How Can We Expect VR to Impact the iGaming Industry?
Virtual reality and augmented reality are two of the most rapidly evolving technologies of our time. Virtual reality quickly evolved from a bit of kit you slot your phone into to a completely revolutionary bit of technology that has uses across multiple industries, including gaming. We already know about virtual reality gaming and devices like the Oculus, PlayStation VR, and recently, the Metaquest (the headset is geared towards the up-and-coming Metaverse) - but how will they impact iGaming? Let's explore.
More Realistic Experiences
One of the most exciting impacts of virtual reality technology on the iGaming industry relates to gameplay - virtual reality means a more realistic gaming experience. According to Statista, 17% of the world's population enjoy gambling frequently online - and more and more people are choosing to take a trip to a virtual casino rather than a land-based one. The one thing that the best mobile casinos lack is that realistic gaming experience, but virtual reality can change that.
If the iGaming industry uses virtual reality technology like the gaming industry already has - players would be able to immerse themselves into the online casino and walk around as if they were physically there. Currently, gamers can join online casinos using their mobiles which work great for gameplay, but the next step would be to make them a virtual reality experience.
There are already a few virtual reality online casinos, like the XR casino, that aim to welcome the future of virtual reality for iGaming. But most online casinos haven't breached the virtual reality barrier just yet.
Exponential Growth Potential
The players won't be the only people to benefit from virtual reality technology - online casinos can expect to see a rise in numbers as people move away from the land-based casino experience. There's an exponential growth potential - for any established or startup online casino - to harness the technology to drive traffic through the roof.
Land-based casinos already have plans to replicate their entire setup on an online platform like the Metaverse. The Metaverse is another emerging concept that combines virtual reality with 3D worlds to create one giant Metaverse. However, they're more for gaming rather than gambling - interactive casinos will no doubt pop up in the Metaverse as it rapidly advances.
2022 Virtual Reality Gaming Headsets
2022 should be an exciting year for iGaming, virtual reality, and even the Metaverse - which will combine the two industries - to create a new era of virtual iGaming. But you'll need a headset to dive into the fun. New virtual reality technology enters the market each month - below, you'll find some of the top-rated virtual reality headsets for 2022:
- Meta Quest 2
- Oculus Quest 2
- HTC Vive Pro 2
- PlayStation VR
You'll notice they all vary in price dramatically, with some of the more expensive models hitting the £1,000 mark. For the average gamer, one of the cheaper models is more than suitable.
Virtual reality and iGaming will soon be two peas in a pod. Mobile casinos are already so incredibly popular, so it makes perfect sense for them to take the plunge and trial virtual reality technology. The question is, how long will it take virtual reality technology to infiltrate the iGaming industry?
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