Much in the same way Virtual Reality (VR) changed the recreational gaming industry, the adult gambling industry is poised to go through the same revolution. Unlike the years when Wii, PlayStation and other gaming systems went through the VR testing and growth stages, the inclusion of said VR technology seems to be tailor-made for people who want to play games of chance for real cash online.
This has been a concept in the making for over four years. Back in 2015, leading online gambling software developer Microgaming began toying with the idea of creating a VR adult gambling environment for online gamblers. While the initial technology was crude when introduced, the idea received rave reviews and the full support of the gambling community. With that said, great progress has been made in the last four years. Soon, online gamblers will have more options other than claiming bonuses like the ones available with online codes for Harrah’s to play regular online games of chance like video slots and Blackjack.
First VR Gambling Software Site
Towards the latter part of 2017, SlotsMillion was able to roll out the first fully function VR gambling environment. With the proper accessories (VR glasses/googles and game controller), gamblers were given the opportunity to stroll around in three-dimensions, looking for their favourite games of chance. Keeping in mind that everything was in the early stages of development, the VR site had and still has limited game options. The SlotsMillion VR gambling site currently offers access to games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and a limited selection of video slots.
While SlotsMillion gets credit for having the first VR gambling option, it has been generally considered fairly unremarkable, opening doors for other software developers to make a move.
The World’s Top Software Companies Join the Fray
On the heels of SlotsMillion’s introduction, Netent announced the company was close to introducing its own VR gambling establishment. This was a significant announcement given Netent’s standing as one of the top software developers in the online gambling industry. Alongside Microgaming’s continuing efforts to introduce its own version of an online VR gambling environment, it was becoming clear the gambling industry was committed to moving forward with VR technology.
As of early 2019, Netent was able to introduce its official online VR module with a number of the company’s top video slots serving as the centerpiece of the site’s gambling options. At the head of that list of games is the highly popular Gonzo’s Quest. With said gambling options already available, it’s looking like VR gambling sites will soon be the rage for an industry that’s been growing by leaps and bound.
The Next Step
While continuing to upgrade it VR module, Netent is toying with the idea of using VR technology in the games themselves. By concept, gamblers would be able to place themselves in the middle of an interactive video slot bonus game and fully participate in the action. The notion a slot player can physically shoot at targets and earn big bonuses is simply intriguing. By all indications, that day is coming sooner rather than later.