When it comes to technology, the gambling industry is certainly no stranger to this. It has been at the forefront of these since the internet came into being, and online casinos have developed to the extent that the experience is phenomenal. Now, online operators are eyeing up the future. As they’ve already started to embrace augmented, and virtual, reality there is plenty more to come in the future.
As you read on, we’re going to explore just what AR and VR are. We’re also going to look at how they’re being used right now in online casinos, and what we can expect to see in the future.
Both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have so much to offer to the online casino experience. As just one example, by using VR technology, people can enjoy many versions of blackjack from the comfort of their homes. This isn’t the same as the games that we’ve been used to: these games are immersive in a way that never seemed possible just a few years ago.
What is augmented reality?
Before we go too far looking at how AR and VR are impacting online casinos, it’s worth being sure of what these terms actually mean. While tech fans are likely to be crystal clear on this, for some people it all remains a slight mystery.
With AR, this is defined as something that offers an enhancement of the real world. It is achieved by using digital devices, including smartphones, smart glasses and tablets. These devices augment reality by adding sights and sounds to what’s already around you in the real world. To experience these sights and sounds, you need to use your digital device.
One of the best examples of AR can be seen by looking at the game, Pokémon GO. This was a game that captured the imagination of people around the world and became a real craze. It saw people using mobile devices and viewing their surroundings via the camera. They could see all that everyone else could, but with the addition of Pokémon which they could go on and catch and do battle with.
How about virtual reality?
When looking at VR, this can be seen as going one step further than AR. That’s because, rather than just augmenting reality, you get to immerse yourself in a completely new digital world. This is done through the use of VR headsets.
Most people have a degree of understanding when it comes to VR. That’s because we’ve long been exposed to this concept thanks to certain popular moves. There have also been VR headsets for sale for some time now. The Oculus Rift was launched back in 2016. At the time, this came with a hefty price tag, but this has since started to tumble.
How to take advantage of AR and VR right now
If you’re keen to get in now and start to enjoy all that AR and VR have to offer, there are already a host of devices that you can choose from. Just some of these include:
- Value Index (VR headset)
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 (AR glasses)
- Google Pixel 2 (AR smartphone)
- Google Pixel 2 XL (AR smartphone)
- Magic Leap One (AR glasses)
- Oculus Quest 2 (VR headset)
- Asus Zenfone AR (AR smartphone)
- HTC Vive Cosmos (VR headset)
The VR online casinos of today
Did you know that there are already VR casinos online? Admittedly, they only form a very small percentage of the total number of casinos that there are to play at, but they do exist nonetheless. These online casinos are at the cutting edge. They are experimenting with the technology that’s available today meaning that they are perfectly placed to adapt and adjust to future developments.
The VR online casino experience today is a little limited, but it’s still impressive. One example is a site that places its focus on slot titles. Right now, you can opt to enter the VR section of the site, place on a VR headset and wander around the lobby.
You can explore the lobby, choose your games and then get on playing. The experience is certainly immersive, but it lacks slightly. The thing is, we’ve been hearing about how VR and AR will link into the metaverse. This is supposed to provide an environment where we can interact with others in a virtual world. As it stands with VR casinos right now, it’s a slightly lonely experience.
What does the future hold?
The first obvious advancement that we’re sure to see is to correct the slight weakness that exists now. VR casinos will become not just an immersive experience, but an interactive one too. This means that you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a social experience while playing your favourite casino games.
AR has the potential to add to the casino experience with things such as stats. It could be that you take your smartphone out and are met with an array of information relating to the slots that you play. It could be things like when it last paid out and how much the jackpot has increased since you last played.
With the VR side of things, we’re still in the early days of headsets. Right now, we can enter a lobby and we can play games. However, controls feel a little false as we’re tapping buttons just like in a video game. As tech develops, headsets will have the ability to track hand and finger movements. Imagine how real this could make a game of cards feel or how it could take slots to a whole new level.
Final thoughts
The technology already exists and some online casinos are already making the most of what VR and AR have to offer. However, it’s worth noting that we’re still in the early days of this. What we can be sure of is that things will only improve. There is a real opportunity to completely transform the online casino experience, for the better and we won’t have long to wait.
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