Importance of gamification in iGaming
Increased engagement
Gamification can increase player engagement. Points, badges, rankings, challenges, among other playful elements, create an interactive environment to motivate users to get more deeply involved. The experience becomes more attractive when they feel part of a game, which leads to a longer stay on the platforms.
Player retention
Attracting new players is important, but retaining those who have already used a platform can be even more so. Gamification is a strategy to encourage users to return and remain loyal. Points systems that can be exchanged for bonuses or physical prizes, for example, help to build customer loyalty on a website.
Community building
Through competitions and social events that promote interaction between players, gamification contributes to the formation of communities within iGaming platforms and increases the sense of belonging.
Improved user experience
Gamification also helps to make user interfaces more intuitive and user-friendly. Tutorials, missions and real-time feedback allow players to learn and make the most of the platform.
Skill development
In addition, gamification offers players the opportunity to develop skills. Strategy and logical reasoning games, for example, can improve users' cognitive abilities. Tournaments and competitions, in turn, can teach the importance of discipline, planning and decision-making under pressure.
Examples of gamification in iGaming:
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs are one of the main gamification elements used by sportsbooks and online casinos. Platforms can, for example, offer players points after each bet placed. These points can then be exchanged for bonuses, free spins or cash prizes. Systems like these not only motivate players to bet more, but also reward them for their loyalty.
Challenges and missions
Many platforms also offer daily challenges and missions to players. By completing them, users earn additional points or prizes. This strategy not only increases interaction, but also encourages players to explore different aspects of the platform.
Competitions and tournaments
Competitions not only attract players, but also create a healthy environment of competition, where users strive to improve their skills and climb the rankings. Examples include poker tournaments, in which players compete for prizes.
Real-time feedback
iGaming platforms often use real-time feedback as a gamification tool. An example of this is sending notifications to celebrate players’ achievements immediately after they reach new levels or complete a challenge. This form of validation is important to maintain engagement and encourage continued participation.
Personalization
Personalization can also be a form of gamification. By offering personalized game recommendations based on a user’s betting history, the iGaming platform not only improves the user experience but also increases the chances of player conversion, as the player will feel more connected to the platform.
Challenges
As we have seen above, gamification offers several benefits for both players and bookmakers. However, we cannot ignore the challenges related to this strategy.
One of the main risks of gamification is the potential development of problem gambling. The competitive and engaging nature of games can lead some players to bet more than they should. It is therefore essential that all iGaming platforms, but particularly those that offer gamification elements, take steps to identify and help at-risk players.
This may include betting limits, notifications about excessive gambling behavior and access to psychological support. Being transparent about the risks associated with gambling is essential to fostering a healthy environment.
Furthermore, regulations related to iGaming differ from country to country and are constantly changing in some territories. Therefore, platforms need to ensure that their gamification practices comply with local and international laws.
Gamification trends
As technologies evolve, new opportunities for gamification in iGaming are likely to emerge. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), for example, promise to revolutionize the way players interact with platforms in the near future.
Artificial intelligence (AI), in turn, could be used to further personalize the player experience, offering game recommendations based on individual behaviors and preferences. In addition, the integration of gamification into live broadcasts and game streaming should increase interactivity among players.
Gamification at inplaySoft
inplaySoft is a software provider for iGaming platforms focused on player engagement and retention. For this reason, the company offers a complete gamification package. Among other elements, inplaySoft provides tournaments, rankings and tables, so that its customers have access to a complete gamification arsenal.
Gamification is also a solution offered by the company to keep its Brazilian customers engaged and loyal. In Brazil, which changed its legislation regarding iGaming in 2023, bonuses are prohibited, which poses a challenge for platforms operating in the country.
However, with inplaySoft gamification package, it is possible to engage players in Brazil, which, as the seventh most populous country in the world, is a golden opportunity for the iGaming industry.
Source: inplaySoft
