Virtual Reality And Gambling In 2024
Imagine, if you will, a world where you no longer have to go to a casino or sportsbook to bet “in person” on the games you enjoy most. Well, this isn’t the Twilight Zone, even if Rod Serling hosted just such an episode so many decades ago. No, this is reality – virtual reality! And virtual reality gambling – while not on the forefront at the top online betting sites just yet – is just around the corner.
You can see the market moving towards VR gambling, VR sports betting, and VR poker, especially with many of the best offshore betting sites now offering virtual casino games, virtual sports and eSports, and virtual poker.
If you’re ready to go all-in on VR, you won’t have to wait long, but in the meantime, we recommend learning all the ins and outs of the existing virtual gaming markets, as these will be the first to transition to full-scale virtual reality casinos and sportsbooks. So peruse our guide, and when it’s time to take a gander through the looking-glass, you just might find a bunch of real money there waiting for you.
Best VR Gambling And Simulated Betting Sites For US Players In 2024
VR Casinos:
| Casino Name | Bonus Offer | Compatibility | Rating | U.S. | Visit/Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 100% up to $3000 | 4.8 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 2 |  | 200% up to $5000 | 4.5 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 3 |  | 350% up to $2500 | 4.3 | Play Now Read Review |
VR Sportsbooks:
| Sportsbook Name | Bonus Offer | Compatibility | Rating | U.S. | Visit/Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 50% up to $1000 | 4.8 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 2 |  | 100% up to $1000 | 4.7 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 3 |  | 50% up to $1000 | 4.5 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 4 |  | 50% up to $1000 | 4.5 | Play Now Read Review |
VR Poker Sites:
| Poker Site Name | Bonus Offer | Compatibility | Rating | U.S. | Visit/Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 100% up to $500 | 4.8 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 2 | | 100% up to $1000 | 4.5 | Play Now Read Review | ||
| 3 | | 100% up to $1000 | 4.5 | Play Now Read Review |
What Is Virtual Reality Gambling?
Virtual reality gambling already exists in the consumer video game space, albeit there’s no real money to be won in these titles. Games like Borderlands have virtual slots, and there are plenty of PS4 VR sports games and shooters that have loot boxes and other forms of pseudo-gambling baked in. In a way, this is the model for things to come to the real-money casino and sportsbook realm.
Basically, VR gambling will be just like the simulated casinos, poker rooms, and online sportsbooks you already find at the best offshore books like those listed above. The only difference is that when VR launches, you won’t just be tapping or swiping on your iPhone or staring at a computer screen. Instead, you’ll actually be inside a virtual casino where you can look around, “walk” up to the blackjack tables, watch a roulette croupier drop the ball and spin the wheel, and sit down in a sports betting lounge to get your game on.
The goal with VR gambling will be to put you literally inside a robust casino and sportsbook environment, no matter where you are. There are still some issues the market has to work out, but once VR is added to the options at offshore gambling sites, the world will never be the same.
Is Virtual Reality Gambling Legal In The United States As Of 2024?
We see no reason why it wouldn’t be. Remember, using offshore casinos and betting sites to gamble for real money is already legal in most US states (excepting WA and CT, though their laws banning the practice are totally unenforced), and the jump from this sort of virtual gambling to VR gambling doesn’t raise any red flags.
While state legislatures may make rules about domestic VR gambling options in the future (particularly when it comes to video games targeted at young children, which is already happening), they are unlikely to ban VR gambling for adults.
And since the gambling sites we recommend are all offshore and operate outside of US jurisdiction, the government has virtually no say over their virtual reality gambling ambitions. After all, why should a virtual bet be any different than a VR bet from a legal perspective?
Virtual Casinos
Right now, the best online overseas gambling sites are technically virtual casinos. They offer random number generation (RNG) slots, table games, bingo, and more. Because the games are all developed by reputable RNG software designers, your chances to win are already the same as you’d get at any real casino in Vegas. Millions of US gamblers already use these sites, and as long as you stick with a reputable provider, you’ll always get certified, provably fair games and guaranteed payouts.
VR gambling, when that launches, will allow you to play these games as if you were inside a genuine casino venue. If you love slots, you won’t just have to look at your phone and tap a button. Instead, you can walk up to the machine, drop in your virtual quarter, and literally pull the crank. Ditto for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more. Imagine VR craps, where you can actually shake the dice and toss them onto the table, with real random physics determining the outcome!
Virtual Sports Betting
Virtual sports betting is also a mainstay at many of the best offshore casino sites, and it’s picking up steam in a major way. As opposed to traditional sports betting (which our recommended sportsbooks also offer), virtual sports betting allows gamblers to wager on events that are entirely simulated and computer-controlled with random outcomes.
