There’s not a lot of things as frustrating in the digital era as a slow internet speed. When you want to check emails, stream movies, or play games online, and the page is simply not loading, it can be tempting to throw out the entire laptop, PC, or mobile device.
The iGaming industry is also heavily reliant on fast connections to bring the best possible experiences to their users. Casino operators rely on fast internet speeds for several reasons, which will be discussed in this article.
How Online Casinos Rely On Fast Internet Speeds
Online casinos require users to have fast loading speeds for the following reasons:
- Loading non-download games
- Cybersecurity
- Financial transactions
- Live dealer games
A secure and speedy internet connection is important for efficient gambling, whether the player is opting for slots, table games, or live sets. Modern technology has enabled games to run faster than ever, but the user needs to have a reliable connection to make the games run smoothly.
Loading and displaying games
Although mobile devices and smartphone applications are popular choices for many gamblers, most prefer to play online to avoid having to download apps that take up valuable storage space.
Instant play casinos allow users to gamble from web browsers, using HTML5 technology without having to download and install software.
However, because these games aren’t played offline, they require a fast internet connection for play. Slots, video poker, and any other online casino game rely on a fast net internet speed (so if the speed dips temporarily the game will still work).
A faster internet speed will result in a smoother gambling experience.
Cybersecurity
Online casinos use security protocols to protect player information and financial transactions. Reputable sites use SSL encryption – which can be recognized by the padlock symbol and “https://” in the URL bar – to protect player data.
These protocols require a secure connection so that data transfers are encrypted at faster speeds. This means that players are protected from hackers, malware, and viruses. This is important for real-money casinos.
A faster internet speed means players can also access their accounts faster without concerns of interception. It will also allow for faster customer support interactions, like if a platform uses a chatbot or live chat option to deal with customer concerns.
Faster transactions
Most gamblers prioritize speed when it comes to financial transactions. They do not want lengthy processes when they have to deposit or withdraw funds.
Speedy payout casinos for online players are platforms where players can access their earnings almost instantly, without having to wait days or weeks for transactions to be completed. However, to get the most out of these platforms, players require a stable, high-speed connection.
A faster connection prevents transaction delays, so players can deposit funds and start playing without interruption. Withdrawals are also processed faster, reducing wait times for winnings to be reflected in player accounts.
Live table games
Live table games, where players join a real game being streamed online, have become incredibly popular. They allow players to get the traditional casino experience while playing from home.
These games require a fast internet speed as data is being transferred in real time. A slow connection (on either the casino or the player’s side) will create lags and interruptions.
Many casinos note their speed requirements, especially when it comes to these live games. So, to avoid disappointment, it is best to check that your connection meets these requirements. Usually, a minimum requirement is 1-2 Mbps upload speed and 4-6 Mbps download speed.
How To Improve Your Internet Speed
It is possible that you’re internet speed is slow due to external factors which can be changed. If you find that online casino platforms are loading slowly, you can try these methods to improve your connection.
- Change your router location: It’s a simple fix, but it is possible that if your WiFi router is far away from your device, the WiFi struggles to move through objects or walls. WiFi signals can also be interrupted by microwaves or Bluetooth devices. By moving the location of your router, you may notice an immediate change in internet speed.
- Use a VPN: Virtual private networks (VPNs) can be used to speed up your connection by bypassing Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling.
- Change WiFi frequency: You can select either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio frequency bands for your router. Changing between these two options may impact your internet speed.
- Use WiFi extenders: If you can’t move your router, you can use a WiFi extender that boosts the strength of the connection closer to where your main internet device is connected.
- Disconnect other devices: Each device connected to your router shares the limited bandwidth. If several devices are connected at the same time and are being used for gaming, gambling, or streaming, they compete for the available bandwidth and can slow down speeds. By disconnecting other devices, you will enjoy faster loading times.
- Connect with an ethernet cable: This is a temporary fix, but if you find your WiFi connection is really slow, you can use an ethernet cable to connect your laptop or PC directly to the WiFi router. This direct link between the two devices can significantly boost internet speeds.
- Contact your ISP: If you experience a sudden drop in internet speed, or you’re speed is lower than your contract states, you should contact your ISP who will be able to offer technical support. They may recommend that you reboot your router, or they can run remote diagnostic tests to find the problem.