The trend of playing games change with time as more technological advancements take place. Few decades back handheld video games were very popular, then came computer games, and now the trend has shifted to virtual reality (VR) where a computer-generated scenario simulates a realistic experience. The immersive environment can be similar to the real world in order to create a life like experience grounded in reality or sci-fi. Augmented reality systems may also be considered a form of VR that layers virtual information over a live camera feed into a headset, or through a smartphone or tablet device.
Current VR technology most commonly uses virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments, sometimes in combination with physical environments or props, to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment.
VR Equipment
A person using virtual reality equipment can “look around” the artificial world, move around in it, and interact with virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by VR headsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens.
VR systems that include transmission of vibrations and other sensations to the user through a game controller or other devices are known as haptic systems. This tactile information is generally known as force feedback in medical, video gaming and military training applications.
Today players love to play VR games with many gears and Oculus Rift Goggles which cost you anywhere from $400 to $800. Soon when the price will go more down as popularity increases every household will have multiple such hardwares to play games at home.
Coming to the question what impact virtual reality could have on online casinos?
As you know online casinos or online poker rooms offer players so many varieties of games to be played either for free or with real money. While there are already some virtual reality features out there, the idea in its entirety is still in the infant stages. Right now, there are few online casinos that advertise themself as virtual reality casino like the SlotsMillion Casino, that boost VR game to play with real money.
There are more than 40 popular games available in VR. You can download the casino app, log-in with your SlotsMillion account, and experience your favourite online casino in virtual new world.
You can play with or without Goggles. The SlotsMillion virtual casino application recognizes whether you have the goggles plugged in or not. Without goggles, you will see the virtual casino in 3D on your computer.
The future of Virtual Reality at Online Casinos
Virtual reality has the future potential to make you feel as if you are actually in the casino, and not sitting anywhere else. In addition, a virtual casino offers the possibility of meeting new players; that you are sitting next to at a certain table. This is not a realistic expectation for an online casino in its current form. This difference alone could be responsible for bringing millions of lonely people from all over the globe together; even if they don’t want to gamble. As you make friends with social media accounts; virtual reality would be perhaps the social medium where people will meet others; and make friends and socialize to play games together in future.
Like online casinos attract more players; because of ease of access to games sitting at home; and not to venture out to land casinos; and play games with mobile or PC; virtual reality too will be attractive and draw more players to its side.
There is one feature that provides an exception to this rule known as Live Dealer games. These games allow you to play casino games from your home or a mobile phone; with the help of an actual human dealer via webcam in another remote location. While these Live Dealer games do provide a little more human interaction; they don’t come close to what the virtual reality games could potentially do. Even though you are communicating with these dealers via webcam, it feels like more of a FaceTime video chat than an actual casino experience.
Poker is a skill game
Virtual reality also would have a different impact on online poker games. Even though these are both forms of gambling in some sense; online casinos do not involve other players in any way; since you are only playing against the house at all times. The fact that you play against other players; and don’t have to compete against a house edge is what allows poker to qualify as a “skill game”.
Even though there is currently less “skill” involved in online poker; compared to casino poker since you cannot physically see your opponents; virtual reality presents the possibility that this could soon be a thing of the past.
It is not impossible that shortly you will just be able to throw on an Oculus Rift headset, and and suddenly be sitting in a virtual room; at a virtual poker table full of other real humans who got into this alternate reality using the same headsets.
Imagine how fun it would be to throw a virtual chair out a virtual window with zero consequences; when you lose a big hand. Envision being able to see the pain on your opponent’s faces for once while playing online poker.
Visualize how fun it must be to exist and interact with others in a virtual world; while you are making real money for real-life fun. Therefore online casinos will soon have virtual reality games and make more of an impact in a gaming environment.
