Everybody has a Digital Life. It exists within a Matrix of smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles. Soon – faster than most of us imagine – we’re going to be offered a red pill that allows our 2D digital selves to step into an entirely new, massively immersive 3D space. A virtual reality that will change the way we work, play and communicate. A digital realm that promises to change the future of shopping, travel…and gambling. Welcome to the Metaverse – an industry-altering place casinos should be diving into now.
Online gambling is nothing new – casinostyle games, poker and sports betting over the internet is a $59 billion market that is projected to double in size within the next two to three years. But the Metaverse – an augmented 3D online world that’s open to everyone – could disrupt this industry to the point that the neon lights of physical casinos are replaced by the glow of a virtually unlimited cyberworld.
Imagine using a customizable avatar to walk into a beautifully designed 3D casino. The music’s pumping in the background, and the other avatars around you are chatting, playing hands of blackjack and spinning the roulette wheel. You can use cryptocurrency to play slots or poker with people all over the world, and use your winnings or player reward points to snag an NFT (non-fungible token) key that allows access to VIP rooms filled with experiences that are limited only by your imagination. All done for the day? Take off your VR headset, and presto – you’re already home.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY ANN NYGREN IN THE 2022 SUMMER EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.