Virtual reality is a fairly new phenomenon. That is why it causes so much distrust as well as surprise. Some people perceive it as something out of science fiction, but some casino operators are actively introducing this technology in the gambling areas of their facilities.
With such rapid advances in technology, you can imagine that soon this phenomenon will be firmly entrenched in the casino world. Just imagine the opportunities offered by VR technology. You go to your favourite gambling venue, by a lucky chance it is Cookie Casino Canada, choose what to play, and then you are greeted by a dealer, who looks and feels just like a real person. He’s friendly with you, invites you to play, and there are other players around, you can’t tell from the live ones. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
The First VR Casino
The first VR casino appeared In 2015. It is possible to enter the virtual room without special glasses, using a PC or smartphone. However, in this case, the player will not get the effect of immersion.
The difference from the online casino is an attempt to fully imitate the work of a full-fledged institution. The user enters the hall through the main lobby. One can examine the furniture, walk up to the bar, watch other players or go straight to the betting. VR casinos are available:
- Slots.
- Roulettes.
- Card games.
VR Game Makers
Only a few companies are involved in the development of gambling games in VR. The first virtual reality slot is considered to be Starburst from NetEnt. Later, the provider released Jack and the Beanstalk, Gonzo’s Quest, and Scarface.
In 2016, Microgaming entered the VR gaming market. As part of ICE Totally Gaming, the provider introduced virtual roulette in a space setting. Users had the opportunity to interact with the chips. Then the provider received the award in the “Innovation of the Year” category largely due to the quality of graphics.
In 2018, the game PokerStars VR appeared on the Steam store. It was warmly received by users and gathered more than 1,200 positive reviews. In PokerStars VR you had to play not against the dealer, but against other users. Each participant could choose their own appropriate avatar. It was allowed to interact with the opponents – to communicate in a voice chat, throw different objects or shoot a gun. The honesty of the game was ensured by the certificate from iTech Labs. The audit showed unpredictability of the cards falling out.
In 2020 the developers added slots and blackjack to the game.
3D Slot Machines in Offline Casinos
The availability of gambling via the Internet has a positive effect on land-based casinos. Business owners have to come up with new ways to entertain visitors. Among the latest ideas are slot machines with real 3D. Features of such slots:
- 3D picture. Auto-stereoscopic technology allows you to create a three-dimensional image on the monitor without using special glasses. This is achieved by tracking the direction of the player’s gaze.
- Stereo system. Sound quality can be compared to the acoustics in cinemas. At home, the player will not be able to get the same result without the use of an expensive headset.
- Vibration. A special chair provides tactile feedback during each spin. Thanks to the vibration, the user gets a new experience, it also eliminates the feeling of fatigue after long sessions.
On the Prospects of VR
If the player has not yet had time to buy a VR helmet, it is better to wait for a little. A few solutions will take the technology to the next level and then maybe users will get a fully immersive experience.
Coronavirus
The pandemic has negatively impacted many industries. While movie theaters and tour operators froze business, other areas benefited. According to Yandex’s Wordstat, the number of “online casino” queries in March 2020 was more than 978,000. This is 83% more than the year before.
The growth in popularity of casinos is due to the cancellation and postponement of sporting events. Some betting customers have shifted to betting in slots, poker and other games. Another reason is self-isolation – it has provided an influx of users looking for a new pastime at home. Slot makers and online casinos have had to compete even harder to offer diverse and better entertainment options.
Contributions from major companies to VR
The technology race is in full swing. Oculus is not the only team interested in virtual reality. Sony develops its own products; in March 2020, the number of PSVR devices sold reached 5 million. After the release of the PlayStation 5, the company should announce a new helmet.
Valve also has its own headset. The company offers users the Index for $999. At the beginning of 2020, about 149,000 devices were released, but because of the high hype around the game Half-Life: Alyx helmets quickly sold out. Warehouses were empty in February, and new products did not arrive until March.
Conclusion
VR helmets should be considered for those users who have stopped enjoying playing online casino games and are looking for a new experience. The best headset is considered the Valve Index, but if the price is a bit embarrassing, then you should wait for the new devices to be introduced by Oculus and Sony.
