The term ‘Virtual Reality’ has been on everyone’s lips lately in more than one domain. In fact, more and more industries are taking the necessary steps to adapt to this revolutionary technology into their own market.
This also applies to the gambling field, where getting the true casino atmosphere while relaxing at home sounds very much like a feasible idea. And, with Video Poker being one of the most popular choices for gamblers all around the world, we cannot help but wonder:
Is this game ready to be introduced into Virtual Reality?
What is Video Poker?
Video Poker is a combination of Slot game and Poker, which is played on a console.
It is, in fact, very easy to play and can be a good option for those who are just starting their gameplay at an online casino and are looking to learn the conditions.
Rules explained
As you might have figured out from the name, this type of game resembles the actual Poker game, with a twist.
Basically, you get 5 cards displayed on your screen along with possible outcomes, as well as how much you bet and the amount you can win on each round. Now, once the cards are revealed, you can see if you have won any hand.
From now on, you can decide which cards to hold and which ones to draw. You get another chance to deal and, ultimately, to win (each game is comprised of 2 rounds).
Since it is so easy to play and the most gambling knowledge you must have include: the basic Poker hands and how to deal, this game sparks the interest of many players.
Virtual Reality through the years
If you thought that VR was a term of the most recent years, well, according to the Virtual Reality Society, its first physical appearance was, in fact, in the 1960s. It gradually developed into what we experience today, and the road was anything but easy.
It has a significant influence in the gaming industry, with world-renowned games such as Resident Evil switching to Oculus Rift play. And this phenomenon was also picked on by gamers who streamed their experience on different social media channels.
Did you know?
A less known use of this revolutionary mechanism is related to PTSD treatment and trauma healing. It plays a big part in helping those who have survived warfare cope with their traumas and integrate them into their experiences.
VR and online gambling
How would a casino in VR look like in the years that come? This is a valid question we should start asking ourselves. Even casino experts agree that Virtual Reality will impact online casinos very soon.
According to the statistics, VR has increased in popularity in recent years and is expected to expand even more, since more and more people are keen on giving it a try.
The major advantage of this virtual gambling space is quite obvious: convenience.
In this scenario, players won’t have to physically go to a brick-and-mortar casino. Instead, they will access the gambling world right from the comfort of their own home.
This is already partially achieved by Live Dealer gaming!
Generally speaking, this type of game allows gamblers to experience the real casino atmosphere on their PC and mobile devices.
The rules are simple: once you take a virtual seat in one of the available rooms, you will be greeted by professional dealers who will conduct the entire game. You can interact with both them and other fellow players through the chat option.
You can encounter the live version of almost every table game out there, from Roulette to Blackjack, Sic Bo, Baccarat, Craps and, last but not least, Poker.
How does VR impact Video Poker?
Video Poker has long been a game played either online or on a specific console within a land-based casino. And, up until recently, you wouldn’t have thought that you could possibly play this game in Virtual Reality one day.
For this to happen, however, online gambling platforms and software providers must put a lot of effort into adapting their products to this innovation. Moreover, players need to buy a specific headset to be able to participate in this adventure. This, obviously, means additional costs for both clients and online casinos. Nonetheless, many say they are worth it.
Of course, the end result may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and some would still prefer the classic alternatives. Yet only time and the continuous advancement of technology will tell us which way is better.
The future of VR Video Poker
At the moment, online gambling platforms are still getting accustomed to the idea of delivering Video Poker options for VR play. Of course, this is a big step to take.
This innovation is more than a ‘fun’ factor: it’s an entirely new world that you can access by buying a headset.
A look into the VR world
VR’s impact on online casinos is very visible, since they transpose the actual casino experience into a virtual one, that feels real. For example, you can encounter full-body players with whom you can talk to, like in real life, thanks to the spatial voice chatting function.
One moment you are at home, drinking your coffee and, the other, you are in a casino surrounded by a multitude of games to play: all this without moving an inch!
So, it’s safe to say that whichever platform takes this big step and chooses to implement VR Video Poker will definitely not pass by unnoticed. And this could happen very soon.
Whenever it may be, gamblers will be more than excited to try out something unique within the industry!