’s rather easy to make certain predictions about what we could see take place. On the flip side, there are some aspects that are a little more unpredictable, as tech has no boundaries and what’s not possible today could be possible in a few years.

Virtual Reality

One of the easiest predictions to make at the moment is the introduction of virtual reality. It’s something that has been spoken about for years, and the technology has a place within the iGaming industry.

Players have continually demanded that they receive the best experiences. This often means being immersed in the games that are being played, being a part of the action. This is something we’ve seen in the form of live dealer games in recent memory, but with the promise of VR, perhaps we’ll see it be implemented to give players a truly authentic and lifelike session each time they play.

Improved Gameplay

Aside from the implementation of VR, we should be able to see improved gameplay aspects. We might already be able to get immersive experiences when playing slots through the visuals and features that are incorporated in them, but what about the improvement of new mechanics or gaming methods?

Games that can incorporate new technologies can quickly become player favorites. If a developer can create new ways in which they can be played, there is every chance that the industry could benefit as a whole. We know that the Megaways mechanic was revolutionary for slots, as was the implementation of jackpots. Perhaps we’ll see a new form of tech in the next six years that take these titles to new heights.

New Payment Methods

Convenience has always been highly desired, especially in the form of payment methods. Gamers want to make quick deposits and withdrawals, using methods that suit their needs and preferences. Online casinos have typically been very good at doing this, but we could see more improvements between 2024 and 2030.

Cryptocurrency is one alternative we could see more often in the years to come. It’s already starting to creep into the industry, with sites offering it as a method because of the advantages that can be obtained. As Fintech continues to improve further, who knows what options might be available. Perhaps there will be some that make the transaction speeds even quicker than they already are today.

Improved Security Features

Security is of high importance. When playing at an online casino, players will typically have to provide sensitive information about themselves. They may have to fill out forms and show evidence of their identities due to KYC policies. At the same time, they’ll often input financial data that links to their accounts where all of their money is stored.

As cybercriminals become more adept and advanced at breaching virtual walls that are put in place, new technology should help the iGaming industry obtain better protections. It’s a must given the sensitivity of the data that is often required. The sector could see futuristic security deployed across the web in the years to come, with blockchain technology and other forms of encryption likely to get stronger.

Final Words

As technology knows no bounds, its influence is going to be felt across the iGaming industry between 2024 and 2030. If the sector is to grow at the projected rate that has been identified, it’s going to need to.

It can be a hugely exciting time for the sector, with some known developments and those that aren’t possible to think of at this moment. In truth, it’ll be pretty disappointing if we don’t see all (or most) of those outlined to have happened by 2030.