Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming many industries, providing new ways for people to connect, learn, and be entertained. The gambling industry is starting to adopt these new technologies as well, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of casino gaming. This article explores the current state of AR and VR in gambling at Lucky Dreams Casino, and what we might expect to see in the years ahead as the technology matures.
Current Uses of AR/VR in Gambling
Thus far, real-world applications of augmented and virtual reality in casinos have been fairly limited. Some locations have experimented with AR glasses that provide information overlays to players right on the casino floor. A few places have set up VR lounges where guests can try VR casino games. But widespread adoption has been slow.
According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the casino gaming market for AR/VR technology was valued at just $851 million in 2020. They predict it will grow at over 18% annually, hitting $3.7 billion by 2026. So while the current market remains small, substantial growth is expected in the next few years as the underlying technologies improve.
| Year | Projected Market Value |
| 2020 | $851 million |
| 2026 (projected) | $3.7 billion |
Some Key Benefits of AR/VR Gambling
There are a few key ways that augmented and virtual reality stand to impact casino gambling (on Online casino reviews):
- Enhanced immersion – The main promise of AR/VR is greater immersion. Players can get pulled deeper into game worlds and settings.
- Ability to gather data – AR glasses can overlay relevant player data right on the casino floor to better inform business decisions.
- Wider audience reach – VR and online casinos allow gambling to expand geographically, as location becomes irrelevant.
As the technology matures in the years ahead, AR and VR should lead to an increasingly seamless, information-rich, and broadly accessible gambling experience. Casinos will leverage data and connectivity to optimize operations, while players enjoy heightened engagement through creative mixed realities and storytelling.
The Future: Integrated, Personalized Experiences
Over the next decade, expect AR and VR to become standard parts of the casino toolbox, facilitating more integrated and personalized guest experiences. Imagine walking into a casino with your AR glasses on, visual overlays welcoming you by name and providing real-time insight into promotions at your favorite machines and tables. Your gameplay automatically syncs across devices, so you can transition fluidly between your physical environment, VR bonus rounds, social AR tournaments with friends, and online play. Sophisticated tracking synthesizes your data footprint to enable customized gameplay mechanics, bonuses, recommendations, and environmental cues.
Casinos will increasingly leverage what Deloitte calls an “augmented hospitality” model seeking to anticipate guest needs and facilitate serendipitous discoveries. Continuous connectivity and data exchange between devices, networks, games, and applications will enable this seamless experience. Players will enjoy unprecedented convenience through capabilities like frictionless payments, autonomy over preferences, and dynamic rewards.
For casinos, we’ll likely see AR/VR further blurring lines between video gameplay, sports betting, traditional gambling machines, in-person destinations, and online environments. Integrating these historically disparate segments gives casinos powerful new tools to capture player mindshare. The data will be there to hyper-personalize offerings and optimize operations as well.
Navigating Regulation and Responsible Gaming
While the technological promise is vast, regulatory hurdles remain in integrating AR wagering and geo-based betting. And as with any gambling innovation, responsible gaming advocates want reasonable guardrails to minimize addiction risks. But casino operators like MGM are already publicly bullish on AR gambling possibilities, so substantial momentum is building.
