AR and VR Gambling in 2023

What is AR?

Augmented reality is a technological advance that allows players to experience a virtual reality from their smartphones. In doing so, the user can access a whole new dimension from their special devices, which allows them to see an artificial environment from their device.

The computer-generated imagery creates a virtual object or digital information that is added to the user’s environment in real-time. AR has been around for a while now, but only recently has been introduced into the world of online gambling. AR was first discussed in 1968 in a PhD thesis of human-computer interaction. In the 1970s, AR was used to develop computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

Tom Caudell and David Mizell played a big role in driving AR use forward in the industrial market. In 1990, the duo generated artificial augmented reality to create reading instructions on how to replacement large plywood boards in a construction. Since then, it has expanded into the gaming industry and other markets such as fashion, healthcare and aerospace. One of the most popular mobile games that uses augmented reality is Nintendo’s Pokémon GO app. It shows real life environment backgrounds whilst players have to chase and catch visually generated monsters on their device.

What is VR?

Virtual reality is slightly different to AR. It requires a headset device that the user wears to cover their eyes. Once wearing the headset, the user is taken to a virtual environment. VR is more advanced than AR, as it takes users to a virtual world. The user is surrounded by 3D images, sounds, smells and so on. Players are able to move around the virtual world interacting with the objects that they find and talk to its other inhabitants.

The Metaverse

The metaverse is a virtual universe where people can do a number of different activities. The activities in the metaverse include working, playing, shopping and socializing. In the metaverse, users may have to create an avatar of themselves that can interact in different activities with computer-generated environments and other users. Essentially, the metaverse is the term used to describe a virtual world.

How AR and VR Compare

Both AR and VR are similar technologies and can become confusing for people that are unfamiliar with the technology. The two technologies certainly share a lot with one another, but there are important differences that must be understood.

Augmented reality uses the real world as its background and it adds virtual objects to it. AR can add items, characters, audio or so on to everyday surroundings. For example, you may look at the world through your smartphone screen and see virtual objects superimposed on it. AR is easier to develop because there is no need to create any backgrounds. Instead, the user’s environment is the background.

Virtual reality, on the other hand, is more sophisticated. The user uses a VR headset to transport them into a virtual world. In the virtual world, they will also find characters, audio and an interface. However, even the background is virtual. In other words, all elements of the real world are removed and the user is transported into the virtual alternative.  

How AR and VR affect the Betting Industry

Although it is still early days for VR to leave its footprint on the gaming industry, the technological advances have started transforming the industry bit by bit. There are already several virtual casinos that players can enter with the help of a VR headset. VR users can join a virtual casino, walk through the casino doors, participate in tournaments or simply just enjoy meeting other avatar users on the gaming floor. Two headsets that allow players to join virtual casinos are Oculus Quest 2 and HTC Vive. Players will be able to sit at a blackjack table, spin slots, play roulette and so on, all within the walls of a virtual casino.

AR has been used in the iGaming industry for some time now. For example, there are many live dealer games that combine a live playing environment with digitally generated additions. These can be simple, such as the display of cards, or they can be more advanced, such as characters that are introduced in gameshows.

What AR and VR Gambling have in store for 2023

As we head into the New Year, it is clear to see that online operators will begin to include immersive virtual reality powered gambling at their sites. VR is still in its infancy as only a few games have been created. However, we can expect 2023 to introduce more VR games to online casinos that offer the virtual experience.

Furthermore, AR and VR casinos will also look to introduce more benefits of playing at the virtual casino. This could be in the shape of loyalty rewards, promotions and bonuses and the introduction of more advanced technology to give the user an even more immersive experience. As the cost of VR headsets continue to drop, casinos are likely to take advantage of this. They may introduce more gamification elements that make use of VR that serve to increase players’ engagement and improve retention.

One example of this is the metaverse, where players can have a unique casino-like experience. Players that are using a VR headset will be transported to a virtual realm where VR casino games are surrounding them.

A massive contribution towards the steps of AR and VR in online gambling was the introduction of cryptocurrencies. The virtual money has added a level of privacy to online gaming and also increased transaction speeds. The aim of introducing AR and VR to the online gambling sector is to improve the player’s experience. Furthermore, the player can enjoy a true casino-like experience from their device. It is certainly more advanced than just live dealer games.

AR Use at Online Casinos

The introduction of AR at online casinos gives players the chance to place bets and complete against other AR or VR users. Furthermore, players can create an AR environment for certain casino games and play against their friends’ avatars.

AR casinos have not yet taken off, but they are on their way. It is expected that within the next few years, AR will become the norm at online casinos. The infant introduction of AR has already began revolutionizing the gaming industry. Players that have played AR games are amazed at how they can see what is below their cards and enjoy exclusive casino games for AR users.

VR Use at Online Casinos

Virtual reality is also only taking its baby steps for the time being. However, the assumption is that casinos will begin to integrate the unparalleled experience into their portfolio. The aim of using VR in online gambling is giving players the same experience as if they were at a brick-and-mortar casino.

The aim is that users will eventually be able to play at virtual casinos that are populated by thousands of other VR gamers. VR will give players the added realistic feeling of sitting at a casino. When playing slots, VR users will be able to look around them and interact with the player sitting next to them at the next slot machine. Furthermore, players that are sat at a poker table will be holding the cards in their hands. If they want to look at their cards, they will have to physically reveal them using their hands, much as they would in a real poker room.

Possible Threats

AR and VR has a fantastic future ahead of it, although it certainly has a few obstacles to overcome. Firstly, the technology required is quite expensive, particularly for VR users. The VR headsets are not cheap and at the moment this is a major obstacle to uptake.

Furthermore, there are not that many AR and VR casinos. To truly test whether the new advances will become widespread, a lot more players will have to become involved. The online gambling market will only begin to advance once a serious interest is shown towards AR and VR online gaming.

To Conclude

AR and VR gambling are likely going to improve the online gaming industry going into 2023. More online casinos are expected to host both augmented and virtual reality games and environments.