The gambling industry has benefited greatly from all the technological achievements of the past twenty five years. When the World Wide Web became readily available to the general population in the mid-90s, casinos quickly adapted - we've seen the
the first online gaming platforms to appear as early as 1996. Casinos that can be used by mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets were the natural continuation of a great success and the number of portable gamblers is still increasing today.
So what's the next technological innovation that can help the online gambling industry reach new heights?
Many experts believe that virtual reality and augmented reality they will play an important role in the world of gambling, and this is exactly the topic we will explore today.
What are VR and AR?
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulation technology that puts you in a fully simulated environment, separate from the outside world, and that allows you to fully immerse yourself in a digital environment. By putting on a headset and using equipment with motion sensors,
it is possible to interact in various simulation modes with real situations through the use of computers and the aid of specially developed interfaces.
Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, allows you to interact with objects in the real world, but these objects can also be digitally enhanced. In other words, AR is virtual reality mixed with reality: a
classic and well-known example of AR is the video game for smartphones Pokemon GO.
VR and AR in casinos today
Many casinos have already started experimenting with VR and AR. However, we do not yet have any VR or AR casinos that officially use this technology, but we can already imagine what they will be like.
Basically, players will be able to put on their headphones and log into a VR casino site. Each casino operator will have their own virtual environment featuring games such as video slots, roulette, blackjack and others.
Players will be able to select games and interact with virtual elements in the same way as they do with real elements in traditional casinos: lower the lever of a slot machine or throw chips and cards into the center of the table.
It will be like visiting a real casino, but you can do it from the comfort of your sofa.
Augmented reality plans to further enhance this experience. It will allow players to watch other players seated at the table, shake hands with the dealer and look around the casino room to see what is happening at other tables.
The system that comes closest to this type of experience today is provided by online casinos which are equipped with live dealer platforms. These platforms integrated into the casino website allow you to play roulette, blackjack, baccarat and other games via
live streaming and interacting with a real dealer who is filmed working on a real game table in the casino's recording studio.
A further evolution of this LIVE functionality took place in the form of the so-called “dual-play” games, in which, instead of in the casino studio, the game tables are taken up in real traditional casinos. You can therefore play at the same table at the same time as other real-life players who physically sit there.
When can we expect the opening of the VR and AR casinos?
VR and AR casinos haven't hit the scene yet, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them appear for the next year or so. Certainly there are some obstacles that need to be removed, the most important of which is mainly the cost of the operation. VR and AR hardware (headphones or glasses) is still very expensive and not available to everyone. In fact, it is not enough that casinos are equipped on the server side to offer this technology, but it is also essential that end users (players) have access to hardware peripherals at home. If the cost of these peripherals still remains high, it will be difficult to see a rapid spread of VR / AR technology.
The online casino industry has already geared up
Furthermore, the online casino industry is highly dependent on casual players, who may not be interested in playing this way. These gamers do not have large budgets for the game, so it seems unlikely that they are willing to buy a VR headset just for the purpose of
play virtual casino games.
For this reason, online casinos have already equipped themselves to propose promotional marketing campaigns to attract as many players as possible. If you are interested in finding out all the latest offers from licensed casinos in Italy, please visit wincasinobonus.com
Despite these obstacles, major macroeconomic forecasting agencies predict that VR and AR will catch on and that this new technology could define the future of online gambling.
Virtual and augmented reality are already being used in video games, sports, betting platforms, education, fashion, construction and many other industries. The integration of this technology into online casinos is only a matter of time and is something that gambling enthusiasts are really looking forward to trying.
