The Best Virtual Reality Platforms. Casino VR – As per the virtual casino reviews, it is one of the most popular there is for a coterie of reasons. For starters, it is free to play, with no download required, and features fantastic Texas Hold ‘em’ Poker tables which can accommodate up to six players. Casino VR Poker, the online, free-to-play casino hosting live Texas hold’em, has today launched on Oculus Home, now allowing users to play in a cross-platform space with either Gear VR or Oculus.
On hearing the word ‘casino’, the image that springs to the mind of any gambler is that of a spectacular hall with flashing lights, multiple blackjack tables, spinning Roulette wheels and a wide array of Slots Online games along with many other beloved casino games which find themselves surrounded by avid gamblers during the casino’s peak hours. Sadly, it's not always possible to step out of the house and head to the casino. Yet, now there's the next best thing - Virtual Reality Casino. Below we delve into what it's all about and highlight where you can play VR casino games. Go on, take a look. Then step inside the world of VR gambling!
What is a Virtual Reality Casino?
Many avid bettors usually find themselves reluctant to make the transition from land-based casinos to online casinos due to the fact that casinos found in the online realm generally do not replicate much of the glamour and casino atmosphere which is typically found at brick and mortar casinos. Moreover, you’re not able to interact with anything in the online casino environment.
Yet, innovations of the 21st century have lent their hands to the iGaming industry and have helped casinos which have sought to transfer their services to the net to come one step closer to making the casino experience almost like stepping into a brick and mortar casino. In essence, a VR Casino aims to roll out the red carpet to their clientele and bring them the entire casino atmosphere that is typically found at a land-based casino. This means that you’ll be able to experience a three-dimensional environment and interact with the casinos’ environment whilst playing your casino game of choice. What’s not to like?
The Dawn of a New Era - Virtual Reality Gaming
It was more or less about 20 years ago when software companies attempted to make virtual reality or VR games a worldwide anomaly. However, Nintendo’s Virtual Boy and VFX1 virtual reality Headgear fell flat upon being released to a market of avid gamers who found themselves keen to experience the concept which they had dreamt about for many years. Looking back it seems that the technology that developers had at their disposal in the 90s wasn’t enough to make their vision a successful reality.
Yet, 2016 seems to be more promising in regards to virtual reality gaming. The release of several top-notch VR gaming gear, which include Facebook’s Oculus Rift, Valve’s Stream VR, HTC’s Vive along with Sony’s PlayStation VR, is definitely set to bring about a new wave of gaming. Of course, as always the iGaming industry can’t resist the cutting edge technology developers have come up with and many companies have found themselves more than willing to adopt this phenomenon to the online casino realm.
The Evolution of Online Casinos to Virtual Reality Casinos
The decade of the 90s brought with it profound changes in the gambling industry baffling millions of gamblers worldwide as casinos transferred their brick and mortar casino games to the online realm. This was due to the fact that in 1994 The Free Trade & Processing Act in Antigua & Barbuda was passed. A few years later online casinos became immensely popular with gamblers who usually played at brick and mortar casinos.
As the years rolled by, more and more games have been added to various online casinos due to the high demand from online gamblers. On browsing a casino’s array of games, you'll notice that Slots, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps and more are not only available in their classic forms, but also exist as variants having different rules to their classic counterparts.
Fast forward to the 21st century and online casinos have not only revamped and improved the terrible, simplistic graphics that were initially seen whilst playing casino games in the 90s, but they’ve also sought to add a number of interesting features to their digitalized casino games. Moreover, they’ve also made the concept of Virtual Reality Gambling, which we once dreamt about in decades past, a real-world phenomenon. So, now when you choose to play at a VR Casino, you can prepare yourself to be transported to the glamorous world of casino games!
VR Casino Games
Virtual Reality Casino Games are effectively blurring the lines between video gaming, esports and gambling. Whilst video games typically appeal to a much younger demographic, the VR casino games application is aimed at the 30-40 age group, who adore gambling as a pass time. Although there are only a few VR Casinos present on the net, there are set to be many more in the near future. If you’re interested in gambling at one of these casinos, you'll probably find yourself asking the question, ‘What Casino Games are available at Virtual Reality Casinos?’ As VR gambling is still in its infancy, you won’t be able to find all the games you’d typically find at online casinos which generally offer 2D casino games that can be played from the comfort of your own home. Nonetheless, VR Casinos still have a fantastic array of games which include Slots, Roulette, Poker, Backgammon, Gin Rummy, Poker Dice as well as Blackjack tournaments.
