The gambling industry has changed a lot in recent decades. Until about 30 years ago, there were only ordinary casinos in the world. There were gaming halls in which there were slot machines, a roulette table, card tables, as well as bars where you could have a drink or a snack. As an example, the Las Vegas casino, where people from all states and even from other countries came to have fun.
Online games appeared in the mid-1990s. Game designers offered fairly simple casino table games for the online market. Since these preliminary trials began, the breadth and scale of online gambling have increased exponentially every year, and with the advent of cheap smartphones available around the world, the number of people with access to online gaming sites in many countries where such games are officially allowed has also increased.
As VR headsets become increasingly integrated into the industry of video games, will virtual reality casinos become something more than ment lure??
What is a Virtual Reality Casino?
Virtual reality is a computer technology that recreates an existing or fictional environment. It is also called multimedia with the effect of the presence or computer simulation of reality. This is a simulator of the ’s physical presence in a certain environment. Moreover, he can interact with it.
As a rule, the desired effect is achieved using a VR headset and/or other equipment. VR technology allows you to recreate light, sound, tactile sensations, and even smell.
Three-dimensional digital establishments produced by graphic designers and programmers are known as virtual reality casinos. The games are accessed through specific programs, and players may use virtual reality devices to engage with one another and the dealers.
Payment of deposits and winnings is done online, just like it is in regular online casinos. If a genuine dealer is present, his primary responsibility is to foster a positive environment and guarantee that gamblers are engrossed in the game.
The game can only be fully accessed if the gambler has a VR headset and high-speed Web connection. Visitors to virtual gambling establishments may roam around the halls, converse with other s, modify the layout of the establishment at their leisure, and analyze statistics using a sophisticated interface.
In addition, the may alter the look of his 3D avatar based on his mood, allowing him to create the most daring visuals.
Pros and cons of VR casinos
The benefits of VR gambling houses include the ability to gather large companies in virtual reality to play poker or roulette 24/7. s can invite friends and arrange tournaments with cash prizes.
But the biggest perk of three-dimensional virtual casinos, of course, is the realism of everything that is happening.
Unlike Live casinos and ordinary online casinos, the visitor almost immediately plunges into the atmosphere of a gambling house, and the boundaries between the real and the invented world become blurred.
Virtual gambling houses also have several disadvantages. The biggest one is the lack of full-fledged projects with a varied menu and a large number of visitors. Many VR casinos that are just developing are limited to just a couple of games. The second disadvantage is the high cost of equipment, which the will have to fork out for. Prices for simple VR helmets start from $ 150-200. The third disadvantage is the low percentage of gambling houses implementing virtual reality technologies, which is why gamblers do not have the opportunity to choose and search for establishments with bonuses, promotions, and other pleasant additions.
Popular games and developers
Software for VR casinos is developed by such IT giants as NetEnt, NextGen Gaming, CSS EXE, and Microgaming.
In 2016, Microgaming presented the first VR roulette in London. The software transported the into outer space, in which the role of the dealer was performed by a robot. The Microgaming invention earned the ICE Totally Gaming award and instantly got into the list of the most anticipated hits.
The Swedish company NetEnt is another pioneer and innovator with 20 years of experience who has not stayed away from these innovative technologies. This developer not only works on virtual reality projects but also brings a unique 3D sound to them.
The company believes that one of the key aspects of attracting players is to create a high-quality sound. That is why the company plans to use 3D sound in future slots and casino igre.
At the ICE 2016 exhibition, NetEnt gave its visitors the opportunity to experience a unique gaming experience by demonstrating “Jack’s 3D World” (Jack 3DWORLD), which is based on the popular slot game “Jack and the Beanstalk”.
Effective Gear
As a rule, virtual reality technology is created using a special headset. Such devices include a special VR display that is worn on the head, headphones, or a helmet.
Examples of VR helmets:
- Oculus Rift
- Razer OSVR
- HTC Vive
- Sony PlayStation VR
- Samsung Gear VR
These gadgets isolate the player from extraneous sounds and light; they are also equipped with LED screens and a sound system. They are designed in such a way that external sounds and light do not penetrate through them; this allows the player to immerse himself in new experiences as much as possible.
The technology of these helmets has been developing rapidly since SEGA created its first virtual reality helmet 20 years ago.
To date, one of the most popular models is the Oculus Rift. It was developed by Oculus VR and has already gained great popularity among fans of video games.
What does the future hold in store?
Virtual casinos are already operating, so this is not something that belongs to the future. However, some major changes are expected to take place in the industry, including a more realistic transformation of traditional gambling establishments into VR gaming platforms. It is expected that this will also affect the physical casino industry, and more players are likely to move into the online gaming space. The online gambling business will have to adapt as virtual reality continues to develop.
Because gamblers need to be surprised regularly, the latest slots with a wide range of plots and realistic visuals will continue to emerge and excite consumers.
The virtual reality hardware is improving as fast as the software. Development and popularization of the special gear will enable more and more people to engage in virtual gambling.