The release of the Apple Vision Pro headset marks the dawn of a new era for online gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
The future is here
Technologists have been entertaining the general public for many years about the amazing products and services that will be available in the future thanks to artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
The gateway for many people is augmented reality
While these sectors are gradually becoming more prominent, the gateway for many people is augmented reality (AR). It’s a way for people to open their eyes to the future without having to stray too far from the present. Augmented reality does not completely replace reality, it only enhances it.
Pokémon Go was one of the first augmented reality experiences to make a big splash in the world. More than 500 million people downloaded the app in the summer of 2016 and chased their favorite creatures all over the place. Now with the release of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, it seems like there are big changes on the horizon for online gambling.
Vision Pro is a game changer
Different headphones have been on the market for several years. They were often expensive, outdated, and nauseating devices that did not provide a satisfying experience. Gradual improvements mean that it is now a sought-after product among the masses. This was helped by Apple’s release of the Vision Pro headset, which is now available for purchase starting at $3,499:
The product was launched in the US on February 2, 2024 and sales appear to be strong so far. Early reports are very encouraging about the quality of the eye and hand tracking capabilities.
The release of the first iPod in 2001 and the initial iPhone in 2007 was a massive inflection point that changed their industries forever. Although the early prototypes were not perfect, they paved the way to where we are today. Apple knows how to innovate and create polished products that everyone wants to own.
It took time for adoption to take effect. For example, the iPhone sold only 1.4 million devices in its first year, and has since shipped more than 1.5 billion devices. It takes time for people to understand the capabilities of new and exciting technologies.
Blurs the lines between augmented reality and virtual reality
Apple has reportedly received 200,000 pre-orders for the Vision Pro before its US release. The device blurs the lines between augmented reality and virtual reality so punters can get the best of both worlds. Some popular Kick Streamers are already using Apple Vision Pro for their gambling content, including SteveWillDoIt, Vitaly, and Taylor Lewan.
Another big step forward
The online gambling space has gradually made its way to becoming more realistic. The early days were full of old games with blocky graphics. Today, the action is in HD quality. The advent of live casino gaming meant that people were still able to see the real dealers and cards, despite not actually sitting in the casino.
People can now sit at home, put on headphones, and feel like they are physically sitting in a casino. These developments will add interest and operators will start offering players more customization options.
The global online gambling market was worth $63 billion in 2022, and it continues to grow. Last year, the augmented reality and virtual reality markets were worth about $57 billion and $79 billion, respectively.
The advantages are clear. You’ll be able to see things like in-game stats and odds clearly displayed in front of you and you’ll feel like you’re actually picking up cards. When you look around you will see your fellow players, while the dealer will be in front of you dealing the cards or spinning the wheel.
Many possibilities
Although online casinos are not going to offer augmented reality experiences overnight, they definitely need to look on the right track because this is coming like a freight train. People now want to feel like they are pulling the lever of a slot machine or looking at their cards.
Some games will feature 3D images of dealers, while others will have a more immersive environment. You’ll clearly see the last few wins in the game, as well as historical data such as where the roulette ball has ended up in the past 10 spins.
Wearing headphones at land-based casinos can also be an option, allowing patrons to learn information about the game available, see their loyalty rewards, and participate in challenges around the property.
Development companies have struggled to transition some games from real-world play to online play. One of these is craps, likely because the group camaraderie aspect of the game is difficult to recreate. Land-based properties in Nevada generated more than $467 million in craps revenue in 2023, so they are a potential goldmine for online operators if augmented reality and virtual reality versions reach the market.
Microgaming and NetEnt are two of the largest producers of casino games today and both have teams focused on VR. The latter has Gonzo’s Quest VR in which players enter a fantasy world, while the former has a very popular VR roulette game in play.
Taking sports betting to another level
It’s not just online casinos that will benefit from the increasing use of augmented reality headsets. Sports bettors will also be able to enjoy an immersive digital media experience. Major American sports leagues now have augmented reality apps that allow people to watch live events while seeing interactive graphics, odds and statistics.
The MLB Vision Pro app enables people to watch games as if they were sitting in the stands, while the NBA app allows users to view up to five games at the same time and see relevant data:
Bettors can open their own sports betting account alongside live picks to place bets quickly. People can quickly make decisions on their bets as all the data is in one place, and there is no longer a need to open a million tabs on the phone or computer.
The ability to watch many games at once means that live betting will become more popular. Research from the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) It shows that 38% of bets in 2022 were in-play bets This share is constantly increasing.
Some studies show that indulging in gaming can increase someone’s chances of developing a gambling problem. The speed and ease with which people can bet will be an important consideration for regulators, as well as protecting those at risk.
Small bets are just starting to take off, and are likely to see a big boom in the coming years, with more people wanting to bet on what they think will happen in each game. Placing bets through voice commands is also something that is coming in the near future. Operators will now be able to become more creative in their marketing, as offering all kinds of exclusive content, promotions and competitions are all possibilities.