Which are the most popular VR casino games online?
- VR Slots, Blackjack and Roulette are by far the most popular online casino games amongst VR online casino players.
VR Slots
Perhaps it’s the colorful symbols, the prospective huge payouts or just the fact that VR Slots allow you to experience a Slots Online game in the same way you would at an online casino, but one thing’s just for sure - VR Slots are definitely the most popular casino games on the net! Some of the exciting titles you can expect to find at Virtual Reality Casinos are Jack and the Beanstalk, Starburst, Miss Midas, Dracula amongst many others.
VR Blackjack
VR Blackjack offers keen players the same fun and excitement of playing Blackjack Online and more! On putting on a VR headset, you can prepare yourself for a fully immersive experience at the blackjack table. By using a headset at a Virtual Reality Casino, you’ll be able to reach out and place your chips on the table, see AND feel the cards that are dealt out to you and decide to hit, stand or double – just like you would at a brick and mortar casino.
VR Roulette
VR Roulette is the third most popular casino game at VR Casinos. And it’s certainly no surprise to us since the game is one of the most played by high rollers and gamblers with smaller wallets globally. Like other VR casino games, the new spin on the black and red segmented wheel of chance has taken Live Roulette one step further by giving players the opportunity to actually step into right into the game.
How Virtual Reality Casino Games Work & Their Features
The graphics used in Virtual Reality Casino games work by producing high-resolution imagery at a much higher frame rate than regular video games. Essentially, this is done to ensure that latency is kept to a minimum amount. Thus, when you move your head and your field of view changes as a result, you will not experience any lag. If you’re interested in Virtual Reality Gambling, you should have a look at its enticing features in the box below.
VR Casino Features:
- A combination of online gaming and casino gaming meshed into one captivating experience;
- A deeply engaging casino environment which stimulates both the auditory as well as the visual senses;
- Real-time multiplayer games;
- A fantastic choice of Avatars/ Characters to choose from;
- The ability to interact with other gamblers;
- The regular improvement and addition of new casino games;
- Chat and voice Functionalities.
Playing Standard Online Casino Games vs. Virtual Reality Casino Games
Playing your casino games of choice can provide you with a gripping gambling experience for hours on end without having to step foot in a land-based casino. Nowadays, apart from playing on your desktop, you can also choose to play on your mobile or tablet if you desire thanks to HTML5 games present in most online casinos. However, if you’re looking for more of a fresh and riveting iGambling experience you should definitely opt to play Casino VR Games instead as playing these revolutionary types of games will allow you as a gambler to totally immerse yourself in the online casino world. The Virtual Casino Gaming experience you’d typically get whilst playing these types of games is similar to the gaming experience you’d receive by playing one of the many MMO RPG video games such as World of Warcraft, Rift, Tera and so forth, which would allow you to interact with other players who are playing online at the same time as you and explore your virtual world without any limit. Yet, the simple difference between the casino games and video games of this type is the clarity and lag-free user experience you’ll be able to get whilst using your headset.
| Advantages of VR Casinos | Disadvantages of VR Casinos |
V R Casinos detect a gambler’s presence in the game. | Online gamblers are likely to spend more money betting in comparison to online casinos. |
| Social aspect is strong. Players can enjoy chatting at the casino from the comfort of their own home. | Due to the fact that Virtual Reality Casinos are more immersive, players are more likely to spend more time thinking about gambling. |
The Live Chat feature is sometimes available for casino players to talk to dealers. | Gamers might become oblivious about what is occurring around them. |
A great array of games available which is set to grow. | |
Gives players the opportunity to step out of their daily routine. | |
Playing at a V R Casino can enable you to win money without stepping into a Brick and Mortar Casino. | |
Constant improvements in the Virtual Reality Casino realm. |
Requirements for playing at a VR Casino
Virtual Reality Gambling is a relatively new concept. This is why it’s important to make sure that your VR device meets the requirements that you need to play the games before you actually go ahead and sign up to a Virtual Reality Casino of your choice.
