Slotegrator - Interview with Jashwant Patel
Al Buraq Regina spoke with Jashwant Patel, Sales Manager at Slotegrator, about technologies influencing online casinos. Their discussion covered blockchain, virtual reality and other developments shaping innovation across the industry.
Q1.: Online safety is a key consideration, particularly when it comes to protecting payments. Blockchain is commonly linked to cryptocurrency transaction security. What role could the technology play in the casino sector?
That’s an excellent question. Over the past couple of years, blockchain has grown rapidly as a way to make data harder to tamper with and easier to trace. We have also seen considerable interest in payment methods that prioritize privacy and security, including cryptocurrency. Operators and game providers are adopting crypto payments more widely, and I expect them to become more familiar across online casinos. One advantage is that players may transact with greater privacy and security. Since decentralized blockchain transactions do not rely on a central bank or authority for oversight, users may feel more confident about how their data is handled. Crypto payments can reduce the personal or location information shared in a gambling transaction, but that does not mean players can gamble more. They may also enable access in places where gambling is regulated, restricted or banned.
At present, only a limited range of cryptocurrencies is commonly accepted; Bitcoin, Ethereum and USTD are among the familiar options. Their significant price volatility is still a drawback to consider. As blockchain adoption grows, Patel says casinos should explore technologies that could improve security and the player experience while making transactions more transparent. He sees the technology as potentially convenient and possibly transformative for casinos and other industries.
Q2.: Augmented and virtual reality are bringing a more immersive feel to online casinos. How could VR shape the online casino experience in the future?
Recently, I discussed this with a colleague who has experience in land-based casinos. Online play lets people choose where they want to play, not necessarily at home, while the in-person interaction and physical atmosphere of a traditional casino remain unique. The pandemic helped accelerate the move online, prompting companies in our industry to pursue new ideas and technologies. They are trying to recreate parts of that experience, and I expect them to make progress in this highly competitive period.
Technology is changing industries far beyond online gambling. Artificial intelligence has been a major focus of recent development, while augmented and virtual reality are also gaining attention. These technologies are influencing online casino play and experiences in other fields.
In online casinos, AR and VR are primarily intended to enhance the player experience. Covid-19 accelerated the shift from Brick and Mortar venues to online casinos, where operators retained many people who could play from home. VR can create a 3D environment that resembles a casino, with ways to interact with dealers and other players, or even the impression of enjoying a drink. The drink, naturally, is virtual.
AR can offer a similar benefit by showing players information such as jackpots, casino features, bonuses, promotions and statistics. The technology continues to develop and may also become an extension of Brick and Mortar casino operations.
Patel says VR and AR offer promising possibilities, although several challenges could hold back broader adoption.
These technologies require dedicated headsets, and their cost may put them out of reach for some users, limiting interest in certain regions and audiences. Both are publicly available, but still on a relatively small scale and mainly for entertainment. A fully functional product would need extensive testing to determine whether it can scale.
Patel says the technology entered online casinos and gambling only a couple of years ago. As it develops, it may face early-stage issues before becoming fully functional for a broader audience.
Practical considerations also play a part. Some regions have less developed technology infrastructure or slower internet access than developed countries, and not all portable devices can handle demanding streaming. Patel also points to the age of the target audience: businesses should consider user experience and interface design, making products accessible to people who are less comfortable with technology or in the higher age group of 50 . These decisions can help make a product sustainable.
Players, operators and investors have shown strong interest, but Patel expects widespread acceptance in online casinos will take time.
Q3.: Cloud computing helps casinos manage storage and databases. Do you see it as a lasting solution, and can it affect the gaming experience?
Cloud computing is another significant shift in technology. Patel compares it to the transition from physical casinos to online operations. It brings benefits, but emerging technologies also come with unfamiliar risks and challenges that may take time to address.
The 1st advantage is the potential for lower operating costs: a business may not need a full IT team to manage its own computing infrastructure. Cloud providers handle that infrastructure, and outsourcing can save money. Depending on the arrangement, the cost may include hardware, software and upgrades as well.
