Online gambling has come on in leaps and bound since it began in the 1990s. Back then, developers offered nothing more than basic slots and table games to the online market, allowing gamblers to enjoy simple gambling from their home computer. As technology has developed over the years, so has online gambling and you can now use virtual reality technology to enjoy the physical casino experience from the comfort of your own home. But what is the virtual reality technology and is it the future of casinos?
First Step: Live Casinos
The first step to virtual reality technology was actually live casinos. Just in case you’re unsure, a live casino allows players to enjoy live casino games from their own homes. When online casinos were first invented, some gamblers loved their accessibility but missed the atmosphere of a physical casino. When live casinos were invented, these players could have the best of both worlds and enjoy the thrill of a physical casino with the comforts of home-based betting. Typically, live casino games are carried out by a live dealer and the action is streamed online. Players can often interact with the dealer, and sometimes even the other players, through an online chatbox.
What is Virtual Reality?
So, let’s explore what virtual reality technology actually is. Virtual reality, or VR, is the use of digital technology to create a simulated environment. When used for online gambling, the simulated environment is typically the casino floor or private gaming room. Instead of just watching a screen in front of you, VR places you inside an experience and allows you to interact with the 3D world. Best described as an artificial world that can be entered by putting on a headset, virtual reality gambling is becoming more popular each day.
How Does it Work?
To use virtual reality technology, the first thing to do is put on your headset. Once you’ve done this, everything will turn black and a new screen will appear. It will then feel as though you’ve been transported to a new world where you can interact with your surroundings using your hands or a controller.
While all virtual reality gambling is unique, most VR casinos contain a range of slots online machines, basic table games and social spaces to converse with other players. Featuring funky background music to set the mood, VR casinos allow you to interact with other casino goers and get a land-based experience from the comfort of your own home. If you crave the atmosphere of a physical casino but don’t have time to travel, virtual reality gambling offers the perfect balance of online and brick-and-mortar establishments.
When using virtual reality technology, you can move around your new environment using your hands or a controller. You can then spend time exploring your surroundings before picking a slot or table game to play. Once you’re ready to start gambling, the process is pretty similar to a standard online game – you choose a machine and then use your hands to select different options on the table or slot.
Are Virtual Reality Casinos the Future of Online Gambling?
Currently, virtual reality users can enjoy a basic level of interaction with other players. However, it’s only a matter of time before companies develop this aspect further, allowing you to socialise with other players just as you would in a physical casino. With this in mind, the future of virtual reality is exciting and we can certainly see virtual reality technology becoming the future of casinos.
Currently, the most popular way to gamble is via a mobile, tablet or PC. However, virtual reality gambling could make these methods a thing of the past. Providing the benefits of both online and brick-and-mortar casinos, the virtual reality experience offers the best of both worlds.
There are many reasons why people prefer online gambling to visit a physical casino. For instance, it can be hard to use a land-based casino if you’re working anti-social hours. Those that live in a rural area might also find physical casinos inconvenient, particularly if they rely on public transport. In smaller villages, the last bus might return at 10pm, which isn’t ideal if you’re planning to gamble the night away. With virtual reality gambling, you can enjoy an evening of betting without having to travel home at the end of the night!
Obviously, virtual reality technology isn’t for everyone. To help you decide whether or not it’s right for you, let’s outline the virtual reality games pros and cons. The pros of VR technology are easy – you get the thrill of a physical casino with the comforts of home-based gambling. VR casinos are also perfect for those who enjoy physical casinos but are nervous to go on their own. If you fancy a night of betting but your mates are busy, hop on the VR console and place a few bets without having to interact with people. Of course, you can chat to other gamblers if you want to, but if you’d rather bet in peace that’s fine too. In our opinion, there are very few cons to virtual reality technology. Obviously, the virtual reality experience doesn’t replicate a physical casino exactly, so if you’re a die-hard fan of brick-and-mortar gambling, VR might not be for you. However, with technology developing every day, who knows what the future of virtual reality could bring.
Whatever the future holds, for now, you can try out casino games for yourself here at NetBet. Wide range of games including slot machines, the popular roulette, and online blackjack.
