Virtual Reality Casinos
An estimated 50 million people visit a casino every year. Land-based venues have their own appeal, but many players would prefer to enjoy their favourite casino games at home if they could. Online casinos have become much more popular, yet most do not recreate an authentic casino atmosphere. This is where VR technology comes in.
Online casinos that use virtual reality (VR) can create a more convincing casino atmosphere with a three-dimensional setting. Players may experience sights, sounds, and sensations associated with a real casino. VR casinos are still in their early stages, although the technology was expected to transform 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. Around that time, the Sensorama was developed with stereoscopic colour displays, stereo sound, odour emitters, fans, and a motion chair.
By the late 1960s, Bob Sproull and Ivan Sutherland had created the first head-mounted display, called The Sword of Damocles. It was too heavy to wear directly, so it had to be suspended from the ceiling.
Arcade developer Atari later made 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 viewing goggles worn over the face.
By the 1990s, Sega had introduced its Sega VR system to 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
If you plan to try VR at an online casino that offers it, you 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 requirements vary between 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. If you are ready to invest in the Oculus Rift, you could also consider the HTC Vive and Samsung Gear VR, which work with certain smartphones.
Online Casino Virtual Reality Games
Virtual reality is becoming more familiar in gaming, but 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. Other VR releases followed, including well-known games such as Gonzo’s Quest and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Virtual reality casino games extend beyond slots. VR blackjack and roulette are also popular at online casinos. In a VR setting, players may feel as if they are standing in a real casino, able to pick up chips, spin a roulette wheel, collect bets, and carry out 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 are not always required to play, but without them you will miss the full virtual reality experience.
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 are finished, press Esc on your keyboard to stop the game.
Virtual reality has become a popular form of online casino entertainment, letting keen gamblers experience aspects of a land-based casino from home. The equipment for virtual reality casino games can be expensive, but many players consider it worth the cost.
