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Evolution has become the de facto leader in live dealer games, and some industry experts believe that its position will strengthen in the coming years.
In a relatively short space of time, Evolution Gaming has become the number one brand in live casino software. In fact, with its recent acquisitions [3] of NetEnt and Big Time Gaming, it has become one of the biggest players in the virtual casino sector too.
Evolution has two main calling cards, quality and innovation. It’s not the only developer behind live casino games, but it has quickly become the brand everyone wants to play with at casino sites. Its live poker offerings, which you can view at https://www.mrgreen.com/ie/poker [4] include Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Side Bet City, Live Three Card Poker and Live Caribbean Stud. They are all considered quality titles, and they have become remarkably popular with players.
Immersive gaming might change online poker
And yet, it is Evolution’s innovation in other areas of live gaming that might solve an issue facing online casino operators for a long while now. Poker players do switch over to casinos to play all types of games, including variants like video poker. But desire for player versus player games and tournaments inevitably leads them back to specialist poker sites. Can the live platforms address this situation? T
he focus of Evolution’s live gaming – and, to be fair, that of its rivals – is to offer immersive experiences. In a sense, games are being readied for the next stage in online casino gaming – VR/AR. But even now, players are treated to the types of immersion that would not be thought possible even a decade ago.
Evolution is really pushing the idea of game show experiences through games like Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt, Mega Ball and Monopoly Live. The point of these games is not just to offer something different from card and table games, but to offer communal experiences. Groups of people play these titles, winning (and losing) together. These games also feel ready-made for VR.
Some believe online poker could be overhauled
So, what is our point here about poker? Effectively, what we are saying is online poker is little changed since the poker boom of the 2000s. Yes, you might look at your current poker site and see some improvements, including better graphics and connectivity. But the fundamentals have not changed.
But what if in future you were able to play live poker and look your opponent in the eye? What if you were able to pop on a VR headset [5] and take your seat at the table? Those are the experiences that are being touted by Evolution, and its rivals like Playtech and Microgaming. It’s not quite there yet, but it’s also not too far away.
For the moment, if you are a poker fan, it is worth checking out what Evolution has brought to the live casino. The poker experience is intriguing, and the developer seems to be creating new titles all the time. But it’s what it might bring in the future that should really pique your interest Already, it has launched Gonzo’s Quest Treasure Hunt – the world’s first live casino game with VR Mode. The company is at the beginning of something, not the end. And you might find that the next big poker boom comes from the live casino.