The iGaming industry encompasses a range of fully licensed and regulated real-money gambling sites that are legally permitted to operate in one or more countries.
Here is a closer look at whether VR (Virtual Reality) technology will ever come to dominate the industry and become commonplace at online casinos, sportsbooks, lottery & bingo sites, and dedicated poker sites.
How close is VR coming to dominating the iGaming industry?
iGaming industry operators, game development studios, software providers, regulators, and testing agencies/auditors are constantly at the forefront of innovative new technological developments, and according to some industry experts, 2024 could be the year when VR technology becomes more mainstream in this industry.
More people than ever are purchasing wearable and VR and AR/MR (Augmented Reality/Mixed Reality) devices, and there are a growing number of companies attempting to take online casino gaming to the next level by developing state-of-the-art games that are compatible with these devices to make the experience for the gamer more immersive than ever.
VR technology is expected to help shape the industry over the coming years as more people switch to playing in a digital environment using their wearable headsets rather than playing their favourite online casino games from a Wi-Fi/internet-connected smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. The same is true of gaming in general, with leading titles like PUBG very likely attempting to incorporate VR into their game as soon as possible.
Other important technological developments that will help VR become more mainstream in the iGaming industry are AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning (ML) systems and tools, blockchain networks, and cryptocurrency wagering.
Some online casino operators worldwide have already started exploring the many possibilities VR games can offer compared to what traditional online casino gambling from a desktop or mobile device offers.
It’s still early days yet, but the adoption of VR/AR technology in the iGaming industry is closer than ever, and things are likely to speed up in 2024.
Can I play VR casino games today?
Yes and no. You can play VR casino games using your wearable VR/AR device. However, they are only free-to-play VR casino games, where you can’t gamble using real money. Examples include VR Slots 3D, Social Club VR, Blackjack Bailey VR, and Vega Infinite, to name a few.
You can also play mini-casino games like slot machines and a few table & card games in some of today’s high-end, more graphically demanding triple-A games like The Sims 3, Watch Dogs, in any of the Red Dead Redemption games, and Grand Theft Auto. These games also only use a free-play balance, not real money.
What’s the best way to experience casino games in a virtual world environment?
The best way to experience online casino games in a virtual environment would be to sign up to any of the top-rated casino sites featured on the official casinos.com review site and then hook up your VR or AR device to your desktop computer or mobile device.
All you have to do then is log in to your online casino account, select a game to play, and then enjoy the action from your wearable AR/VR device for a more immersive experience.
What are the best online casino games to play using my VR/AR headset?
It all depends on what game you want to play. For example, if you enjoy playing feature-rich slots with big jackpots, exciting in-play bonus features, and free spins bonus rounds, then you may want to start by heading straight to the slots section at whichever casino you decide to sign up to.
If you want to take your VR casino experience to the next level, you might want to start in the live dealer casino, where you can interact with the dealers in real-time with uninterrupted 24/7 live-streamed casino games.
Some of the best live dealer games out there today are from award-winning providers, such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, OnAir Entertainment, and Authentic Gaming, to name just a few.
These cutting-edge games are not computer-generated and don’t use sophisticated (and frequently tested) Random Number Generators (RNGs) to produce the outcomes.
If you prefer playing computer-generated slots, table & card games, scratchcards, arcade games, or bingo/lottery style games, which do rely on RNGs to produce the outcomes, some of the hottest titles to play in 2024 include the following hit titles:
- Big Bass Splash online slot from Reel Kingdom and Pragmatic Play
- Book of Dead online slot from Play’n GO
- Cash ‘N Riches WowPot Megaways online slot from Triple Edge Studios and Games Global
- Diamond Mine Megaways Jackpot King online slot from Blueprint Gaming
- Starburst online slot from NetEnt
- Buffalo Blitz II online slot from Playtech
- Gonzita’s Quest online slot from Red Tiger Gaming
Most online casinos today have anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 or more games to choose from, and these are just some of the hottest slots you may like to try before trying any others.
I’m thinking about getting a VR headset; what should I get?
If you’re looking to spend some money on a top-of-the-range VR headset to find out what all the fuss is about, then you may want to consider getting a Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, HTC Vive Pro 2, Meta Quest Pro, Valve Index VR Kit, or PlayStation VR2.
And what VR games are worth checking out if I do get one of these VR headsets?
The most popular VR games many players can’t seem to get enough of in 2024 are hit tiles, including Half-Life: Alyx, Resident Evil 4, No Man’s Sky, Beat Saber, Superhot VR, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Final thoughts
There is huge potential for VR in the iGaming industry. Players will one day be able to play their favourite casino games in a virtual environment and meet up with their friends, deposit, play games, and withdraw their winnings, but only in the VR casinos of tomorrow.
Regular online casinos will continue to dominate for the time being. They will always be around, but VR casinos will soon start popping up for players looking for a more immersive experience.
When gambling with real money at an online casino, remember to set a reasonable budget before playing. Many online casinos today also have one or two safer gambling tools available, which you should always take advantage of by setting up limits and controls from the moment you sign up anywhere.
Finally, never chase your losses, always gamble responsibly and sensibly, and take frequent session breaks in between playing.