Computer Specs Needed to be able to enjoy the Casino VR Experience
Computer Spec Requirements for Virtual Reality Casino Games
A GeForce GTX 970 or greater
A head-mounted display.
A PC with USB 3.0 support
CPU: Intel Core i5- 4590 equivalent or greater CPU
8GB+ RAM of Memory/RAM
2x USB 3.0 ports and HDMI 1.3
Windows 7 SP1 or newer
Although you might own a very powerful desktop computer, most of the time the specs are not enough to meet the minimum requirements you need to be able to play at a Virtual Reality Casino. You as a gambler can check if your Pc is up to the demands of Virtual Reality Software by using the GeForce GTX VR Program. The program recommends that your PC has a GeForce GTCX 970, GTX 980, GTX 980 Ti, TITAN X, GTX 1080 or GTX 1070 GPU. Computers which are GeForce GTX VR Ready, typically display a ‘GeForce GTX VR Ready’ badge on graphics cards as well as on their systems. Moreover, your computer must also have a powerful CPU which is preferably equivalent or greater to an Intel Core i5 – 4590, a head-mounted display, at least two 3.0 USB ports along with support, a 1.3 HDMI and Windows 7 SP1 / 10.
Poker Show Vr
VR headset for Virtual Reality Casino Games
Typically, virtual reality gaming requires you to wear special VR headgear which will enable you to get the virtual reality gaming experience. This is due to the fact that the graphical demands of VR games are far from the ordinary. To put it to you plainly, if you’re attempting to play these games, you should be aware that VR gaming requires seven times the processing power that traditional games do. In essence, if you’re thinking of investing money in a device which would serve to support VR gaming, you should note that the average desktop will not suffice to meet the requirements necessary. This is due to the fact that while a typical desktop’s frame rate is 60fps, a device which supports VR gaming would need 90fps in order to provide the gambler with smooth gameplay.
Controllers for Virtual Reality Casino Games
Traditional games require you to own a controller which fundamentally encapsulates multiple buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers. However, the conventional modern day controller is not in the least suited to the sort of complex interactions that you’d anticipate in VR. Hence, in order to play most Virtual Reality Games, you must make sure that you own a data glove instead. On putting on the data glove, your presence will be detected by the game. This is due to the fact that the bio-sensing data glove has multiple tiny sensors attached to it which detect the way your body moves. Once the glove has detected what movements your body is making, your movements will be fed back to the computer. Your data is then analysed and used to transform your actions into the appropriate reactions you’ll be able to see on the screen. However, in developing the VR Casino Games, game developers made sure that you will still be able to play the games by using your keyboard or controller in order to ensure that you won’t have to buy any expensive equipment.
How do I start playing Virtual Reality Casino games online?In order to start playing VR casino Games, you’ll first need to open an account at one of our Best Virtual Reality Casinos and download the application. Once, you’ve done this you can then login with your new Username and Password and you can go ahead and choose your favorite avatar and confirm.
Do Virtual Reality Games require a download?Whilst most online casino games can be played through a Browser, playing Virtual Reality Games will require you to download the actual casino application which is offered for free at your preferred Virtual Reality Casino.
Do I have to play by using my Oculus goggles to play Virtual Reality Casino Games?In order to play Virtual Reality Casino Games, you’ll need to use your Oculus Goggles to be able to experience VR.
What happens if I play the VR games without using the goggles?Although a Virtual Reality Casino will always recommend that you use your VR goggles, this doesn’t mean that you can’t play the games if you don’t have them. Instead, if you attempt to play the games without using them, you’ll simply see the games in 3D.
Will I see other plays in the Virtual Online Casino?Yes, whilst playing VR games you’ll be able to interact with other players who are also playing the games.
Do I need a special remote to play?No, as opposed to other virtual reality games you don’t need a special remote. You can simply play by using a regular joystick or your keyboard.
Can players see me whilst I’m playing Casino Games?VR Casinos allow players to enter the casino simultaneously. Whilst playing VR Casino Games, they’ll able to see you as well as others entering. Of course, you can also see them play.
Will I be able to view my game screen well?Yes, you will be able to view your game screen very well provided you opt to play virtual reality casino games. This is due to the fact that upon choosing the game you would like to play, the game screen will enlarge.
