Virtual Reality slots: Gaming or Gambling

Virtual reality is a trend in online gambling and it’s no wonder virtual reality slots are so intriguing as a concept.

13:08 13 July 2020

they allow players to have an extremely exhilarating and immersive experience, all without leaving their living room! Currently, VR technology isn’t commonly used in online casinos as the vast majority of players’ still play games with their smartphones, tablets, and desktops rather than investing in a VR headset.

 

In 2015 SlotsMillion was the first to launch a VR casino and it gained media attention quickly, however, the technology was still in its infancy and needed refining. Despite the technology being new, it was revolutionary and for the first time ever players could walk around the virtual casino floor, choosing which slot machines to play on, relax at the bar and socialise with other players and even enjoy the views out of the casino windows!

 

Another developer who threw their hat into the ring was NetEnt who developed VR versions of two of their most popular new online slots titles, Gonzo’s Quest and Jack and the Beanstalk. VR Technology is undeniably a different experience to regular slots, but not all would agree that it is a better experience overall, with many player preferring regular video slots which already have fantastic graphics. One of the biggest problems that in order to really have the best experience, players will need to have a VR headsets which a lot of players don’t have and are sometimes reluctant to purchase. Most people simply prefer the convenience of their smartphones to enjoy slots and thanks to slot apps, HD graphics are perfectly rendered and offer exceptional visual quality and smooth gameplay. 

 

However, as technology advances, the tides could soon be turning and it has been predicted that by 2022 the VR market is set to boom with more players from younger generations opting to give VR a try. 

 

The future of VR slots is set to be huge and could completely transform the way players enjoy slots, offering innovative bonus round action that will blow players away. The possibilities are endless, but some bonus rounds could include a football themed slot where you can run around the pitch, or a racing themed slot where players can drive around the course or even an intergalactic mission where players need to annihilate alien invaders. The whole slot industry could be completely transformed by unique bonuses that create an exceptional gaming experience. 

 

As some VR don’t offer the opportunity to bet real money just yet, some players believe that this means the games will be more akin to a video game than gambling, however, as the technology progresses and offers more opportunities to place bets and win money as well as enjoying innovative new bonus rounds, it will still fit firmly in the gambling category! Although VR slots haven’t yet reached their full potential just yet and still have hurdles to overcome, but the technology undoubtedly offers far too many benefits to players for it not to experience a surge in popularity in the coming years.