Virtual Reality and the Online Casino Industry – What can be Expected

Online gaming has grown exponentially since its inceptions in the mid-1990s. It generates billions in revenues every year and experts predict the trend will continue in the future. Several factors have contributed to the tremendous growth of this industry. First, the availability of mobile gaming platforms has wooed a significant percentage of the young audience. New and old online gaming companies have optimised their sites for mobile use in a bid to provide the much-needed convenience and ease of use.

Another reason for the exponential growth is the recent integration of VR technology in online gaming. While it is a relatively new concept in online gaming, experts predict that 30% of online casinos will have adopted VR technologies in their platforms by 2025. Online casinos are using the technology to make gaming more immersive and encourage players to spend more time exploring different games. The ability of players to interact with each other makes VR the ultimate solution for bridging the gap between the dated land-based experience and online casinos. Some casinos have already taken to the trend while others are a bit hesitant. This text explores the intricacies of VR in online gaming.

What is a Virtual Reality Casino?

Online casinos are made up of two parts- real money and entertainment casinos. The latter allows players to play card games, slots or the roulette without winning monetary rewards. Real money casinos, on the other hand, are designed for those playing for real money prizes. Initially, online casinos only integrated 3D technology, which could not deliver true realism. With VR hardware and software, online casinos go beyond 3D interfaces by plunging players into to the casino floor. They also get to interact with other players and enjoy an actual casino experience in real-time. Here are some of the features that players will enjoy on virtual reality casinos:

  • Detailed game rooms where players can explore in 3D
  • A vast selection of characters to choose from
  • Ability to show your body gestures and observe those of other games
  • 3D table games where gamers choose their seats, interact with others deal live
  • Chat and voice capabilities

VR Casino Games

Since VR gambling is in its infancy, you won’t find a vast offering as in regular online casinos. However, you can expect the classic Roulette, Poker Dice, slots, Poker, Backgammon, Gin Rummy and Blackjack tournaments. Virtual reality slot games are the most popular so far with exciting titles like Starburst, Dracula, Jack and the Beanstalk and Miss Midas, among others.

VR blackjack offers the same excitement as the online version only that you enjoy an immersive experience at the table. Once you wear the VR headset, you can reach out the chips and place them at the table. You can also see and feel the cards dealt so you can stand, hit or double just like a typical online casino in the UK.

VR roulette is another favourite game in virtual reality casinos played by high-rolling players and gamblers with lower stakes alike. Just as other VR casino games, VR roulette allows players to get immersed in the game.

Live Dealer vs Virtual Reality

Live dealer casino games were introduced at a time when most online casinos believed they had exhausted all other possibilities. The invention has lingered for a long time as a top online casino offer until virtual reality games presented a new era in online gaming. Both platforms offer real-time gaming experience and use ordinary game rooms, but VR casino platforms are immersive. Players can stop by the bar for a drink, talk to other players or sit in the lounge. Another notable difference between the two platforms is in the interactive nature of VR casinos as you can see the facial expression of other players. Also with live dealer games, it is easy to bluff, but it is harder to pull it off when the match is transferred to a virtual reality platform.

The Future of VR Casinos

Many players believe VR casinos have come to replace land-based casinos. This is far from the truth. On the contrary, developers are simulating brick and mortar casinos, and they predict growth in this area for gamblers looking for a VR land-based experience. As such, casinos are looking to set up VR lounges where players can wear their VR headsets and experience games not available on real land-based casinos. Also, new players can use VR to learn about different games before heading out to casino floors. For example, a player can wear a VR headset to see a video about the rules of the Blackjack, play a few simulated games before engaging in an in-person Blackjack table.

The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Become a VIP Casino Player

VIP loyalty programs are part of any reputable online casino. Some online casinos include players in their VIP programs without notice from the moment when they make their first deposit. You start out from the basic level which is usually Bronze and work your way up to the top tier Platinum or Diamond Levels.

