The connected watch industry is on the rise, with a growth of more than 7% expected in the 2023-2027 period. As advancements in technology make smartwatches more accessible, affordable, and efficient, their use has precipitated some seismic changes in the online casino industry – but which smartwatch casinos are already out there to enjoy, and what can gamers expect in the future?
Smartwatch Industry Booming
Smartwatches are everywhere these days, and their use has already transformed the way we check emails, communicate with friends, organize our schedules, and keep up to date with the world around us. Although the growing prevalence of connected watch technology has undoubtedly made our everyday lives easier, the beneficial potential of smartwatches goes far beyond the extra comfort and convenience they provide. Their use is linked with a variety of health benefits for consumers, not limited to early disease detection and preventative care and the monitoring of cardiovascular health, quality of sleep and diet. As well as having a positive impact on health, commerce, and well-being, smartwatches also show plenty of potential when it comes to online casino gaming. Let’s see why.
What are Smartwatch Online Casinos?
Smartwatch casinos are online gaming platforms that provide access to content optimized for play on connected watch devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch. Due to their connectivity, mobility, and ability to accurately record and generate diverse statistics, smartwatches hold boundless potential in the gaming market. It’s no surprise that many software and gaming developers are currently working on releasing comprehensive smartwatch-optimized casino platforms, although we’re yet to see a dedicated smartwatch online casino site launched in the UK. Microgaming is the first provider to deliver the casino experience for smartwatch gamers and took the first step towards this innovative gaming tech. Luckily, the list of Microgaming online casino sites that provide access to quality games playable via desktop, mobile, tablet, or smartwatch is huge, and we will now examine the possibilities.
Best Microgaming Casinos for Seamless Smartwatch Gaming Experience
First launched in 1994, Microgaming is an established casino software and gaming giant. Having produced a wealth of widely accessible online casino classics, including Mega Moolah, Jurassic World, Immortal Romance, Gladiator, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and Lucky Leprechaun, this provider is a fan favorite. Microgaming is the only software and gaming provider to have developed smartwatch-optimized casino games. The good news is Microgaming is currently licensed to operate across 20 jurisdictions, including Spain, Sweden, and the UK, so you should be able to find game content at an online platform near you. A carefully curated selection of the best Microgaming online casinos, as indicated by Top10Casinos features reputable sites including Mr. Play, Bet365, Vegas Lounge, Betition, and Magic Red Casino. Other popular platforms hosting top Microgaming game content include Jackpot City, CaptainSpins, and Casino Cruise.
The Best Microgaming Games Optimized for Smartwatch
As an industry-leading software and gaming developer, Microgaming is no stranger to making the most of new tech. The team produced the first true online casino software in 1994, later launching pioneering mobile casino software in 2004. Microgaming was even behind the first-ever online slot machine game optimized for smartwatch play in 2014 and a disruptive new poker API, Babelfish. Although smartwatch casino game stock is still limited, the quality of the Microgaming titles out there more than makes up for the lack of quantity. Here are some popular smartwatch-optimized Microgaming games available to enjoy online now:
1.Thunderstruck
As a seminal Microgaming title and perhaps the best-known of the smartwatch-optimized games on the market, Thunderstruck is a casino classic. This 5-reel, 9-payline slot follows a Viking theme, and the smartwatch-optimized version will have you going berserk! High-paying game symbols to look out for as you play include Vikinghorns, lightning bolts, and valuable Thor Wilds.
2. Dark Knight Rises
This wildly popular and atmospheric superhero-themed slot takes its cue from the 2012 Batman vehicle, but you don’t have to be a caped crusader to get in on the action. The 6-reel slot boasts 3 bonus features, respins, free spins, and random progressive jackpot wins, which means you could win big on your watch! This is one of the most popular choices spotted by the best Microgaming online casinos, and sometimes you can even enjoy this slot on a special promo with additional rewards and perks!
The Pros and Cons of Playing Casino Games on a Smartwatch
The pros of using a smartwatch to play your favorite games are numerous. For starters, smartwatches are renowned for their proficiency for measuring and providing accurate statistics, whether they be related to your physical movement, sleep cycles, pulse or heartbeat. As such, connected watch devices can provide up-to-the-minute gaming insight, betting odds, instant updates, and notifications related to your balance, winnings, wagers, and withdrawals as you play. Unlike smartphones, connected watch devices are also non-intrusive and less prone to damage due to dropping from a height. Because smartwatches are highly mobile and attached to your wrist, it’s easier to get into the action and access top game content whenever and wherever suits you best. You can also multitask when playing and access exclusive casino bonuses and promotions if you decide to use a connected watch device.
The main negatives of using smartwatches to play online games lie in the inherent limitations of their screen space. Because many modern casino games rely on touch-screen interfaces and often complex graphic design, they can be difficult to translate to a small smartwatch screen. While some casino classics like roulette, craps, or poker may not yet be practical to play via a connected watch, developers like Microgaming have got around the problem by developing simplified, smartwatch-optimized slot machine games. Smartwatch gamers have a much smaller game selection to choose from (with many web games not running without a download), which could put off some casino lovers. The small screen can also make inputting data and details tricky, making it more difficult to make payments and withdrawals than when using a laptop or mobile.
The Future of Online Smartwatch Casinos
Smartwatches and other connected watch devices have already been proven as effective fitness trackers for kids and shown to be beneficial in the promotion of good overall health. Although the smartwatch casino market is still in its early stages of development, there’s no denying that these devices hold transformative potential when it comes to online gaming. Despite the current limitations faced by casino operators looking to branch out into the smartwatch market, technological advancements will likely open up the industry in the coming years. Then, gamers will have a wider selection of smartwatch-optimized titles to choose from and could even be able to enjoy top content at comprehensive smartwatch casino platforms.
