With engaging panel discussions and speeches from gaming titans, the second day of SiGMA Asia 2024 in Manila became a whirlwind of excitement and learning. Moderated by Aravind Srinivasan, Co-Founder & CEO of Redim Group, “Spin and Win: Latest trends in online slots and live dealer betting” featured industry experts discussing the latest developments and innovations in the online gaming space.

The panellists, includes James Davies from Wicked Games, Daniel Long from Qtech Games, Andy Jongsun Jeon from WINN TECH INC., and Emiliano Sanchez Garita from Mancala Gaming. The talk highlighted the increasing importance of mobile technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of online slots and live dealer games.

Don’t miss out on this lively discussion which took place during SiGMA Asia 2024:

Mobile gaming has become the norm, and developers are focusing on creating immersive experiences that cater to the preferences of younger, mobile-first players. High-action, visually appealing content, combined with innovative mechanics, are keys to capturing the attention of this demographic.

According to the panellists, AI also plays an important role in the industry. While its application in game creation is still in its early stages, AI-powered tools are already being used for tasks such as game testing and player behaviour analysis. This technology can help operators personalise the gaming experience and detect potential fraud.

Innovations in live dealer games

The discussion also tackled how live dealer games have gained immense popularity lately. Live dealer games offer players a more authentic casino experience from the comfort of their homes. The panellists discussed the latest trends in this segment, including the integration of slot mechanics into live dealer games and the growing emphasis on trust and traditional gameplay.

Daniel Long emphasised Evolution, a leading game provider in the industry. According to him, the company is now exploring crossovers between slots and live dealer games, introducing bonus buy-in features into live dealer tables. This innovative approach aims to cater to players who are familiar with these mechanics in slot games.

“If you can deep fake the face, you can deep fake the cards. So where is the trust?”

– Daniel Long, CCO, Qtech Games

On the other hand, some providers are focusing on maintaining the traditional aspects of live dealer games, emphasising the importance of human interaction and trust. These providers aim to create a more authentic and reliable player experience by avoiding excessive use of AI and deep fake technology.

The role of influencers and streamers

James Davies, CCO and Operations Manager of Wicked Games, mentioned that the influence of streamers and influencers on the online gaming industry cannot be overstated. These individuals have the power to shape trends and introduce new games to a broader audience. Developers are increasingly focusing on creating easily streamable and shareable content, catering to this influential group’s preferences.

Davies has been featured in the latest issue of the SiGMA Magazine for East Europe. In the article, he talked about the new era Wicked Games entered after being acquired by Ikigai Venture, along with their recent relocation and expansion decisions.

As the discussion drew to a close, the panel agreed that online slots and live dealer betting have a promising future. Technological advancements and innovative gameplay are fueling industry growth. As mobile gaming becomes increasingly popular, developers must prioritise creating immersive and engaging experiences tailored to younger audiences. AI will also be instrumental in streamlining operations and delivering personalised gaming experiences.

“If you’re not fast, you’re last. Finding those automation tools? Especially with AI in game creation? It’s coming, it’s not there yet, but it’s coming and it needs to be adapted, or adopted rather so. “

– James Davies, CCO and Operations Manager at Wicked Games

The panellists believe that operators and providers can lead the industry and ensure its continued success by understanding these trends and embracing innovation.

SiGMA Asia 2025

SiGMA Asia has announced that the summit will be back in Manila on 1-4 June 2025 to showcase more interactive learning and unparallelled networking experiences.

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