The online gambling business is a story of constant growth. Since 1994 when the Free Trade and Processing Act was passed in Antigua and Barbuda, and the very first web casino company was established, the industry has never stopped growing and expanding all over the planet due to the World Wide Web. By the end of 1997, the number of active operating gambling websites was around two hundred. And their annual revenue at that time was around $1 billion.
So, how much money do online casinos make? If you’ve ever wondered about that, you need to ask yourself why they need to be gainful. Game titles in the iGaming industry are designed for the same reason as any other product related to the entertainment sphere – to be profitable and bring joy to the user. Online casinos and different gambling platforms are running alongside the same philosophy, and it is absolutely natural. Both land-based gambling houses and Internet gaming venues have some significant accrued expenses, so to cover them, gambling parlours need to be profitable to keep working and design new entertainment products.
How much do online casinos make?
It is glaringly obvious that traditional casinos earn a lot of money. It is clear as noonday through their luxury buildings, glorious interior environment and expensive vehicles parked in front of them. But what about Web gambling houses? How much does an online casino make? Can a usual Internet gaming venue afford the same magnificence as a land-based casino? Online entertainment platforms don’t need to hire professional staff and serve distinguished cocktails in the light of crystal chandeliers. So, let’s find out how much profit online casinos make and at the cost of what.
Gains
On par, the iGaming market makes around $80 billion a year. Regarding entertainment platforms, in particular, the average online casino makes $2 million per month. Needless to say that it is not related to every gambling website in the industry. As in all things, the Web gaming industry has its leaders that can boast a larger revenue than others. In this case, it would be correct to apply a Pareto principle and say that about twenty percent of Internet entertainment platforms make the most income stream of the iGaming industry.
Expenses
It goes without saying that it is impossible to operate an online casino for free. Every business has its expenses, and in the context of Internet gambling platforms – the software is the highest cost. Web gaming venues pay providers monthly for software leasing and also a percentage from winnings. The other huge part of expenses goes on affiliate programs to boost the interest of the community in the Web gambling parlour. Customer service, security and hosting also hit online gambling houses in the pocket. At a rough estimate, Internet casinos need to earn at least $35000 in a month to break even.
Main Casino Strategies for Making Profits
House Edge
This term implies the mathematical formula of the guaranteed advantage of the house at any Web casino game. It is the basics of gaining profit in Internet gambling. Due to the house edge, each gamer assuredly loses a tiny percentage of the gaming funds throughout the playing process. Usually, the point at issue is about five percent. It seems to be not a large number, but considering the daily sum of players, it looks like a significant profit. Random games can boast the highest lucrativeness in the scope of the house edge. These include roulette and slots in the first instance. Such games are based on luck and chance, where the outcome is obscure both for the gamer and the casino, but due to the house edge, the gambling house will still maintain profitability.
Free Deposits
It is one of the most popular casino bonuses that is usually used to promote online gambling houses. And to put it bluntly, it is incredibly effective in luring new gamers. This so-called free cash usually has very strict and difficult accomplishment wagering requirements to get. But it is a great marketing feature for one side and a great opportunity to have some fun for free for the other.
Free Gaming
There are two types of free gaming on Web entertainment platforms. The first one is related to the new titles in the casino’s catalogue. Brand new games can be given in a free mode to attract gamers with a new title and also to lure some new users to the platform. So it is more like an advertising feature.
The second type of free game is demo versions of games. Their main purpose is to give players a chance to build some tactics, learn the rules of the game and compare with other titles without losing any funds. It is more like a bonus feature that makes players feel more comfortable and less stressed.
Secret of the Constantly Winning House
Internet gaming parlours’ net win is assured, especially in the long run. The easiest explanation for this phenomenon is math. Such games as poker, slots, blackjack, keno and roulette obey the results of built-in RNG (random number generator). And all such games have pre-calculated and preset RTP (return to player) that is usually determined directly by the platform or by the game provider.
RTP numbers are usually easy to find in the reviews of casinos and games, most commonly, they are indicated as a percentage. In such games as slots and roulette, it is usually around the range of 90-98%. Poker and blackjack are more lucrative – their RTP can reach even 99,7%, while keno is going hard with its possible 40% RTP.
Also, it should be mentioned that once a Web gaming platform notices a player’s advancement in terms of winnings, they can set personal limits on winnings or withdrawals. However, any money and bets put prior to the limits imposed must be paid out.
Conclusion
It is obvious that running an online casino is a great challenge that takes a lot of expenses and risks into consideration for a chance to get good profits. Every Internet gaming platform can reckon on huge gains but it should be considered that success in this business claims big investments and complex work in many directions, from advertising to entertainment strategies. For now, the iGaming industry is worth around $73-81 billion. And by 2025, it is expected to grow up to $90 billion.