One of the growing trends in the iGaming industry is gamification. Many industry-leading providers are releasing innovative and exciting content. These games are changing the gambling landscape gradually. However, how will this influence the New Zealand market? The government prohibits establishing online casino sites in NZ. However, it allows its residents to use offshore casinos. As such, Kiwi players can access the best casinos that implement gamification anytime.
Gamification in NZ Online Casinos
Gamification refers to the process of adding video game-like elements to non-gaming platforms. Casinos, though containing casino games, aren’t considered “video games”. As such, it’s called gamification when providers create titles that are more “game-like.” Below, the article looks at various ways casinos enhance their offerings using this method.
Mobile Payment Methods
People have become used to how mobile games work, the payment systems and gameplay. Casinos that offer mobile apps have started to create a more intuitive app by mimicking many aspects of these casino games. While Kiwi players will have all of the best NZ banking methods available, they’ll sometimes see options like Apple and Google Pay.
You don’t need to add your payment details to the casino’s system, as you can pay using the details already connected to Google Play or App Store. While this is available at some casinos, it’s still a growing trend and not as common as other gamification elements.
Pokies
Pokies are some of the games that show the most gamification elements. Many pokies feature missions, virtual goods, or other game elements. You might have seen some pokies with levels where you must collect a specific number of symbols for the bonus to trigger or a game meter to fill.
An example of pokies with excellent gamification elements is Yggdrasil’s Vikings Go Berzerk and the Rage Meters of the Vikings. Another option is Hacksaw Gaming’s Vending Machine pokie with its lightning bolt mechanic that lights up the reels. Bonus buy features are also part of game-like elements, which mirrors the pay-to-win mechanic in video games.
Narrative Storytelling
Storytelling allows casinos and pokies to engage with players more effectively. Some pokies, like NetEnt’s Blood Suckers 2, will tell the story of its characters in the paytable. Here, for example, you find out about Amilia, the fearless vampire searching for her family’s treasure.
Other casinos will also implement it on the site. They’ll call players space explorers, adventurers, knights, or whatever title fits the casino’s theme. An online casino in New Zealand can create better interaction by telling players a story.
VIP Programs
Loyalty systems are another significant element that you often find game-like elements. Many online casino operators implement an exciting VIP map. Players travel it as they level up their VIP tiers. Getting better benefits as you advance your rank is a fundamental element of video games and online casinos enthusiastically adopt it.
Some online casino sites use a coin-based system and offer Kiwi players a Coin Shop. At this shop, players can spend their virtual coins to buy free spins, bonuses, or cash rewards. Some operators also present specific missions players can complete to earn more coins. These missions range from logging in and playing specific games to completing many spins or winning some table game hands.
Promotions
Promotions like pokie tournaments trend among players. These events add an element of competitive gaming to the casino. Online leaderboards will show users where they rank among their fellow players. Many players enjoy these promotions while using the best slot strategies.
Other promotions will award players a spin of a lucky wheel, a concept often used in mobile games to award prizes. Lastly, like many online video games, casinos present time-limited promotions. These offers evoke a sense of urgency in players to participate in them.
Live Dealer Titles
Live casino games are one aspect of casinos that can boast various gamification elements. Some game shows use a virtual background to make it seem more fun, especially titles like Monopoly Live. This game has a virtual background of a carnival, with the hot air balloon the players and dealers are in rising higher as the game progresses.
Many live dealer titles will also sport side games to keep the gameplay interesting. The engaging hosts, real-time leaderboards and mission-based rewards make these titles similar to competitive games. It’s even similar since some features a chat function players can use, similar to a community server in games.
How Kiwi Players Can Benefit
You understand why casinos will gamify their sites and providers their pokies, making the games more fun and, thus, more addictive. But are there any benefits to players? Obviously, the reason the games are more addictive is because they feature more exciting gameplay. However, these systems generally also give players more possible rewards and some can even add accomplishments to your profile.
The Changing iGaming Market in New Zealand
New Zealand players can access any offshore casino with a licence, allowing NZ citizens to create an account. You can see the popularity of online casinos in the statistics that projected the number of users in NZ will reach 590.9k by 2028 as New Zealand witnesses a surge in online gambling. However, you should ensure you gamble responsibly and use a reliable and trustworthy casino.