Can other players see my game screen?On playing a casino game, you’ll be able to see your own game screen. However, you won’t be able to see the game screen of other players. Hence, you’ll still be able to enjoy your privacy whilst gambling.
How do I exit a Virtual Reality casino game?Exiting a virtual reality casino game is profoundly easy. All you have to do is click the Esc button on your computer once you would like to stop.
Do my responsible gaming limits apply at Virtual Reality Online Casinos?Yes, responsible gaming limits apply the same way they do on all casino sites.
Do Virtual Reality Casinos offer bonuses?Yes, Virtual Reality Casinos offer bonuses just like any other online casino typically does. To learn all about bonuses, head to our online casino bonus page which highlights all you need to know about them.
Will I be able to access my lobby inside the casino?Entering the lobby of a virtual reality casino often depends on which casino you choose to play at. Whilst on some you will not be able to access your Lobby, on others you’ll be able to. However, in the future, you’ll be able to do this by accessing ‘My Lobby’ you must first register. Then you’ll be able to view my games, my promotions, history, account settings, deposit, withdrawal and Contact tabs.
Are players from all over the globe accepted at Virtual Reality Casinos?No, not all players are accepted at VR Casinos. So, if you’re thinking about gambling at one of them you should make sure that the service is available in your country and that you are of the legal gambling age of your state or country.
Experience the Rush of Gambling at The Best VR Casinos Online
Online gambling has been given a new face in virtual reality form. According to renowned iGaming tech Mark McGuiness, ‘Gaming is about the emotional and physiological experience of playing at the casino tables and all the sensory stimuli that this delivers.’ If you as a gambler choose to play at a Virtual Reality Casino, which is also known as VR Casino, you’ll notice that the software used effectively simulates a casino environment which is almost a copy of the real brick and mortar casino. Interested in playing your favorite casino game at a Virtual Reality Casino? If so, you should choose a casino from our Best Virtual Casinos list and get ready to go on one hell of a rollercoaster ride by playing VR casino games!
F
Casinos have more slot machines than all of the other games combined. But unlike many casino games, the slots still have some secrets.
Looking to play slots online? Check out one of the sites above!
Here’s a list of 15 slot machine secrets the casinos don’t want you to know about.
1. Slot placement isn’t random
Although casinos would like you to think that everything on the floor is placed in a completely random way for ease of access and aesthetics, this certainly isn’t the case.
Every square foot of the casino is analyzed, measured, and reported on by the casino gaming department. Traffic patterns are monitored and value is placed on certain areas of the casino to determine which slots or games to place in that area.
Usually, the highest yield slots are placed in the most popular locations in the casino. On top of this, the most popular slots are also placed in these areas to attract players into the casino to play.
So now you know that those slots that are most prominent and visible are the ones that make the most money for the casino, which means they’re also the most disadvantageous for the player. Head towards the back of the casino next time you want to play slot machines to find a better value.
2. Some slots pay out more than others
Not all slot machines are created equal, and this means they all don’t pay out at the same rate.
Generally speaking, video slots pay out less than classic reel slots. This is because reel slots are cheaper to run and maintain, and aren’t as appealing to the player as the video slot.
Video slots are now extravagant and have pop-culture themes, which attracts more players. Because of this, the casinos can dial down the payout rate.
Alternatively, the classic slots aren’t as popular or appealing anymore so the casinos will dial up the payout rate to attract more players, and subsequently keep you at the slot longer. I suggest you do a bit of searching on the internet about slot payout rates as this information is widely available, particularly for popular gaming locations.
3. The slots club doesn’t exist to reward you
This is one of the biggest cons in the gambling industry. You know how the casinos promote themselves as giving back to the player and rewarding you for your play? This is all a lie.
Now, I’m not saying you won’t get some free play credits, access to promotions, and other comps for being a part of the slot or player’s club, but this isn’t why it exists. It exists to provide the casino marketing department with player data so that they can attract and retain you as a customer.
Yes, that’s right, all the free money and comps you get out of the casino are from the marketing department. They will analyze your play, movement, likes, dislikes, and betting patterns to determine how best to market themselves to you so that you return.
The slots club is a powerful marketing tool, and while it’s always a good idea to join and use your card whenever you play, don’t fool yourself into thinking that this is all done to reward you.