However, other online gambling platforms don’t publish any details about their VIP programs and players are exclusively and personally invited to join once they reach a certain betting threshold.

But, what’s in it for you? And, how do you improve your VIP status? To help you understand the ins and outs of online casinos’ VIP programs, we’ve put together the only guide you’ll ever need to become a top-level VIP Casino Player and guarantee you get the high roller rewards you deserve.

Finding your VIP Program Casino

After doing some research and comparing online casinos’ VIP programs by studying the published details on their sites as well as players’ comments on different gambling community forums, you should pick the casino which offers the best perks.

Once you sign-up for an account, most casinos will automatically include you into their VIP schemes starting out at basic level. Each casino has different VIP systems either based on cashback alone or multi-tier levels which can range from 3 to 6 and each level offers higher benefits.

How Do You Improve Your VIP Status?

Casinos usually use a system based on complementary points which are awarded on players’ bets. Each bet you place will contribute to the number of points added to your account. For example, if you bet £50 on a slot game, you earn points calculated as a percentage of your bet. So, if 1 point is equal to £10, then you’ll earn 5 points for your bet on the slot game. Complementary points are awarded differently on every game provided by the casino. Slot games have better conversion rates because the odds are very low.

On the other hand, if you play a table game such as Blackjack which has much better odds, you’ll have to spend more for the same number of points. For example, if you should bet £10 for 1 point playing slot games, you’ll have to bet around £30 or more for 1 point when playing Blackjack.

Before you start betting, you should check the terms & conditions and rules which apply to each game so you can guarantee a rapid increase of your total comp points in your online account. By betting higher, you’ll get more points and advance your VIP status.

VIP Rewards

Online casinos offer different benefits to their VIP players. You’ll also find that casinos which are part of the same enterprise group will have identical VIP programs and allow online casino UK players to use their points across the casinos which are members of the Group.

Some online casinos have VIP programs focusing on cashback alone while others use a multi-level system based on points.

Multi-tiered VIP programs offer players higher benefits and points can be earned quickly if you play the games with lower odds, but better conversion rates. Generally, an online casino VIP program include rewards such as better bonuses, better comp points conversions, match bonuses, Free Spins, Free Rolls, rapid payouts, increased table limits, personalized services such as a VIP account manager, huge deposit limits and luxury gifts and trips.

Online casinos include different rewards at each tier level. Top VIP players benefit from a fully personalized gambling experience which includes a Personal VIP Account Manager who caters to the high rollers’ every need such as helping with any payment related issues or gambling difficulties, providing information about new up and upcoming bonuses or promotions which have not yet been disclosed on the website, offering invitations to luxury and exclusive events organized by the casino and on-the-house travels to exotic destinations.

Poker VIP Programs

When it comes to Poker, the VIP programs are based on points which can earn players freeroll money and access to various exclusive tournaments. The different tier levels can range from 3 to 7 such as Bronze, Chrome, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. For example, a basic level VIP poker player can earn tickets for tournaments and increase their bankroll exponentially. However, the higher you go, the better the bonuses you earn. Platinum can earn you up to a 25% rake return and coins to purchase tickets to live poker tournaments. You can win more than 100k in monthly prizes.

What Is the Best Way to Choose A Poker VIP Program?

Your best approach is to check the cost and value of each point. To calculate the cost, identify how many points are awarded for every £1 paid in rake. For example, you can receive 15 points for every £1 paid in rake. So, 1 point costs around 0.66p. Now, check the value of 1 point.

Other factors you should consider when choosing the best Poker VIP program include perks such as car prizes or electronics, invitations to exclusive events, a larger number of poker games available, the style of play and the method used to calculate the rake.

Wrapping It Up

Casino loyalty programs offer incredible rewards to their passionate and loyal players in the form of cashback, bonuses, better payout rates, higher payment limits, and customized gambling experiences.

By making a shortlist of your preferences and comparing the top online casinos while considering the main factors detailed in this guide, you’re on your way to choosing the best VIP program for you.