Gaming represents an incredible global marketplace and one that peaked at a value of $347 billion in 2022. Of course, it’s also a highly diverse market, with several different verticals and gaming iterations available to players.
One fascinating element of gaming is the rise of streaming, through sites such as Twitch and YouTube. Some of the most successful streamers and content creators on these platforms have made their name by playing various games, while occasionally offering tips and strategy advice to players.
Interestingly, live streaming has also broken into the iGaming and online casino markets. In this article, we’ll explore the wider impact of streaming on virtual gambling and gaming while asking how it can help improve your own experience online.
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In simple terms, game streaming involves individual players and gamers broadcasting their gameplay through one or more dedicated channels (such as Twitch). This will be viewed by a highly engaged live audience, who are able to access the content via an HD webcam and the relevant audio equipment.
As streaming has moved into iGaming, the practice has also evolved markedly while introducing slightly different applications. For example, dedicated, real-time casino platforms have leveraged the latest technology to introduce live dealers and croupiers, who interact directly with players and negate the need for computer-generated alternatives.
This has added an incredible layer of authenticity to the typical online casino experience while bridging more of the gap between virtual and corporeal gambling. Live dealers are also able to successfully replicate the pace of blackjack and roulette iterations, creating a viable alternative for older players who may be used to frequenting brick-and-mortar casinos.
Then there are so-called “sweepstake coin casinos”, which are creating a buzz in the US. A sweeps coin casino is a unique meld of land-based and crypto gambling platforms, while they combine real money and crypto rewards while also allowing for the use of interactive dealers and advanced streaming technology.
These casinos operate differently from traditional online operators, which accept real-money wagers directly. They also provide something new and fresh in the marketplace while allowing for the application of contemporary technologies such as cryptocurrency and blockchain.
The benefits of streaming vary between the gaming and online gambling verticals. In the case of gaming, streaming has created brand new career opportunities in the marketplace while also helping to engage players and provide instructive guides or strategies for specific titles.
As we’ve touched on, live streaming has enabled casino brands to leverage interactive real-time dealers, who contribute to a more immersive iGaming experience overall. Of course, it has also empowered the rise of the lucrative and fast-growing live casino vertical.
Interestingly, we’ve also seen the rise of casino and slot streamers in recent years. These individuals operate in the same way as traditional game streamers, as they broadcast themselves playing specific games or at particular casinos in real time.
This also has the potential to capture an incredibly engaged and motivated audience. People will also watch the content for different reasons, although it’s primarily a fun and unusual source of entertainment that stands out from many other options even in the online space.
Of course, you may also watch casino or gambling streamers to pick up tips and potentially beneficial strategies. It may even provide you with an opportunity to test specific games and see whether or not they’re right for you and your bankroll!
The question that remains, of course, is whether becoming a casino streamer could be a viable option for you. Sure, this is a highly competitive space that’s increasingly difficult to monetize, but it can also be lucrative if you’re able to build an engaged community and target audience.
The first key is to choose the right platform for streaming. Your primary options are Twitch (which is a dedicated game streaming space), YouTube, and Facebook, but some niche alternatives also exist for both rank novices and those of you with a background in technology.
To choose the right platform for you, your first consideration should be your underlying streaming goal. This is significant, platforms like Twitch should arguably be prioritized if you intend to generate revenue from your streaming and wider channel.
You should also choose a site based on your preferred gaming platform. For example, you may wager through a PC, laptop, or dedicated gaming console (like a PS4 or Xbox), depending on your unique setup and preferences. Once you’ve decided how you’re going to stream, you can target platforms with specific audiences and demographics.
If you’re starting out, Twitch is an excellent place to start, thanks to the size and engaged nature of its community. However, sites like Kick.com have a more dedicated focus and may enable you to broadcast to a more relevant audience. The site was founded in 2022, and it’s backed by Stake.com (a crypto-gambling platform).