Among all the many technological trends that are prevalent in today’s pop culture, online gaming is one that is being embraced by the next generation of professionals. Whether it is via smartphones or PC installed base gaming, its something that most people enjoy as a way of relaxing after the rigors of a hectic schedule. It’s also a trend that is on the upswing in Africa – although nowhere near as popular as in continents such as Asia, Europe and North America.
The correlation between Internet penetration and the ability to access online games is obviously something that has an imposing affect on such statistics. A reported 16% of the world’s population today, owns a smartphone, however only a small percentage can be attributed to Africa as opposed to the other continents. There are approximately 3 billion Internet users currently in the world as per Internet Live Stats. Out of that total 9.8% are Africans.
Out of Uganda’s estimated population of 33 million, it is said to have approximately 3 million Internet users – a figure that is rapidly increasing. From this figure of 3 million Internet users, approximately 50% have access to the Internet via a smartphone and can access mobile-based gaming in public places.
So, on the casino gaming side of things, what is influencing this upswing in gaming penetration apart from the obvious technological advances over the last 5 years?
Casino gaming’s appeal has become unrivaled on the web – and also embraced by the Ugandan public. There are many casinos in Kampala; however actually accessing brick and mortar casinos has its hurdles. And, that is where online gaming comes in. The online gaming platforms and apps are extremely easy to access. Most of them are free to access (not free to play, however) and can be enjoyed whenever you want and wherever you want.
What caused the upswing in casino gaming?
There are many variables that people source as the reasons why casino gaming took off so dramatically via the Internet. Some will say it was down to the glamorization of films like the James Bond franchise that featured casinos so heavily. Others will reference the need to hone into the sort of games that are available to Vegas regulars. And then, there’s the fact that poker, for instance, is a mind sport and can challenge you with stiff competition whenever you need it via the abundance of tables available on so many online poker portals that are available nowadays.
But honestly, the upswing of casino gaming and especially poker saw its rise in 1996 when the first online wagering site InterCasino was launched. That was then followed by the unparalleled success of Chris Moneymaker, who was the first ever winner of the World Series of Poker that qualified for the tournament via the Internet, and the poker boom was in full flow. Via Moneymaker it showed the world that even your average poker fan could potentially be propelled into a star-studded world of glitz and glamour. There’s also the financial gains that appeals to the poker lovers out there – albeit the real gains only see the elite 1% make the “real” money in the sport.
What does this mean for online gaming in Uganda?
With the Internet penetration here in Uganda increasing rapidly, we are sure to see a correlation between that and online gaming. With the upswing in users and more platforms available, casinos can expect a slight drop-off in the number of patrons that visit their establishments. This in turn, could well improve the amenities that they offer as they aim to raise their games to combat such a trend.
It will also mean that these online casino gaming platforms will get marketed better in Uganda, and the likes of the WSOP will no doubt visit in the not so distant future. As the WSOP stops off in unchartered territories, the profile of casino gaming will also rise, and this will only have a positive affect on the number of players in Uganda. Trends like this could also spawn the next Chris Moneymaker, you never know.