How Gamification Is Changing Online Casino Platforms

A gamification system can extend the longevity of a game beyond a single outcome in many casino games. Other gamification systems such as missions, leaderboards and rewards can provide a longer-term experience. In Estonia, there is a regulated system in which we can examine gamification in casino games as well as examine protection from gambling.  

Casino Games Gain Additional Objectives

Gamification within a casino can be applied to the current games available within a casino website through the use of competition and objectives. Tournaments can be set up using leaderboards. A goal can also be displayed through a progress bar. VivatBet is an online casino in Estonia (Estonian: online kasiino) which divides games into various sections (betting, games, promotions and tournaments) and allows users to be sponsored in order to gain knowledge of gameplay, game mechanics and demonstrations of gameplay.

Some common game mechanics are:

• Leaderboards used in competitions to display the status of each player
• Missions for completing particular actions
• Progress towards a goal, displayed by a progress meter
• Badges for completing certain achievements

These all have different roles. Leaderboards add a competitive element to a game. Progress elements communicate the state of a gameplay goal. Neither can influence the result of a single casino game.

Mobile Access Supports Shorter Interactions

Mobile gambling makes casino games accessible without a desktop computer. The VivatBet App is a separate online resource associated with searches for mobile access, while VivatBet’s licensed Estonian website provides a casino catalogue that works in compatible mobile browsers. Slots, as well as games in other categories, can be examined on a phone. Phone users can try out games in the demo version. This feature enables players to learn new game mechanics and helps players find specific game categories without the need to enlarge their screen. 

Notifications and Ongoing Competitions

Tournaments in a gamified system can use notifications to signify an event that occurs in the tournament over time, or to signify an approaching deadline. Tournaments can also use notifications in order to call the user’s attention to the tournament and provide the user an opportunity to interact with the tournament without requiring the user to be in the game chat window.

Notifications at regular intervals can also be used to encourage interaction in time-limited systems. The implementation of notifications will also vary from system to system depending on the system implementation.

Tournaments Connect Separate Casino Rounds

A tournament provides some meaning to the results of qualification rounds beyond a single event. A tournament typically takes place over a specific length of time and uses publicised scoring systems.

In addition to the games offered on VivatBet’s Estonian casino site, there is also a section for tournaments. This provides tournaments with a specific area separate from the various games available.

Feature	Function	Relevant condition
Leaderboard	Ranks participants	Scoring method
Tournament	Sets competition rules	Eligibility
Progress bar	Shows task completion	Target
Reward points	Records qualifying activity	Redemption terms

Meaningful rankings always specify their method of calculation. The rules for determining results and prize money are always specified. 

Rewards Can Affect Playing Habits

A goal can be broken into smaller goals by a mission. Badges represent the achievement of a goal and are not necessarily of financial value. Loyalty points can represent valid actions towards a goal.

There are three attributes which define a reward:

1. What constitutes progress towards a goal?
2. What is the validity period of points/rewards?
3. What are the rules regarding the consumption or revocation of points/rewards?

The design of an action can allow an individual to resume an action begun in one session from a later session. The frequency of this behaviour will be influenced by the perceived value of rewards and the level of risk that individuals are willing to take.

Gamification in the context of gambling involves examining these behaviours because rewards and competition can aid in engagement. Furthermore, all users do not necessarily behave alike.

Estonian Law Controls Casino Participation

For distance games of chance, the minimum age in Estonia is 21 under the Gambling Act. A licence for the activity and a licence for operation are required.

VivatBet is registered by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board under P.H. Primary OÜ. Licensed operators are required to verify registration on the Estonian restriction list for gambling.

The period of minimum restriction may be chosen between 6 and 36 months. A request to remove the restriction must be submitted after the period of restriction has elapsed.

Responsible Design Goes Beyond Rewards

Limited-time-only offers provide an element of pressure which can be exploited by the gambler making decisions under pressure. Both types of information provided in this case (promotions/advertisements and also the ranking/league table information) should be linked to the playing conditions.

For transparent gambling within the Casino products, two requirements exist. Easy access to personal gambling information and the ability for the gambler to control their gambling must be available to all players. Information relating to rewards must also state any money/expiration conditions or eligibility and must NOT use promotional copy or headlines.