Since the rise of online and mobile gambling, many gamers have long debated over what’s better; land-based or online. However, a new form of casino has since emerged; virtual reality casinos. If you’re looking to learn more about virtual reality casinos, including how they work and where you can find them, continue reading our handy guide right here.
Before we explain anything else, you’re going to need to know what virtual reality (VR) is. Essentially, virtual reality is an interactive and computer-generated experience that takes place in a simulated environment which can either appear similar to the real world or can be completely different. Instead of viewing a screen in front of you, you’re placed into a 3D world you can interact with.
VR technology is normally accessed via special headsets and headphones that stimulate your visual and auditory senses. There are some virtual reality sets that also include controllers for more interactivity, and some of the most prominent VR headsets are the Oculus, PlayStation VR and VR2, and the HTC Vive.
The majority of VR headsets have been used for video games and gaming-like experiences, but there some headsets have been used for other purposes. For example, many medical practitioners, hospitals, and clinics have begun using VR technology for training and education, and this applies to a number of other industries too.
Virtual reality is still a new technology, but some casino developers have been working hard to create fun and exciting VR casino games. At the time of writing, there are few virtual reality casino games, but this is expected to change as the technology grows over the next few years.
Mobile slots are some of the most popular games to play, and VR slots use the same traditional mechanics of spinning reels to match symbols and make wins. The only difference here is that, depending on the game and casino, you’ll either be playing a slot machine within a virtual casino or you’ll be transported directly into the slot’s environment.
For example, NetEnt’s Jack’s VR World game – based on the NetEnt Jack And The Beanstalk slot – transports you directly into the world of the slot, with Jack’s shack to the left and a giant slot machine directly ahead. Jack, meanwhile, remains beside the slot and reacts to your wins and losses.
VR blackjack games are similar to the versions played at mobile casinos, with the added mechanic that you’ll have to reach out and place chips on the table yourself using controllers. Otherwise, VR blackjack games will follow all of the same rules unless you’re playing a specific variation of the game.
Similar to VR blackjack games, virtual reality roulette can require you to interact with your environment by moving and placing casino chips to designate your bet. Some may even allow you to throw roulette balls onto the roulette wheel to begin a game, making these VR games much more fun and immersive than traditional mobile games.
It’s important to point out that most of the above casino games – excluding the video slots we mentioned above – will usually transport you into a casino environment where you can play these games. In the majority of these cases, you’ll be alone in the virtual casino.
If you’re looking to play at VR casinos, it’s important you understand that you’ll need specific equipment to play, and it won’t be cheap. To play at virtual reality casinos, players will need the following:
As we mentioned above, many VR headsets come in bundles that include the headset and headphones, and some might also include controllers. The headsets that work best with VR casinos are the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, the Valve Index, and the Samsung Gear VR.
The price of VR headsets can vary depending on the bundle you buy, and buying the headset alone will be much cheaper than buying large bundles. Still, prices can start at a few hundred pounds to well over £1,000.
Alongside the above, you’re going to need a very powerful computer in order to access virtual reality casinos and play with real money, as they require a lot of resources to run. If you do not have a powerful computer, as in a powerful gaming computer, then you’ll likely run into problems when trying to access and play at virtual reality casinos.
Finally, you’re going to need to have registered with a mobile casino that runs a virtual reality casino platform. The casino will need to be licensed by the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom to ensure your safety. What’s more, you’re going to have to have verified your account via the casino’s KYC and Source Of Funds checks and have deposited through any of the accepted mobile casino payment methods.
As we mentioned above, you generally require a powerful computer in order to access virtual reality casinos and play with real money. This means that you won’t necessarily be able to play at virtual reality casinos on mobile since the majority of them just aren’t powerful enough despite the advanced in smartphone technology.
