One of the main positives of the gambling industry is that it constantly strives to stay abreast of the latest innovations across different sectors. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all types of gamblers. Some of the technological developments that will most likely help the gambling sector continue its growth are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Online gambling is the sector that is likely to see the biggest changes with the introduction of VR and AR solutions in iGaming. Virtual casinos rank among some of the most visited websites on the web, with numerous players flocking to gaming sites to enjoy their favourite games. Mobile casinos have also contributed to the increasing popularity of interactive gambling. Casino apps and browser-based mobile casinos allow players to enjoy a wide variety of gaming options at any time and in any place.
However, in addition to constantly improving the mobile- and web-based gambling experience, companies are also looking for new and exciting solutions that will attract even more players. The appeal of VR and AR gaming is that they offer players a more realistic gambling experience, even though they are still participating in online casino sessions.
If you want to learn how VR and AR are implemented in the iGaming sector and how the industry is expected to change, you should keep reading. We will cover all the latest innovations in VR and AR gambling technology and the perks available to players.
Trends Expected to Take Over Online Gambling Industry
The world is experiencing global digitalisation and various technological developments, which have also contributed to the growth of the gambling industry. To further expand its reach, the gambling sector continues to introduce new technology to players, with VR, AR, and hybrid games becoming some of the new trends among casino fans.
With the introduction of online casinos, one of the main goals of game developers has always been to provide an experience as realistic as possible. If you have ever tried a VR set, you probably know the kind of entertainment VR offers. Introducing this type of innovation to the gambling industry allows players to see their favourite video slots before their eyes and play in a highly realistic casino atmosphere without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Currently, there are not many gaming options optimised for real-money play via a VR set. That said, there are several social VR casinos that allow players to enjoy different casino games for free, wagering in-game currency. Recognising the great potential of VR gambling, NetEnt has already introduced one of its famous slots to VR users. Gonzo’s Quest is the first real-money virtual slot optimised for VR gear. Providing a fun 3D experience and a full 360-degree view, the game enables players to watch the reels spin right before their eyes.
Another trend that is expected to change the online gambling scene is AR, which is still fairly new but has the potential to become very popular among casino players. AR technology allows players to interact with their favourite casino games by transforming their real world into virtual reality. These innovations can make players feel as if they are in a land-based casino while they are still in the comfort of their homes.
There is also another technological concept that introduces a brand-new experience to casino enthusiasts. So-called hybrid games can be found at some brick-and-mortar casinos, allowing players to combine the land-based experience with online gambling. For instance, hybrid gambling will allow you to place bets online while you are actually in a land-based casino. Another example of hybrid gambling could be watching a sporting event live and placing bets on the game online.
How VR is Expected to Change Online Gambling
To be able to dive into a brand-new virtual casino world, you will need a VR set that can be used with video-game consoles, PCs, or simply on its own. Using the correct headgear, players have the chance to immerse themselves in another reality where the casino floor might be located exactly where their living room usually is. The type of gaming experience offered to VR players is highly interactive, providing a realistic – or at the very least extremely immersive – casino experience.
Thanks to VR technology, players can enjoy their favourite games in real-time, playing alongside other people in a brand-new immersive reality. One very entertaining feature of VR casinos is the ability to use hand or body gestures that are translated into the virtual casino world. This makes the entire gaming experience much more realistic.
To make the whole VR gaming adventure more realistic, VR casinos use sound effects reminiscent of brick-and-mortar casino floors. In this way, players can fully immerse themselves in the experience and truly forget about the world outside. While VR casinos may appear animated, the capabilities of this technology can easily make you feel as if you are playing in any land-based casino.
VR casinos often have separate game rooms that you can enter to explore different casino games. The slot machines and table games are also designed to be as realistic as possible, further cementing the authenticity these casinos offer. Players can also sit at virtual tables and interact with others at the same game.
Even though VR casinos sound like a lot of fun, they are still fairly new and there is still plenty of work to be done before they can provide the optimal experience for virtual gamblers. With VR casino developers paying special attention to every detail, the industry is expected to keep transforming, with more VR casino games hopefully being launched in the future.
In addition to offering an authentic gaming experience, VR casinos may also provide something that is not achievable in real life. Because a VR casino can be located on another planet, under the sea, or in virtually any setting you can imagine, you can immerse yourself in a unique and entertaining experience while still sitting in your room.
While VR technology is advancing to offer better gaming solutions, the gear used to play is also undergoing significant improvements. Currently, one of the issues facing VR casinos is that they are not widely accessible, as not every player can afford VR equipment. With progress being made in both VR headsets and mobile technology, the future of VR casinos may give more players the chance to enjoy this unique type of gaming experience.
