Virtual reality and gambling

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reaction technologies can be used not only for conventional games, but also for gambling. They can be used to provide the ultimate in immersive gambling, new experiences and emotions. And, although VR casinos are not yet very popular, there are good prospects for the future development of such technologies.

Virtual reality and online casinos

The benefits of using VR technology in online casinos is to make the immersion experience as immersive as possible. Not only does modern technology provide high-quality 3D graphics, but it also allows for a sense of being personally present in the gaming club for the dealers and players.

An online game of poker or roulette can be indistinguishable from a real one.
Interaction with the objects in the virtual space is provided by special controllers. And the player can not only press buttons and throw chips, but also express their emotions through gestures.

Challenges of using VR for gambling

When using virtual reality technology, certain problems arise. The first is the serious expense. A good headset costs at least $1000, even more expensive is a suitable computer with a powerful processor and video card. The second problem is the variety of standards. Creating a virtual casino will have to take into account not only the availability of multiple operating systems, but all the popular headsets, including the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Microsoft HoloLens.

The mass spread of virtual reality technology is possible if there is a headset that costs the same as a budget smartphone. It would be wireless, providing high-quality graphics and sound, and working for several hours. VR headset Oculus Quest has the necessary parameters, but the cost of glasses is still high, about $ 500.

Development forecasts

According to experts of analytical agency Juniper Research, VR-technology will begin to actively develop in the early 2020s. The turnover will exceed half a billion dollars, and will gradually grow. Compared to the gambling market, which is about $500 billion, this amount seems small. But in the future, the VR segment will begin to grow.

Not only have the experts’ predictions come true, but they have also turned out to be significantly exceeded. The conditions of self-isolation that millions of people are facing in 2021 have increased sales of augmented and virtual reality devices several times over. And now experts predict that in 2025, the volume of this market could reach $22 billion.

Examples of successful implementation of the technology

An example of a successful VR casino could be the company SlotsMillion. Back in 2015, it offered players the opportunity to play video slots using Oculus Rift glasses. To keep users engaged with a sense of time, the games featured a clock. And, in addition to the virtual reality version, the company created an additional one suitable for regular PCs and smartphones.

The development of VR solutions for online casinos is led by well-known gambling providers such as CASEXE, Microgaming and NetEnt. The former is working on the implementation of virtual technology support for off-the-shelf games. Microgaming’s projects include VR roulette for Oculus Rift glasses and Leap Motion controllers. Provider NetEnt has several slots that support virtual reality.

Is it worth opening a VR casino?

The process of setting up a virtual reality-enabled casino is not much different from launching a new website or mobile app. Especially since the developers of VR solutions are already out there. And the main problem that will have to be solved is the availability of demand, which has not yet been observed. Open such a casino only after the cost of productive virtual reality glasses becomes more affordable and a large enough VR platform, such as Meta Platforms, becomes available.