Virtual Reality (VR) is nothing new. The first headset was created in 1968, but in over fifty years it has never quite taken off. Now, with companies such as Oculus, Google, HTC, and Sony all plowing money into the area, it seems that VR may finally be about to hit a home run. And, when it does land on the mainstage it will have the potential to affect almost every pastime and entertainment field you can think of, including online gambling. After a look into the potential effects of Artificial Intelligence in online gaming, we look at how VR might transform the space.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality is also called ‘augmented reality’. It is a combination of computer-generated images and real-life environment that are processed through VR glasses or goggles. The closest we have seen to VR without specialist headwear was Pokemon Go, where the characters popped into real-life environments such as your house or on the street. Once players saw the characters on their screen they tapped a few buttons and interacted with it. VR without the equipment, or with vastly slimmed down versions, is something all designers are working towards.

How Will Virtual Reality Affect Online Casinos?

With a virtual reality casino, which some game developers are working on now, once you don your VR glasses/goggles you will be taken to a real casino setting. You will be able to walk around and interact with the environment, playing anything from slots to roulette to baccarat, using your hands to bet and play. And, unlike a regular casino that has limitations of physical space, these online VR casinos will eventually have as many games as your favorite online casino. You will also be able to interact with other players, talk to a dealer, or maybe even head for the bar for a (virtual) drink.

The First Steps Have Been Taken

As the Nintendo Wii showed over ten years ago, motion-activated gameplay is more than just a passing fad. Components of VR technology already exist and are getting better every year. In console games, there are open-world environments that you can explore, much like you would explore virtual casinos. All the elements are there. It will just take one brave developer to put them all together and create the first virtual reality gambling experience. And, there’s a good chance that 2019 could be the year.