The concept of Virtual Reality (VR) first saw the light of day in the 1960s with “Sensorama.” Here we are 60+ years later and VR technology is still getting better with each new innovation. It was just a matter of time before VR was going to end up touching the lives of people within the online gambling community.
For more than five (5) years, top online casino software developers like Netent, Playtech, and Microgaming have been working diligently to make VR online casino play a reality. While there is still a way to go, VR online casinos are now a reality.
Even though traditional online video slots are still incredibly popular, there’s something unique about the immersion that VR offers. These are certainly exciting times for gamblers with the exponential growth in casino software technology. Just don’t forget to grab some no deposit bonuses along the way to increase your bankroll!
What is VR Technology?
Before proceeding into the world of virtual reality, you should have a basic understanding of what VR technology involves. Since it’s a bit complicated, here is a definition from Britannica:
“the use of computer modeling and simulation that enables a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3-D) visual or other sensory environment.”
If by chance you have experience with VR gaming via Playstation, Wii, or Xbox, you’ll note the VR casino experience is quite similar.
What’s Needed
Before you can enjoy VR online casino gambling, you are going to need the proper “tools of the trade.”
The first thing you will need is a good pair of VR goggles. Your goggles should include headphones, a headset, and sensors. If you want to add an optional game controller, that’s on you. As for pricing, you can expect to pay about $300 on the low end or up to about $700 for higher-end models. Rift, Vive, and Samsung Gear VR are all solid options for online casino players.
Next up, you’ll need a device on which you can play VR online casino games. If you want to use your smartphone or PlayStation, that would suffice. Otherwise, you will need a tablet, laptop, or PC with the right software specs. Each VR online casino operator should be able to provide those specs.
VR Casino Games versus the VR Casino Experience
The VR casino concept is still evolving. Initially, it only involved online casino games with most of the focus being placed on video slots. Here’s a general idea of how VR video slots work.
As the player dons their goggles, it’s like they walk right into the heart of the game. Instead of seeing grids (rows and reels), they see “free-floating” game symbols lined up in reel formation. They can see themselves pressing the spin button and watching the reels spin to a stop. The real fun starts when interactive bonus features are thrown into the mix. If the feature calls for the player to shoot at something or pick a spot, they will get the opportunity to do exactly what’s needed in 3 dimensions or 3D.
In recent years, the software development process has been geared more towards the full-on VR online casino gambling experience. Yes, this technology is already being used in Europe. If interested, you might want to check out VR casinos like SlotsMillion of Jackpot VR. Someday, there will be dozens of these VR casinos available as the technology improves and the demand increases.
To understand the VR casino concept, imagine picking your avatar, donning your VR goggles, and walking into an actual casino. Minus the crowds, you’ll immediately see gaming tables and rows upon rows of video slots. As part of the experience, you can walk through the casino as though you are walking through a live retail casino.
As you approach a slot or table game, you’ll be able to interact with the casino game. Note: the VR table game experience would be similar to the live dealer online casino experience with one exception: the dealer is not a live dealer but instead another avatar. Each of the games will allow you to place bets, make game-playing decisions, and collect money when lucky enough to win. Again, all of this takes place in a 3-dimensional environment.
The Future of VR Online Casino Gambling
It’s not yet clear what kind of demand there will be for VR online casino gambling in the future. In all likelihood, it will be a niche market. However, that niche market might still be large given the fact there are hundreds of millions of online casino gamblers actively participating in this form of online adult entertainment.
To date, there seem to be two issues that might drive prospective casino players away from VR casinos. First, the cost of VR hardware might be more than recreational casino players want to spend for the VR casino experience.
Second, VR casinos are not yet being regulated by regulatory agencies like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. They are essentially being regulated by the software developers themselves. If this changes in the future, the future of VR online casino gambling might be unlimited.