5 benefits iGaming operators can offer players through a native app
20221018
Playing slots and other casino games and placing wagers on sporting events can now, of course, all be done while on the go from a mobile device. While all iGaming customers have various preferences around how they play, it’s no secret that mobile is closing in on retail when it comes to player habits.
In 2021, reports found that 90% of online bets are placed using a mobile device, which isn’t surprising since consumer behaviours are changing, people want convenience, which is exactly what mobile iGaming apps offer. Not only that, but native apps also adhere to the guidelines which ultimately enhance and align user experience with the specific operating system (iOS / Android), as well as improve security and accessibility.
Let’s check out just some of the benefits you can offer to your players with a native app:
1. Accessibility & convenience
When we look to the future and even expectations from consumers in the present day, the demand for convenience is key. iGaming apps provide players 24x7 access to a variety of bets. All user's need is a reliable internet connection for a seamless betting experience. Not only that, since apps store their user data on local storage devices, loading this data takes no more than a few seconds - providing even further convenience to players.
Operators that can be seen to be innovating, stand out from their competition. And those that can offer their users convenient access to play by offering an accessible app, put themselves even further ahead.
2. Personalisation
Another key advantage for players when using iGaming apps is the level of personalisation they can receive. Mobile apps deliver detailed data and insights around how players interact with your apps, meaning as an operator, you are able to make enhancements to your offering in order to better meet your player’s needs. In turn, providing them with a highly personalised experience - ultimately improving brand loyalty, player retention and app downloads.
Will Whitehead said in a conversation with Emerging Leaders of Gaming “If operators truly invest in a digital strategy they could see great rewards, including access to improved data that helps operators better serve their customers - achieving an enhanced and entertaining experience for their players.”
Using a geolocation service such as GeoLocs, as part of your mobile app can help to further increase the level of personalisation you can offer your players. For example, if a player happens to be in the vicinity of one of your retail outlets with the mobile app downloaded, you can set up location-based marketing – sending push notifications with offers and promotions. Further personalising the player experience, maintaining player engagement.
3. Usability
It’s no secret that iGaming websites are frequently inferior to apps in terms of interface. Fitting a website into a small screen is challenging. Thus, to provide players with a great visual design that is convenient and stable, as well as provide players with a seamless navigation interface throughout each step of their journey, offering mobile apps is essential.
Working with a UX / UI expert like mkodo, will help you to assure that you’re offering your users the best experience. Not only that being able to offer new customers access to an app is proven to improve sign ups and retention.
4. Security
Nearly all mobile betting apps launched by top names in the iGaming industry are fully secured. These apps come with advanced security features and end-to-end encryption. This is a huge benefit to your players as there is no chance of hackers accessing their personal details and generating any financial or data risk.
Data exposure and security breach risks are significantly lower through native mobile apps. This is because Google Play and Apple Store set terms and conditions that must be closely adhered to by iGaming operators in order to be approved and listed in the app stores. This ensures downloadable software that has already passed long and rigorous tests to enable safe, secure, and responsible mobile gaming. The other aspect deals with security protocols only native mobile devices can offer, such as biometric login and more. So, in order to offer your customers 100% peace of mind when interacting with your digital product's, native apps are the way to go.
5. Community
Maybe unexpected but providing your players with a mobile app that has native features such as chat rooms etc. further provides them with access to the online community of customers you’ve built. Building player communities again, further improves user journeys thus impacting retention, engagement and download rates.
From our extensive over 20 years' experience in mobile apps development, we can attest to the fact that player experience is more important than ever. If you intend to use your app as one of the central tools for interacting with your players, then without question, you must deliver an excellent user experience that supports mobile app retention. Even the slightest frustrations, can lead to poor retention rates and increased uninstall rates and this is where non-native apps simply cannot compete.
Contact us today for more information around how mkodo can support you with native apps, best-in-class front-end, digital UX and geolocation services.
