Virtual Reality Casinos
An estimated 50 million people visit a casino each year. Land-based venues have their own appeal, but many players would prefer to enjoy their favorite casino games at home. Online casinos have grown substantially in popularity, yet most do not recreate the atmosphere of a casino in an authentic way. That's where VR technology comes in.
Online casinos that use virtual reality (VR) can create a more convincing casino atmosphere with three-dimensional environments. Players may experience sights, sounds, and sensations associated with a real casino. VR casinos are still in their early stages, though the technology was expected to reshape the online casino industry within the next decade.
History of Virtual Reality Gaming
Virtual reality has a long and complex history. Some experts believe its most primitive form dates back to the 1860s. Some of the earliest modern VR machines, however, appeared in the early 1960s. One was the Sensorama, created with stereoscopic color displays, stereo sound, odor emitters, fans, and a motion chair.
By the late 1960s, Bob Sproull and Ivan Sutherland had built the first head-mounted display, called The Sword of Damocles. It was too heavy to wear directly, so it had to hang from the ceiling.
Arcade developer Atari later produced one of the earliest first-person combat games to use VR technology. Battlefield put players in control of a tank that had to defend itself against other tanks and missiles. The game featured 3D graphics and goggles worn over the face.
By the 1990s, Sega had introduced its Sega VR system for arcade games, followed by Nintendo's Virtual Boy in 1995. Palmer Luckey developed the first Oculus Rift prototype in 2010, featuring rotational tracking. In 2016, more than 230 companies were reportedly working on VR products.
Equipment Needed to Use VR
Anyone planning to try VR at an online casino that offers the technology will need suitable equipment. Generally, this means a headset, headphones, and sensors. A controller may also be needed, with buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks for operating the game.
Your computer can significantly affect the gaming experience, and system requirements differ among online casinos. A powerful desktop is generally needed, typically with a GeForce GTX 970 or better and a CPU greater than or equivalent to an Intel Core i5 – 4590.
VR equipment is often sold in bundles with the essentials for getting started. Players willing to invest in the Oculus Rift can also consider devices such as the HTC Vive and Samsung Gear VR, which work with certain smartphones.
Online Casino Virtual Reality Games
Although virtual reality is becoming more familiar in gaming, relatively few online casinos offer it. Slots Million was among the early casinos to offer VR games and recommends the Oculus Rift for a more authentic casino experience.
One of the first VR games from leading software provider NetEnt was Starburst. More VR releases followed, including popular titles such as Gonzo’s Quest and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Virtual reality casino games aren't limited to slots. VR blackjack and roulette are also popular options at online casinos. In a VR environment, players may feel as if they are in a real casino, able to pick up chips, spin a roulette wheel, collect bets, and take other actions.
Playing Online Virtual Reality Casino Games
To start a VR casino game, first register an account at an online casino that offers the technology. Then download the casino application directly to your computer. VR goggles aren't always required, but you will miss the full virtual reality experience without them.
Once the game starts, you can see and interact with other people playing the same VR game, and they can see you too. Your privacy is protected because other players cannot see your game screen. A VR casino may include familiar online casino features such as bonuses and other promotions. When you're finished, press Esc on your keyboard to exit the game.
Virtual reality has become a popular kind of online casino entertainment. It gives avid gamblers a way to experience aspects of a land-based casino without leaving home. The equipment needed for virtual reality casino games can be expensive, but many players consider the cost worthwhile.
