The Rise of VR Social Casinos in America

Virtual reality (VR) social casinos and poker rooms are on the rise. As we move into the metaverse era, gambling companies are leading the way with immersive innovations capable of changing how we experience our favorite games. From VR slots and roulette to poker and blackjack, the fun is just beginning if you’re a virtual gaming fan.

Growth of Virtual Reality Across Industries

Virtual reality is, for many people, the next generation of gaming and entertainment. In fact, there are a lot of people who believe we’ll conduct the majority of our daily activities in the metaverse within the next few decades. Whether or not that’s the case remains to be seen, but one thing we already know for sure is that virtual reality looks set to be a gamechanger in gaming. 

The VR sector as an entity generated more than $58 billion worth of revenue in 2022, according to a report by the Insight Partners. That figure is expected to surpass $441 billion by 2030 as technology improves and more companies integrate VR into their products. Add to this the fact that research from eMarketer shows 171 million people now use VR, and a virtual world is no longer a fantasy. 

Gaming is leading this virtual revolution. This, inevitably, has brought casino games and poker into the mix. Microgaming was the first major software developer to enter the VR arena with a roulette game. First previewed at ICE Totally Gaming 2016, VR Roulette sent players into outer space using Oculus Rift DK 2 and Leap Motion 3D controllers. This set off a cascade of innovations that have made VR casino gaming and poker a reality.

The Impact of Virtual Reality on Online Gambling

Next into the mix was NetEnt with a VR version of its ever-popular slot, Gonzo’s Quest. At the same time NetEnt was showing us that 2D casino games could become full-immersive 3D experiences, other gaming companies were testing the limits of VR technology. Naturally, the best way to introduce a new concept to the masses is by making it free and, voilà, we’ve now got a thriving VR social gaming scene. From start-ups to major players from the real-money gaming sector, companies of all sizes are clamoring to get on the VR gaming bus. 

This proverbial bus is gaining momentum. According to Technavio, the global VR gambling market is predicted to grow by $1.7 billion before 2025. What does that growth look like in practice? More companies will experiment with VR technology. This, in turn, means more social VR casino games and experiences. From VR slots and roulette to virtual reality casinos where players can explore a selection of games, the possibilities are almost endless.

Current Landscape of VR Social Casinos in the US

Before we cast our minds forward and look at the future of VR social casinos and poker rooms, let’s assess the current landscape. Even though we’re still on the cusp of a gambling revolution, there are some entertaining options for people who want to experience the future of gaming now:

PokerStars VR

Known as Vegas Infinite, PokerStars VR is a free-play poker and casino platform that lets you explore a virtual gaming floor. In addition to fun versions of roulette, blackjack, and poker (where you can throw things at people), Vegas Infinite features bright lights, dynamic environments, and a DJ who literally gets the party started.

Social Club VR 

Some virtual reality casinos have a quirky dynamic, while others, like Social Club VR, are more serious. Tagged with the subtitle, “Casino Nights,” this game allows you to enter a high-class establishment offering VR blackjack, roulette, and poker. Despite the somewhat serious vibe, there are quirky elements, such as the ability to buy drinks and have a sword fight with your opponents.

Bullet Roulette VR

Bullet Roulette VR isn’t the type of roulette game you might expect. There isn’t a roulette table but there is a gun. That’s right, this is a VR game of Russian roulette. It’s basically a card game played for the highest stakes possible and, because it’s in virtual reality, it can feel frighteningly realistic. 

JackpotVR

JackpotVR is, currently, one of the most realistic virtual reality casino products on the market. Although the graphics aren’t hyper-realistic, the overall experience is. You get to walk around what could easily be a real casino. Slots line almost every wall, there are table games to try, and you’ll hear the hum of revelers, riffling chips, and jackpots hitting as you walk around the casino floor.

Blackjack Bailey VR

Blackjack Bailey VR is a first-person point-of-view experience. Don your VR headset, load up the game, and you’ll be able to play blackjack for free with Bailey. She’s the friendly VR dealer who oversees this social casino game.

What Does the Future Hold for VR Social Casinos?

Real-money and social VR casinos (as well as sweepstakes casinos) will almost certainly become more prominent over the next five years. The hardware that makes immersive gaming possible is improving exponentially and there’s a growing acceptance among society that, at least to some degree, parts of our lives will be virtual in the future. Indeed, when you add in the potential of augmented reality and its ability to project virtual images onto physical objects, the possibilities are endless. 

You could project a slot machine onto your wall and spin the reels, you could slip into a 360-degree virtual casino, or you could enjoy some combination of the two. It’s an exciting time for gamblers. We saw how the internet changed the nature of casino games and poker, and we’re about to see how virtual reality is going to do the same.