Online casinos are always trying to improve the gaming experience by embracing new technology. One innovation that promises to help achieve this is Augmented and Virtual Realities (AR & VR). These immersive technologies reimagine how we experience various digital platforms, including online gaming.
Although it isn’t quite widespread yet, many Irish casinos are already adopting or exploring AR & VR features. You may not find these features on your favourite casino platform yet, but they are anticipated to soon become standard. We anticipate that Irish players will be able to play slots in virtual worlds, secure wins, and request a payout. This article explores the applications of AR and VR in the Irish casino world and covers how this technology can make gambling more immersive for players.
Understanding AR & VR
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the natural environment. A good example is the Pokémon Go game, where players can see animated creatures overlaid on their real surroundings through their phone camera.
In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) replaces the physical environment entirely. This places users in a completely simulated, three-dimensional world, usually accessed via a dedicated headset.
Applications of AR & VR in Casino Gaming
AR and VR technologies can be applied in different ways to improve user experiences. Examples of how they are being used or planned for use in the casino world include:
Live Dealer Games
Before AR and VR became popular, live dealer games were the closest thing to real-life gaming on online casinos. For these games, players stream HD videos of real casino floors and take part in the game in real-time. Today, casinos can use AR and VR to make these experiences even more engaging. Examples of AR elements they can add include:
- Animated 3D objects
- Visual effects to celebrate wins or announce losses
- Pop-up tips and dynamic infographics.
Developers have also started creating VR versions of popular slot games. Slots like these will make it feel more like you’re physically inside the game’s environment, instead of only interacting with a flat screen.
Virtual Casinos
Imagine walking into an actual casino floor, complete with all the slot machines and games—only that you’re not physically in Dublin or Las Vegas. Nonetheless, you can engage with a super-realistic casino environment using your VR headset.
In this virtual world, an avatar sees what you see and follows your actions. Your character can approach a roulette table, sit down to play games, talk to the dealer, or interact with other participants if you want. This allows you to recreate the full social and physical casino experience without stepping out of your home.
Sports Betting
AR and VR can also be applied to sports betting to improve the process of placing live bets. Punters can access live stats from the match directly overlaid on their view of the game. By leveraging these technologies, bookmakers can overlay dynamic, real-time information on the broadcast. Examples of sports betting data that can be displayed this way include:
- Odds and betting lines
- Player heat maps and shot trajectories
- Notifications for match events like free kicks or penalties
- Player cards to show personal statistics
What Problems Do AR & VR Solve?
Introducing AR and VR isn’t just a fancy technological upgrade meant to gain the attention of users. Online casinos use this technology to solve some real problems, primarily those related to immersion and social isolation.
- Realism: The primary benefit of AR and VR technology is that it makes gaming feel real. This technology can help recreate the thrill of holding cards in your hands or simulate walking across a casino floor to explore different games.
- Social Interaction: In its current form, traditional online gaming is an isolated experience. AR and VR take interaction to the next level. You can sit at a gambling table that feels real, potentially read the body language of other players’ avatars, and chat with others at the table.
- Engaging Experiences: AR and VR introduce a level of physical interaction that isn’t possible with regular casinos or games. Instead of clicking the spin button, a VR setup might allow you to pull a lever. You can also deal cards, physically place chips on the table, and perform other motions. These actions increase player engagement.
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Conclusion
We are still a long way off from seeing the full potential of AR and VR in gaming. But one can tell how impactful this technology is likely to be in the future. AR & VR will take immersive play to the next level, bringing the feel of real-world casino games into the comfort of your home.
Peyman Khosravani is a seasoned expert in blockchain, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on innovation in finance, business, and marketing. With a robust background in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi), Peyman has successfully guided global organizations in refining digital strategies and optimizing data-driven decision-making. His work emphasizes leveraging technology for societal impact, focusing on fairness, justice, and transparency. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of digital tools, Peyman’s expertise spans across helping startups and established businesses navigate digital landscapes, drive growth, and stay ahead of industry trends. His insights into analytics and communication empower companies to effectively connect with customers and harness data to fuel their success in an ever-evolving digital world.