How AR Can Transform Online Gambling
The whole concept of integrating AR into online gambling is still fairly new, and there is plenty to be explored and improved. However, AR technology could potentially transform the way players enjoy their favourite casino games. It seems as though newer smartphones are entering the global mobile device market every day. The majority of them have implemented AR in many of their features, allowing users to enter a brand-new virtual world that can be seamlessly combined with their reality.
Even though online gambling is very popular because of its convenience, many players do not yet see the appeal of virtual casinos, as they miss the feeling of playing on land-based casino floors. However, if AR casinos become commonplace, players will have the chance to enjoy a more immersive gaming experience without leaving the comfort of their homes.
One key element that most players miss when gambling away from land-based facilities is communication with fellow casino fans. Even though some online casinos have included a chat feature that allows some form of interaction between players, AR technology can make the whole experience much more realistic.
Thanks to the option to create your own avatar, you can easily enter the AR casino and interact with other characters that represent your peers or the dealers at the tables. Having your personal avatar will make the entire virtual experience both more authentic and more enjoyable.
One of the most anticipated perks that AR will bring to the gambling sector is the new way players will be able to enjoy their favourite games. AR casinos are expected to be more immersive while still enabling players to look around and feel as though they have stepped inside a brick-and-mortar casino.
Perks of Using VR and AR for Live Casino Gaming
One step that virtual casinos have taken towards making the online gambling experience more realistic was the introduction of live casino games. These variations of classic casino games enable players to play with real professional dealers in an atmosphere that resembles that of an elegant land-based casino.
While this experience is already very enjoyable for those who adore the ambience of brick-and-mortar gambling facilities, it can become even more immersive. VR and AR solutions have the potential to make the live-casino category even more interactive and win over many new players.
Using AR in live-dealer games can help online casinos gain even greater popularity, as this innovative way of playing can attract more virtual gamblers. The more realistic the online experience becomes, the more players will flock to interactive casinos where they can play their favourite games at any time and in any place.
Things to Consider Before Diving into VR Gambling
Currently, there are several ways to enjoy the VR casino experience and immerse yourself in a different type of online gambling. However, to do so you will need to acquire suitable gear. A compatible VR headset will be required to play in VR mode. In addition, there are several technical specifications that your device will need to meet in order to ensure a smooth VR experience.
VR headsets
There are several companies that have developed VR headsets that can be used for your VR casino adventures. That said, Oculus Rift is the VR headset that most people would recommend as it can offer one of the smoothest gaming experiences. Alternatively, you can opt for headsets like HTC Vive, Samsung Gear, or Sony PlayStation VR.
Whichever VR headset you choose to use for your casino endeavours, make sure your desktop device’s hardware will be able to handle the VR set.
If you are using an Oculus Rift headset, the recommended specifications for your computer are as follows:
- Processor: Intel i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350
- RAM: at least 8 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD 290 or newer
- Video Ports: 3x USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0
- Display: HDMI 1.3
- Operating System: Windows 10
For those who have opted for a VR headset by HTC Vive, the recommended specifications for your desktop device are:
- Processor: Intel i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or later
- RAM: at least 4 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon™ RX 480 or newer
- Video Ports: one USB 2.0
- Display: HDMI 1.4
- Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10
As VR technology continues to evolve, Oculus has released a new model of VR headset, introducing Oculus Quest 2 to VR fans. The main innovation in this headset is the absence of any cables, enabling players to move freely without being restricted in any way. Thanks to the controllers, every movement is tracked precisely, making your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable.
One major issue of VR gaming has also been addressed by the latest innovations in VR equipment. Oculus’s newest headset has introduced the option of virtually setting boundaries for the playing area. This allows you to immerse yourself in the virtual world without worrying about colliding with objects in real life.
Closing Thoughts on VR and AR Gambling
While VR and AR are only just being integrated into online gambling, these two technologies have the potential to completely transform the industry. As the iGaming sector constantly evolves and implements various technological innovations, the industry continues to grow. With each new advancement, online casinos are becoming more entertaining, more accessible and increasingly convenient.
Although there are still not many opportunities to explore real-money VR or AR casinos, the industry has the potential to offer players a completely different gaming experience. Because both VR and AR allow players to immerse themselves in a different reality, implementing such technology in online gambling will give casino fans a highly realistic experience without their having to leave home.
While VR and AR casino solutions still have a long way to go, they have the potential to completely change the way players enjoy interactive gambling. Mobile technology, internet connectivity and various other sectors are also evolving continuously to improve the overall casino experience. Combining future casino innovations with VR and AR will only make your gaming time more immersive, entertaining and authentic.