Cloud services also let businesses adapt as operational needs and player demand shift. Rather than spending as much time running an IT department, a casino can focus on its core operations. Infrastructure can be scaled up or down quickly without rebuilding an internal system. Patel sees this as a good match for online casinos: providers keep technology up to date, while casinos can focus on delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
Cloud computing can also enable a company and its clients to work on the same file simultaneously, even from different parts of the world.
In-house IT systems can go offline for reasons ranging from power outages to other accidents; cloud services may be more reliable by comparison.
With an internet connection, cloud-stored data is accessible from different locations, making data management more flexible. Casinos need to process information quickly. Data collected over time can help operators identify patterns and tailor experiences through game recommendations, offers, promotions and loyalty rewards.
Even when providers follow strong security standards, storing critical business files in the cloud can leave them vulnerable to theft or loss, account hacking, insecure APIs and interface flaws. The risk partly depends on the service provider, so Patel says choosing a reputable partner can help reduce it. Established cloud providers use safeguards designed to protect casino data.
Patel describes cloud computing as a fast-developing technology with the potential to enhance casino play. Used carefully, data can also help operators make better business decisions and compete more effectively.
Q4.: Mobile Casinos now offer gaming capabilities that once seemed out of reach. Where could the mobile experience go next?
Cloud computing supports mobile gaming, and its development has helped make smoother play on phones and other mobile devices possible. After the Covid-19, many players shifted to online casinos, often using smartphones or other mobile devices. Casinos have introduced apps, while many also offer mobile versions of their desktop sites. Patel notes that developing and popularizing AR and VR remains difficult in developing or underdeveloped countries. Casinos need to tailor the experience to their audiences: the interface and the journey from visiting a site to placing a first bet or requesting a withdrawal can make a significant difference. A feature-rich site that works well in Europe may struggle in Africa, where device capabilities and internet access can vary. Simplifying the process, for instance with AI and a Telegram casino in places where players have limited bandwidth or older phones, could make gaming easier to access.
Looking ahead, Patel sees major potential in AI. He expects the industry to use it in casino operations, cut costs and create a more natural-feeling casino experience.
Q5.: Telegram may once have seemed an unexpected match for casinos, but it provides a convenient way to access games on mobile. Is there anything else you’d like to add about the platform?
We’re pleased with how Telegram Casino helps our clients improve the player experience. Users don’t need to download casino apps from marketplaces, and territory restrictions don’t matter as well. Telegram Casino addresses these challenges and is highly accessible. It can work as an extension of a desktop site within the Telegram app, or as a standalone Telegram casino connected to the client’s platform, with players and casinos interacting through a bot. Games, deposits, withdrawals and verification are handled in the Telegram browser, bringing the user experience and interface together. Players can open the messenger on a phone and start playing.
Q6.: Live dealer games are an early example of casino technology. Dealers have already presented games featuring well-known slot characters such as Gonzo. What developments could be next for live dealer games?
That’s right. After a merger involving live-stream gaming companies such as Evolution Gaming and digital content provider Netent, a title such as Gonzo Treasure Hunt soon appeared on the market. Patel sees VR as a possible next step for live dealer games, which remain popular with casino players, including fans of Roulette and Blackjack. Combining VR with live dealers could deliver a more immersive experience wherever a player chooses to be, whether at home, work, the gym or anywhere a device is available.
Q7.: Is there anything you would like to add about online casino technology today and in the future?
Over the past couple of years, including during the pandemic, online gambling has grown quickly and adopted new technologies at a fast pace. Patel sees a promising outlook for the sector as traditional casino operators move their brands online. Interactive gaming systems and smartwatch features are among the developments being explored. He says it’s an exciting time for players, with more games to choose from, and for developers creating content and technology. The sector also creates jobs for a range of specialists and supports economies. At Slotegrator, he adds, the team works every day to develop ideas and deliver products and solutions for the iGaming industry.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in online casino reviews, slot game analysis, and player safety assessments. Their expertise includes casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms, and withdrawal policies. Combining hands-on reviews with independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based coverage to help players understand gambling platforms, their features, and possible risks.
