Today, VR and AR technologies are utilized nearly ubiquitously, from the creation of 5D movies to the development of virtual fitting rooms. In order to stay abreast of emerging trends, leaders in the gambling industry have begun integrating VR systems into their sector. How is the integration of virtual worlds into online casinos (or vice versa – casinos into virtual worlds) taking place, and how will it impact the future of gambling?
What are VR and AR Technologies
Let's start by understanding these concepts and refreshing their meanings.
Virtual Reality is an artificial world created through digital systems. The user wears the necessary gear – VR glasses and controllers – and fully immerses themselves in such a universe.
Augmented Reality should be mentioned when elements of the virtual world are "overlayed" onto objects in the real world. Remember, for example, the famous game Pokemon Go. It was a real craze when people chased digital Pokemon in the real world.
The Use of VR Technologies in the Gambling Industry
In the past, the concepts of virtual and online casinos were synonymous, and their meanings were blurred.
In addition to full-fledged VR casinos, there are separate products incorporating this technology for online gambling. In 2016, Microgaming introduced 3D roulette at the ICE Totally Gaming exhibition. You can play it using wearable gadgets – glasses and a joystick.
For fans of card games, VR-format poker has been created. Interaction between opponents is interactive. Players can change avatars at will, move around the poker room, and even "smoke" a non-existent cigar.
VR slots are widely used, with diverse implementations. Animated machines, created in the style of once-popular "one-armed bandits," have three to nine reels. Their assortment is much wider than analogs in real casinos.
Apps like Horse 3D Racing will make you feel like a real jockey. You can "saddle up" a digital horse and race it on any favorite racetrack for victory. If you ever wanted to be a racer, the dream is achievable in a three-dimensional world. Choose any car, track, and zoom through it with the wind, enjoying realistic landscapes. Games like racing are also available for fans of cycling and motor sports.
Prospects of VR Technology in the Gambling Industry
Kevin Williams, a former employee of The Walt Disney Company and now a consultant on VR technologies, noted that the generation of the 2000s is not interested in casino games. Young people prefer console and PC games like RPGs or shooters, so gambling entertainments need to transform in line with current trends. Many applications undergo gamification, adapting to the requirements of modern users in an attempt to attract and retain customers.
It is widely believed among professionals that with the help of VR, land-based casinos can attract customers who will have the opportunity to play remotely. It is enough just to install 3D cameras on tables with poker, blackjack, and the like, and live visitors can interact with those playing from home.
By the way, something similar has already been implemented – the so-called live casino, something between an online and a real casino. For players interested in exploring these cutting-edge developments, a reliable list of Australian online casinos offers a curated selection of platforms providing a secure and enjoyable gambling environment. In specially equipped studios or existing gambling establishments, the game process is broadcast online. The user watches the gameplay from their computer or smartphone screen at home and can participate in the process led by a live dealer. The shooting takes place using 3D cameras, providing the client with an immersive experience.
The main problem of VR gambling, from the consumer's point of view, is the cost of equipment. The price tag for the simplest virtual reality glasses starts at an average of $100. This factor somewhat hinders the integration of innovations into gambling. Nevertheless, businessmen and technologists in this field are optimistic. The gambling industry aims to survive and be competitive, so industry leaders are implementing new technologies to keep up with the times and attract an increasing number of customers.