Virtual Reality gambling

PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear—these are the products that are taking up residence in our household and changing the video game industry entirely. When it comes to the real money gaming industry, virtual reality (VR) headsets are also transforming the way we look at gambling.

What is virtual reality?

If you remember the Simpsons episode where Lisa transports to the future and Homer and Bart are battling each other while wearing headsets – the Simpsons have a knack for predicting true events (Donald Trump as President anyone?) – you will instantly know what VR is.

For those who aren’t a fan of the animated series or didn’t see the episode, VR is a simulation of a three-dimensional environment viewable through a wearable device. This is generally a headset with a screen inside to make the wearer feel as if they’re in a new environment.

While Sega sold a VR helmet over 20 years ago, the Oculus Rift was the first modern device to enter the market and create a whole new way of gaming. Sony, HTC, and Samsung all now have devices eligible to be purchased and worn to play.

Oculus Rift VR

Oculus Rift is a headset that was launched earlier this year. It came about thanks to its Kickstarter campaign which raised millions and was subsequently purchased by Facebook.

The headset features an inbuilt screen, which results in a 1080×1200 resolution for each eye, as well as integrated headphones. This creates the immersive feel, and the rotational and positional tracking via USB stationary IR sensor allows for movement of the player.

However, in 2021, Facebook rebranded to Meta as part of its push into the metaverse, and with that change came the phasing out of the Oculus brand. The popular Oculus headset was rebranded as Meta Quest, starting with the Meta Quest 2, while future devices—including the Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 3—launched under the new Meta branding.

Other VR devices

Virtual Reality (VR) gambling is an emerging niche, and several popular headsets are compatible with online casino experiences.

The Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 are the most widely used due to their affordability and compatibility with platforms like SlotsMillion and PokerStars VR. These devices support browser-based and app-based VR gambling environments, including immersive slot machines and poker rooms.

HTC Vive and Valve Index offer high-end PC VR experiences with enhanced graphics and tracking, ideal for more immersive gambling setups, particularly through SteamVR-supported platforms. While PlayStation VR2 offers excellent visuals, it currently lacks support for real-money VR gambling platforms.

Most VR gambling remains play-money based, with limited real-money options, and is still subject to regional restrictions and casino policies.

Real money virtual reality gambling

It has already been reported by 2021 VR gambling will have grown by 800 per cent. Technology giants are putting their money on VR taking off in the industry which means we will only see more and more headsets, and other VR accessories, developed.

Slots Million has already gotten a head start offering the first Virtual Reality casino – and it is has been quite popular considering we’re in the first year of a VR society. All players can follow our links and click on the Virtual Reality tab to view what’s on offer – an animated land-based version of what Slots Million would look like if it was a brick and mortar casino.

Interestingly, the team behind the VR casino worked closely with the Malta Gaming Authority to determine what could and couldn’t be in the VR casino. The regulator specified accurate clocks had to be installed on the walls so players don’t lose track of time. As you can see criteria has already begun to be created for the VR gambling realm.

There’s 40 pokies available to play in the VR casino, from NetEnt, Microgaming and other top software developers and real time customer support eligible to be used.

Once logged in, players put on their Oculus Rift headset and use the keyboard or controls – you can also play without the VR if you have a PC with Windows 7 or 8 but you won’t feel the three-dimensional immersion. You can then walk up to the pokie of your choice and use your controller to play, or you can head to the lounge and play via the animated tablet on the table. There’s a user guide available at Slots Million to help players learn how to operate the VR casino.

So who’s next to venture into the VR world?

Microgaming VR roulette

While Slots Million has the VR casino covered, Microgaming and NetEnt are getting in on the VR gaming action.

In February 2016, Microgaming revealed a VR roulette game and offered a demo version at the ICE Totally Gaming 2016 convention. Using the Oculus Rift headset for immersion and the Leap Motion 3D Controller to track player’s hand movements, the demo was a complete success. From the feedback from users at the demo, the player feels as if they are sitting at a roulette table and when they make their bets they can see their own hands reaching out to the roulette layout to place them.

However, despite the initial excitement, Microgaming did not release a commercial version of the VR Roulette game.

Over the years, the company has shifted its focus towards backend software solutions and, in 2024, rebranded to “Apricot” while continuing to use the Microgaming name for its software platform.

As of now, there hasn’t been a significant push from Microgaming into VR gaming beyond their early prototype.​

Net Entertainment 3D Sound

NetEnt has been proactive in exploring VR technologies. In 2017, they announced the development of a VR version of their popular slot game, Gonzo’s Quest, aiming to deliver a real-money VR slot experience.

This initiative was part of their broader strategy to integrate VR into their gaming portfolio, leveraging WebVR technology to allow players to engage directly through their browsers without additional downloads.​

By 2023, NetEnt expanded their VR offerings, introducing titles like Starburst VR, which provided enhanced graphics and immersive gameplay.

These developments indicate NetEnt’s commitment to evolving the online casino experience through VR, focusing on accessibility and player engagement.

For now head to Slots Million to experience the world of Virtual Reality with or without your VR headset.