The online casino industry has never truly sat still, ever since the first sites appeared in the mid-90s.
👉 Every few years, a new trend takes over iGaming. Poker had its boom, slots and their jackpots stole the spotlight, then live casino took centre stage.
Since live casino hit the scene, studio-streamed games have dominated player interest. Live dealer titles keep climbing the charts, but it’s the game show-style formats that are really turning heads.
Are game shows the next big thing? Let’s explore.
Table of contents
How live dealer games paved the way for game shows
The first attempt at a live casino was made in the 1990s. Obviously, technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today, and the casino never took off.
However, after the improvement in both broadband and mobile internet, the 2010s ushered in a whole new world of live-dealer titles. That’s how we find ourselves today, with the live casino being a standard for most operators.
Most of these will be filled with classic casino games like roulette and blackjack, but players can increasingly choose game shows.
In fact, many of these are licensed and based on existing IP, including TV game shows and board games. At Karamba (a licensed UK online casino) two different Monopoly game shows are available, showcasing the demand.
These games resemble game shows you would often find on a Saturday night, particularly to complement the weekend lottery draws. You have a presenter, the game, and the contestants.
The only difference is that the contestants are all at home and are not required to be selected to travel to the studio. Easy!
Why are these game show-style titles popular?
Game shows have always been popular because people love to feel as if they’re playing along.
That’s why studios like ITV are producing licensed Pictionary game shows to capture viewers who love the thrill of the game, even if they’re not playing. People enjoy watching others chase a win.
At first, this doesn’t seem to fit the live casino model. If there’s no one to watch, what’s the draw? But in this space, players and viewers are one and the same.
You’re not just watching and wishing; you’re in the game.
That’s why these games have a strong platform for success. They let people play their favourite games from the comfort of home, offering a taste of glitz and glamour without the risk of traveling to far-off cities.
The future of casino game shows
While the live casino version of game shows is still relatively new, slot games have used game show branding for years. Licensed titles like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire slots and Deal Or No Deal prove the game show theme is here to stay, whether live-streamed shows keep growing or not.
Their growth depends on what else enters the market and grabs player attention! It’s competitive out there.
📉 For example, crash games have become popular for many operators, and their simplicity has made them a hit with players. These games could take over or even combine with the game show format.
No matter what happens, it’s great to see online casinos still innovating 30 years later. Continued diversification and fresh game options can only benefit players in the long run.
Summing it up
Whether you’re a game show aficionado or a complete novice, these games are genuinely worth your time—as experienced players will already know. If you haven’t already, give these games a whirl next time you log on.
