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Virtual Reality is a computer technology to generate a fully immersive, simulated environment.
The VR was first mentioned in 1960; and in 1962, the American filmmaker Morton Heilig introduced the first system of artificial reality – the Sensorama simulator. It was a huge machine actually looked like a slot machine, that allowed users to dip into a different, odd world.
How Gambling Applies VR
Over time, Virtual Reality has become a separate branch of IT, and its new solutions have been actively used in different spheres: education, filmmaking, trading and, of course, gambling.
Lately, VR gambling has become of great demand in the online space. This can be attributed to the sense of presence and immersion into the casino atmosphere, no matter where players are.
Thus, with the necessary equipment, everyone has opportunity to visit a favourite casino without leaving home. At the same time, all that happen seem absolutely real. You can move around the gaming halls and make bets, watch the roulette wheel spinning, chat and hear voices of live dealers. That’s what lures players and motivates software developers to implement innovative VR solutions into the gambling projects.
The First VR Casino
In 2015, gambling industry was literally revolutionised by a mind-blowing solution – the world’s first VR online casino. The company SlotsMillion run it in testing mode and soon noticed the success of the sensational novelty.
The VR casino project was designed in collaboration with Malta Gaming Authority and presented at the world-famous gambling expo EIG in Berlin. Everyone could try out this breakthrough casino experience by wearing a special headset Oculus Rift costing from $300.
SlotsMillion‘s virtual world comes as enourmous space located on the top of a skyscraper with panoramic views over the city at night. Here you can stroll through the spacious halls with more than 40 slot machines, and then sit down at a table by the window and chat with friends.
In addition, the players can download a special app on the computer and put themselves in the virtual reality casino even without using expensive Oculus’ devices. Players will get a 360-degree view, vivid 3D graphics and a chance to win real money on the colorful slots.
VR in the Near Future: Projections
According to experts of Goldman Sachs, VR technology will become increasingly worthwhile during the next 10 years. And while the main ongoing issue of the VR industry is the high cost of the equipment, the experts predict a price decline at least twice followed by bulk selling of essential gadgets by 2028. At the same time, the total virtual gambling market revenue will exceed $110 billion by 2025.
The promising and not yet fully explored Virtual Reality industry can completely wreck the world of gambling. Overall, that means that game developers will be enthusiastically adopting the VR technology and gradually go away from the standard video slots, which will allow them to build a profitable business based on the VR casinos.
Given all the advantages of Virtual Reality, Slotegrator experts believe that it’s a high time to start moving to the innovative technologies and establishing the next-generation casinos. Before virtual reality went mainstream, operators still can surprise the players and distinguish their casinos from the competitors.
Source: European Gaming Industry News
