In the evolving iGaming industry, accessibility initiatives for disabled players are gaining momentum. With companies implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and developing advanced technologies such as AI and natural language processing, the future of iGaming promises an inclusive experience for all.
In an industry swiftly shifting under the tides of change, iGaming platforms around the globe are actively engaging in new initiatives to prioritize accessibility for players with disabilities. The aim is to implement inclusive features that promote an equitable gaming experience for all.
iGaming, also known as online or mobile gambling, has seen an increasing uptake in recent years, and is projected to reach market revenues of over 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2025 according to a report by Grandview Research. But what does this global acceptance and expansion mean for one of the industry’s most underrepresented demographics – the disabled players?
Evidence indicates that people with disabilities partake in gambling at similar rates to the general population. However, the existing digital landscape tends to leave these players at a disadvantage. Limited physical mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or motor skill challenges can make it difficult to easily navigate and interact with iGaming platforms.
Anticipating the need to address these concerns, gaming providers are now increasingly engaged in efforts to ensure their platforms are accessible and user-friendly for disabled gamers – a previously overlooked segment. If these initiatives take hold, the landscape of iGaming could change significantly, paving the way for improved accessibility and inclusivity.
A crucial step within this movement is the creation and mainstream adoption of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines put forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), aim to make online content more accessible to people with disabilities. They cover a broad range of recommendations, including provisions for providing text alternatives for non-text content, offering adaptable layouts, ensuring content is distinguishable, providing accessible navigation, and more.
Among companies spearheading this movement is International Game Technology (IGT), a multinational gaming company. It’s developing a suite of tools and features to enhance accessibility across its iGaming platforms. They have already released several games with WCAG 2.1 standard compliance, including the flagship game Wheel of Fortune. IGT’s commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop at the games themselves. They’ve also streamlined their iGaming platforms to include easy-to-use, organized interfaces and configurable controls.
Indeed, other iGaming companies are also beginning to shift their focus towards improved accessibility. In Malta, a hub of online gambling, initiatives to cater to players with disabilities have caught the eye of major players such as the Kindred Group and Betsson Group. These companies are undertaking drastic steps to ensure their platforms meet WCAG’s guidelines for accessibility.
OpenAI, a prominent organisation in the field of artificial intelligence, has even suggested the use of AI to address the issue of accessibility in iGaming. For instance, natural language processing (NLP) can be employed to enable voice commands, assistive reading, and other features for individuals with diverse abilities. These ground-breaking technologies could guide the evolution of the industry to become more inclusive over the next few years.
In an industry historically defined by click-based interactivity, these unprecedented shifts mark a remarkable effort to ensure that all players, regardless of ability, can participate fully in the growing iGaming arena. It’s within this shift that the industry is likely to see an increase in player base, customer satisfaction, and overall, a more inclusive gaming experience.
As the conversation around accessibility develops a louder resonance in the global iGaming industry, these initial efforts present grounds for hope. Meanwhile, they also underscore the work yet to be done in addressing limitations that disabled people still face in the digital world. This nascent focus on accessibility is an encouraging sign that the industry will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of all players.
Sources:
Grandview Research: “Online Gambling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report.”
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) – “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview.”
International Game Technology: “IGT Expands Access to Mobile and Desktop Games with PlaySpot™ Integration.”
Kindred Group, “The Journey of Kindred’s Sportsbook.”
Betsson Group, “Betsson Group meets WCAG standards.”
OpenAI, “Preserving Gaming Accessibility with Artificial Intelligence.”
