Virtual Reality (VR) is by no means a new technology. The term ‘virtual reality’ was first used in the mid 1980s, although the idea had been created decades before. The idea now, is the same as it always has been, to create a world where everything seems real. VR has been used in video games, 3D movies and amusement park rides but what effect has it had on the iGaming industry?
Virtual Reality and iGaming
Gambling has been around for 1000s of years, from Ancient China and Ancient Egypt to the present day. Some of the games first played centuries ago are still practiced in casinos, and in their online versions too.
As gambling has developed as an industry, gambling companies have tried to develop their product. Much like other industries, companies are always on the lookout for ways to entice customers to products or to improve their experience. For example, companies offer incentives to those who want to sign up such as the Ladbrokes australian bonus which can be used by new customers and gives them access to a variety of betting markets. This is a simple way to incentivise customers to sign up.
However, after sign up, companies want to improve their customer experience using new technologies. One such technology is VR.
Gambling with VR
VR in gambling can take many guises. To play, all the gamer needs is a 3D headset and a compatible online platform. As with any new technology, developers want to push the boundaries with the goal of making the experience as life-like as possible. This means that gamblers can feel like they are in a normal casino. They can interact with the dealers and have a drink and chat with other gamblers at tables. While, slot machines also appear as if real too and gamers can even hear the sounds of a casino as they walk from game to game..
What comes next in the VR gambling industry is up for debate; however with Vantage Market Research predicting that the VR market will grow to $37 billion by 2028, it seems that gamers can expect even more ways to gamble virtually in the future. As well as this, global companies such as Meta are putting millions into VR projects too, meaning the possibilities for gamers are endless.
You’re hired!
It’s not just the gamblers that can sample VR though. The MGM, casino and resorts, have used VR with potential employees. Faced with the prospect of voluntary attrition, the company felt VR was a good way to combat losing employees.The VR experience they were offering allowed applicants to see, hear and feel exactly what it would be like if they worked in resorts and casinos. A novel use of the technology.
New technology affects a lot of different aspects of our life and is put to use in many different industries. VR is an example of that, mainly used for entertainment purposes, it is carving out a niche in the casino industry too. So long as customers continue to use it, casinos will look for even more ways to integrate it into their product offering and keep their customers happy.