4. You can’t win at slots in the long run
People do win at slots all the time. They have big wins and small wins; the problem is that on a long enough timeline it’s impossible to win.
Slots are manufactured and programmed in a way to ensure that they only pay back a certain percentage of the money that’s placed into them by players. Usually, this is in the range of 70-90% but it can be far worse or better depending on where you’re playing.
No one would ever play if you didn’t win from time to time, so this is also built into the machines. Some casinos don’t want you to know this and in some US states, they don’t even have to tell you what the payout rate is. Fortunately, there are many states that do provide it to players, and I highly recommend taking advantage of that information.
Although it’s pretty common these days for players to know that you can’t win in the long run, some still don’t know, and those that are oblivious to this fact are loved by casinos.
5. Max betting is the best option
Vr Poker Game
This one may seem counter-intuitive but it’s true. On most slots, max betting activates all the bonuses and jackpots and increases your odds of getting lucky and winning, which makes it the best option for players.
Although it doesn’t make too much of a difference, it still creates more favorable conditions for the player. The casinos don’t want you to know this because they want you to bet small and more often at a worse payout rate, which makes them more money in the long run.
One thing you certainly don’t want to do though is max-bet above your bankroll and burn through more money than you intended to. Playing more than you can afford to lose is playing right into the casino’s hands. If you can’t afford the max bet on a slot then drop down in denominations or move to a machine where the max bet is smaller and works within your bankroll.
6. Class 2 slots aren’t really slots at all
Sometimes you’ll come across slot machines that are classified as class 2 slots. These are usually found on native Indian reservations or racinos in the United States.
These aren’t traditional slots like what you would find in Las Vegas. Vegas slots are Class 3 slots and are proper slot machine games.
Class 2 slots are actually pre-programmed bingo games which present a slot face for entertainment purposes. Class 3 slots are usually illegal in the jurisdictions that have these slots bingo games, so game manufacturers and casinos combined their forces to come up with this alternative.
Sometimes you’ll see a small bingo card on the bottom corner of the screen which will straight away tell you that this is a class 2 slot machine. So, be warned, these machines are not slots at all and you’ll be effectively playing computer bingo when you start spinning on these.
7. Video slots pay out less than classic slots
Big fancy video slots will almost always pay out less than classic reel slots. This is because of the fact they’re more entertaining, draw more players and action, and cost the casinos a lot more to run and maintain.
These big machines often take up two to three times the amount of space compared to classic slots and tend to cost the casinos a lot more to keep them running. In order to maximize profits, the casinos will then dial down the payout rate on these machines so they still make enough money on them.
Immersive video slots are a huge moneymaker for the casino, so don’t go in thinking you have the same chance of winning on these compared to traditional old school slots. If you’re looking for better chances to win on slot machines, then stick to the classic slots.
8. Slots are completely random
Casinos don’t want you to know this, but slot machines are completely random in nature. Although they are weighted to pay out at a certain rate, this is still in line with the randomness of results that a slot will produce.
Each spin is completely independent of the previous spin. As an example, if you were to win the jackpot on one spin, then the likelihood of winning the jackpot on the next spin is exactly the same. No previous events impact future events. This isn’t how they work.
Casinos don’t want you to know this because they want you to think slots are “hot” or “cold”, because that will cloud your judgment in respect to how much you play and gamble. This works out better for them in the long run so they are happy for these myths to grow and spread.
Vr Casino Games
9. All of your play is tracked
From the moment you sit down at a slot and enter your player card and cash, every movement you make is tracked automatically by the casino. Slot machines are now networked and have sophisticated hardware and software to track everything you do.
Poker Vr
This information is collected, analyzed, and insight reports are developed and delivered to the casino marketing department so they can work out the best possible way to market their casino and slots to you so that you keep coming back and play more. If you don’t want your play tracked then simply don’t use your player’s card, but then you won’t get any casino comps.
In the near future, if it’s not being used already, casino marketing departments will start using security infrastructure to monitor and track your play irrespective of whether you use your card or not. Facial recognition programs will detect you, associate you with a player’s card or create a new player account and track everything you do on a video feed.
This is a bit scary and it shows the lengths casinos will go to. If you play online, everything is tracked under your player account, so it’s easier for online casinos to monitor what you do in this respect.
