As an online casino player, you jump on the internet, locate the UK online casino operator with the best games and bonuses, and register for a little adult entertainment. While you do this, you are looking at what the online gambling software development refers to as the “front-end” of the online casino platform. Have you ever taken a moment to consider what goes into creating your favorite online casino platform?
The Creative Process
With the recent proliferation of online casino gambling in the UK over the last few years, the onslaught of new online casinos seems to be never-ending. In fact, dozens of new online casinos seem to be coming to the UK online gambling community every month.
Given the speed at which new casinos are popping up online, you might think it’s quite easy to develop a platform and bring it to life. In fact, it’s not so easy.
Remember, the goal of most UK online casino operators is to secure an operator’s license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). To do that, software developers and operators have to follow certain development protocols during the creative process.
The creative process encompasses four steps:
- Step 1: Conceptualize and brand the online casino
- Step 2: Use online casino software development tools to create the base platform while allowing for the integration of online casino games from dozens of game software developers
- Step 3: Test and submit the platform for random number generation and fairness certification
- Step 4: Launch the casino is applicable jurisdictions
As long as Steps 2 and 3 are adhered to based on UKGC regulations, respective online casinos operators will get their coveted UKGC licensing. Of course, the UKGC also requires the integration of the GamStop self-exclusion program.
What is the GamStop Self-Exclusion Program?
With the recent explosion of online gambling activity in the UK, the UKGC has become very concerned about recent increases in problem gambling issues. That concern led to the creation of the GamStop Self-exclusion Scheme or Program.
GamStop is a voluntary program that allows online gamblers to authorize licensed UK online gambling sites to block them from having access to said UK websites. The self-exclusion period is set by the gambler and enforced by operators until the self-exclusion period ends.
It’s not a full-proof problem gambling solution because it only involves licensed UK gambling operators. If motivated to do so, GamStop gamblers can still visit UK online casinos not blocked by GamStop and gamble without exposing their GamStop status.
The Tools of the Trade
From 1998 until around 2013 or 2014, online casino platforms and games were rather crude by today’s standards. That was due in large part to the lack of any really good software development tools that could be used to create a highly functional online casino website.
What changed around 2013 or 2014 was the introduction of HTML5 as an online casino and game software development tool. Given the technologies that were and are supported by HTML5, the creativity flood gates opened for online casino software developers all over the world.
By using these tools, online operators have been given the ability to ingrate thousands of games from dozens of developers on the same platform. The slot games now feature amazing game matrixes and really fun and exciting interactive bonus games. Also, backend components like bonuses, affiliate programs, banking options, and customer service have been moved to the front end. This allows for a more complete online gambling experience for UK online casino gamblers.
While HTML5 led the way, other online casino software development tools have come along to help change the online casino community in perpetuity. Here are a few other tools that have become very popular with online casino platform/game software developers:
- JavaScript – Great tool for the creation of interactive bonus games and free spins
- PHP/Python – Both are easy to use programming languages for developers
- WebSocket – Plays an intricate role in the connectivity function between casinos and customers, also has a high-level security function
- Vue JS – Seems to be a favorite tool for poker room software developers
- Mongo DB – Ideal for data collection related to online casino table games
It’s worth mentioning that mobile online casinos have become the dominant force within the UK online gambling community. Experts say that more than 60% of all online gambling activity is now being done through mobile apps and optimized mobile websites. Furthermore, the same experts expect this number to increase to 80%-90% within the next couple of years. In conjunction with HTML5, platform developers are using mobile development tools like Construct, CocoonJS, Unity, Unreal Engine, and a host of other advanced options.
In the very near future, we can expect to see more in the Virtual Reality realm. To be clear, the development tools are available and the process is underway.