Virtual reality has quickly entered mainstream conversation. Besides gaming, many other industries are opening their eyes to this technology’s possibilities. Gambling is no different. Many stakeholders and fans of playing games of chance on leading iGaming sites like vulkan vegas consider gambling the technology’s next huge opportunity.
VR-powered games take the live dealer experience a notch higher by opening users up to immersive gaming environments with headsets that track actions and movements. However, the journey didn’t start yesterday. This quick read will take you through the history of this revolutionary technology, but first things first.
Here we are talking about a computer-generated gambling environment featuring objects and scenes that appear real. Users perceive this setting through special headsets or helmets and can immerse themselves in casino games as if they’re among the characters. The complex technology behind all of this involves:
High-resolution graphics;
3D sound design;
Motion tracking systems;
Haptic feedback devices.
More gamers are turning to VR casinos because the experience is more engaging than traditional online betting sites. They also include the social element that’s missing from digital platforms. Gamers can see each other and connect much like in a physical casino.
Virtual reality gambling is still in its early stages, so we won’t trace its origins too far back. This new form of gaming has roots traceable back to 2012 when Palmer Luckey founded Oculus. Mark Zuckerberg acquired the business for $2 billion two years later, and the brand hit the market. Come 2016, the Oculus Rift became the pioneer headset of virtual reality available to consumers.
Major brands like Sony, Samsung, and HTC soon joined the race. Alea Gaming launched the first virtual reality casino, SlotsMillion, in 2017. The platform now operates under SLTM Ltd. This app is famous for its 3D casino experience with games and a virtual bar, but its current offerings are limited to solo play and about 40 games. Nevertheless, the SlotsMillion platform has paved the way for similar platforms, including Social Club VR, JackpotVR, Playspace’s Blackjack VR, and MetaTable Poker.
Virtual reality casinos are still a niche in online gambling. The platforms offer basic offerings for now, but it’s just the start. The experience is set to go beyond simple 3D lobbies to fully immersive casino rooms where players can interact with others and live dealers. These experiences will get even more thrilling as the technology improves. Players might soon explore a 360-degree virtual Las Vegas or enjoy enhanced experiences like immersive fantasy role-playing games.
If more people own special headsets, virtual reality could become a major part of the industry. However, this is still uncertain. And if online gamers are anything to go by, actual headsets aren’t as popular as expected. Costly hardware makes it difficult to develop content, and a lack of content means fewer people will invest. Despite this, the market is still growing.
Virtual reality casinos show stimulating potential, but operators and tech providers must lay some groundwork for these platforms to go beyond being just an exciting concept.
Online casinos without VR features are already popular. These platforms may lack the sparkle of VR, but they offer what’s most important—mobile-friendly apps, real-money games, social promotions, and no need for expensive equipment.
Conventional iGaming sites have genuinely set an incredible standard for what users expect, so future VR casinos must provide these features and more to succeed. The said features include:
Regulation and security – Operators must build trust and credibility by ensuring their products undergo thorough audits and meet iGaming standards by securing official licenses from recognized authorities. Security is crucial, so new-era casinos should consider biometric security and distributed ledger technology (DLT);
Increasing game selection – VR gambling platforms can rival established online casinos by expanding their game selection. The offerings should include classics like roulette, blackjack, poker, and a wide range of slots. Casinos of this type can use a solid base to deliver immersive, simulated games on virtual tables;
Accessibility and compatibility – Affordable headsets are crucial, as new-era casinos won’t become common in homes without them. Operators must also ensure their platforms work with both current and future technology;
In-game chat opportunities – VR operators must improve communication features by enabling live, table-side chats between players. Fortunately, cloud communications are advancing rapidly, and Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is making it easier for businesses to integrate real-time communication.
Major tech companies are actively working on next-gen wireless headsets. Models featuring 8K resolution and powerful processors are on the way. There’s even talk of integrating artificial intelligence into these headsets soon.
Moreover, the introduction of 5G technology also opens up exciting possibilities as more VR devices and users can connect and enjoy lifelike imagery with its low latency. Consequently, virtual reality is no longer just a sci-fi idea but a growing part of our present and will continue to shape the future.