However, there are some free-to-play downloadable mobile apps that allow you to play at low-quality virtual reality casinos. Unfortunately, these virtual reality mobile casino apps do not allow for real-money gambling; they’re completely social and free. What’smore, these apps will also require a headset, although these won’t cost as much as computer headsets.
Virtual reality casinos offer plenty of fun and interesting features for you to play around with and enjoy. As mentioned, virtual reality casinos transport you into a fully-interactive 3D environment, but they also offer numerous other advantages. Check them out below:
As we’ve mentioned before, virtual reality casinos are still in their infancy, which means that developers are still working out how to provide players with the best experience and ironing out any kinks in their games or experiences.
Since everything is still quite new, some users may be disappointed to find that there’s a limited selection of games and experiences, the graphics aren’t as good or realistic as online gaming, and it can be expensive to enjoy due to the high upfront costs of headsets.
Now you understand how virtual reality casinos work and their general advantages and disadvantages, you may be wondering whether brick-and-mortar, mobile or virtual casinos are better.
We’ll be honest and tell you that, right now, mobile casinos are the best. The reason for this is that they offer a wider selection of real-money games to play, come with more UK casino bonuses, aren’t restricted due to physical space, and can be played anywhere and at any time without the need for expensive equipment.
However, virtual reality casinos are new and exciting, and playing virtual casino games offers you the chance to be part of something that’s still developing while enjoying the interactivity these casinos offer. Virtual reality is expected to grow rapidly in the future, so why not jump in early while you can?
As of 2022, there is currently only one casino that runs a virtual reality casino; SlotsMillion. The brand has become the first to release a virtual reality casino platform in which you’re transported into a virtual brick-and-mortar casino within a high-rise building where you can walk around and play games.
SlotsMillion is a mobile casino that offers all new users a generous welcome bonus. Alongside the virtual reality casino, the site is home to over 3,000 games, most of which are video slots. More information can be found in our SlotsMillion review right here.
Meanwhile, game developer NetEnt has dabbled into virtual reality casino gaming by releasing several of their famous slots as VR titles. Games like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Jack’s VR World are all playable in virtual reality and, as we mentioned above, these slot games feature interactive environments in which game characters react to your wins or losses by dancing, picking up prizes and more.
NetEnt and Microgaming demoed VR games at the ICE Totally Gaming event in 2016. NetEnt showed off their exciting slots games while Microgaming revealed a futuristic, space-themed roulette game. They also demoed a blackjack game in which a player can move chips, collect bets and spin the roulette wheel.
Casino providers are continually working on these games and developing new titles, and players who decide to start playing virtual reality casino games will see and experience frequent updates over the coming years.
We’re going to reiterate that virtual reality casino gaming is still in its infancy, which is why there’s a lack of mobile casinos offering a VR platform and a lack of virtual reality casino games too. However, as VR technology grows and advances and becomes more commonplace, we’ll likely see improvements in the visuals of virtual reality casinos, as well as more casino titles – including other table games like baccarat and even bingo – and platforms.
Unfortunately, we believe it’s going to be some time before any of this happens, and for now, you’re probably going to have to learn to enjoy what’s available right now. Thankfully, there are hundreds of other casino games available for you to play, including live casino games, which, like virtual reality titles, offer an immersive and fun experience but without the high upfront cost.
We’ve already covered this above, but virtual reality casinos allow you to play from home while receiving the full land-based casino experience. Many VR casinos allow you to interact with a 3D environment by collecting bets, spinning roulette wheels and placing chips.
Since virtual reality technology is still in its infancy, there are a limited number of games available. Some of the most recent virtual reality casino games include NetEnt’s Jack And The Beanstalk and Starburst, as well as a Microgaming-developed Roulette title.
Yes, you’ll be required to download software in order to play VR casino games. It’ll be some time before users will be able to play in-browser or through their smartphones or tablet devices since virtual reality casinos require lots of resources to work.
Yes! If you’re looking to play and enjoy a virtual reality casino, you’re going to need to purchase and use a compatible headset.