10. Payout tickets are more likely to be put back into a machine
Over the past 20 years, casinos have slowly phased out cash payouts at slots. These days you’ll likely receive a ticket when you cash out, which you then must take to a cash-out machine or the cage to exchange for cash.
While the casinos will claim this is for your convenience, one of the main reasons they’ve made this change is to disassociate you from the fact you’re holding money. This is similar to what they do with chips on table games.
Psychological studies have proven that people are far more likely to gamble more with a ticket or chips, as opposed to cash. So don’t be fooled into placing your ticket into another slot on the way to cashing out, they’ve done this on purpose. I’d recommend that you always cash the tickets out for cash every time, instead of keeping it for play later.
11. Slot arms don’t exist as much anymore because they slow down play
Back in the day, pretty much every slot machine had an arm, or lever, that you pull to activate the spin. These days it’s much harder to find machines that have these.
While there are a few reasons for this, the main reason and the one the casinos don’t want you to know is because using a lever is much slower when compared to pressing a button. Casinos want you to be playing as quickly as possible when it comes to slots because the more you spin the more the odds move in their favor.
So by having buttons instead of levers the game moves a lot faster. Some may even say they’ve removed the lever so people don’t refer to slot machines as one-armed bandits anymore, but that may just be here-say.
12. Games are designed to be played as fast as possible
As we touched on in the previous secret, casinos want you to play whatever game you’re on as quickly as possible. While one of the main measurements on a slot is the time spent playing, they also want you to play as quickly as possible.
This increases the yield on the machine for the casino, meaning they make more money. Consider this, if you have a bank of widely popular slots which many people want to play, and it takes 20 seconds per spin, that’s quite a lot of time.
If a spin takes five seconds then you’re getting four times the amount of play on that machine which results in much more money passing through. So, all the time the casinos are trying to think of ways to make games happen much faster. They don’t want you playing slowly, so make sure you take your time next time you sit down at a slot. After all, the more time you play the more entertainment value you get.
13. Slot sounds and graphics are designed to make you feel happy
One thing that casinos certainly don’t want you to know about is the fact that slot machine manufacturers have teams of psychologists and researchers that provide advice on what sounds, colors, movements and graphics to use in games in order to make the player feel as happy as possible.
This is both good and bad. Firstly, it’s good if you’re playing for entertainment’s sake and know your limits when it comes to how much money you’re willing to play with. If this is the case then why not play a game that’s designed to make you feel happy.
Secondly, it’s bad when it comes to problem gamblers who don’t know when to stop and are chasing that happy feeling that the games give them. So this is a two-way street; that’s for sure. Casinos probably don’t want you to know this because it isn’t a great look.
14. Sometimes a win isn’t a win
One recent trend on slots is to play a jingle and show an animation showing that a player has had a win; this used to be a good thing and it meant you were making a profit, but not so much these days.
Much to the ire of lawmakers and the regulators, slot machines now play this jingle and imply a win, even when the spin results in less money won than you actually wagered on that spin in the first place. So this is essentially a loss and it’s trying to trick the player into thinking that they won.
Regulators are trying to have this outlawed but it will take some time. So, next time you’re playing don’t be fooled by the animation and sounds and the on-screen advice that says you’ve had a win. Make sure you check how much you ‘won’ when compared to how much you bet, before you celebrate.
15. Major progressive jackpots are played across multiple venues
Have you ever walked past a progressive jackpot slot machine and stared in awe at the huge jackpot which is currently available and is running into the millions of dollars?
If so, then you may not be aware that these slots are actually linked nationwide and the jackpot is played across thousands and thousands of machines and the casinos actually have no part in this prize.
Casinos don’t want you to know this of course; they want you to think that it’s just that machine so that you sit down and play and spin away thinking that you’re the only person who could possibly win that prize at that time.
These major progressive jackpot machines actually take a small cut from each bet you make and divert it to the major jackpot. So you should never play on one of these unless your ultimate goal is to win the life-changing money, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
Conclusion
Casinos are designed to make money just like any business. The slot machines are a big piece of the profit puzzle so the casinos do everything they can to make them more profitable.
Now that you know these 15 slot machine secrets the casinos don’t want you to know you can gamble as an informed player. If you love slots there’s no reason to stop playing, but you should know these secrets before you play again.