Bovada, for example, has an entire menu with several different virtual sports running all day long, with new games starting every few minutes. You can place all the same sports bets you’re used to on these simulated events, from spreads and straights to totals, props, futures, and more.
VR sports betting will be akin to standard sports betting, but you’ll be able to watch the games – or view the simulated games – as if you were in the stands or on the fields of play themselves. With live betting overlays and immersive action all around you, sports betting is about to be as hard-hitting and visceral as a blitz on third and long.
Virtual Poker
Many online casino sites have virtual poker rooms where you can play at cash tables, Sit ‘N Go events, and big poker tournaments. While you play these games against other real people, the dealing is all controlled by computer algorithms using real probabilities.
While online poker is immensely popular, there are aspects that don’t translate well from the real game. Most notably, in online poker, you don’t have to worry about your poker face, and it’s darn near impossible to bluff another player out (especially if you’re playing just one or two hands at a given table before leaving, or if you’re multitabling).
With virtual reality poker, however, the potential is there to bring these elements back. Imagine pulling up a chair at a table, with your custom avatar reflecting your blinks and smiles and scowls, your body language, and even your own sighs and giddy, under-the-breath exclamations. Hiding those pocket aces will be trickier in VR poker, and that means the game will be much more like the real thing.
Virtual Reality Mobile Gambling Apps
Right now, VR is pretty power-hungry, and most of the best systems are home computer based. However, there are mobile solutions that exist, and your iPhone or Android phone likely has VR capabilities built in.
Given the fact that most people play at virtual online sportsbooks and casinos via their mobile devices, it makes sense that mobile VR will roll out at these offshore venues as soon as the market takes off.
The sole caveat is that – like now – the best offshore virtual gambling sites won’t be able to offer native apps in the App Store or Google Play. Instead, you’ll use your phone in a cheap headset cradle, accessing the VR sections of your favorite sites via web browser. The tech already exists for this, and it will be the most cost-effective way to step out of your surroundings and into virtual reality.
Potential Features For Online VR Gambling
We’ve hit on some of these above, but the benefits of VR gambling are innumerable. With creative developers behind the scenes, your favorite casino games and betting amusements will take on a whole new dimension. While this is purely speculative, we think you can expect some of these features in the near future when you put your VR goggles on and VR gambling takes off:
VR Slots – When slots in VR hit the market, you can hit the virtual machine in all its immersive, 3D glory. You’ll get all the bells and whistles of the real thing – literally (get good headphones!) – and you’ll be able to pull the lever in real time and real space. Best of all, developers will be able to make modern and old-fashioned machines modeled in full 3D, so it’ll be just like sitting at the kiosk in real life.
VR Blackjack – Forget tapping a button or clicking your mouse to split a pair and double down. With blackjack in VR, you’ll be able to physically spread your cards out, point at the dealer, and say “hit me!” And when you win, you’ll be able to open your arms wide and pull all those chips in close.
VR Roulette – On a VR roulette table, you’ll be able to put your chips on the grid with a wave of your hand as you watch the croupier spin the wheel. You’ll hear the clatter of the ball rolling around, ricocheting as it settles into its slot on the wheel. And don’t forget to wink at the dealer after you’ve taken the house for a ride!
VR Baccarat – This is a popular game in the real world because it draws crowds as you belly up to the table and place your bets. In VR, those crowds will be right there, reacting to your wagers and your wins just like you were a tuxedoed 007 in Monaco. Just be wary of that blonde in the red dress…
VR Craps – The computer usually throws the dice in virtual craps when you play current simulations at your favorite offshore sites. Forget that! With craps in VR, you’ll be able to shake the dice and toss them on the table, with RNG randomization and real physics deciding whether your win or lose.
VR Bingo – Pick up your blotter, look down and your sheet, and wait for the virtual caller to holler out the next number. Stamp your paper, yell out “bingo!” and rake in the dough. Best of all, you won’t even have to worry about staining your shirt. (Of course, clever devs might bake a little Easter-egg goodness into the game if you bring your marker in too close. But instead of changing your clothes, all you’ll need to do is take off your headset.)
VR Sports Betting – This one’s a little further out, but when VR sports takes off, you’ll be able to be in the front row of the event, with live sports betting overlays giving you the chance to wager on every play. VR sports betting will be more suitable for virtual sports and simulated sports other than real sports, although you’ll be able to bet on real sporting events in VR in the near future, too.
VR Poker – For many players, virtual reality poker will be the ultimate VR gambling experience. You’ll be able to look at other players, assess their grins and grimaces and little twitches and tics, and call their bluff. You’ll be able to hold your hole cards in your hands, bending up the corners to take a look at what you’ve got. You’ll be able to push your chips all in with a big gesture, and pull the pot back with an even bigger one when you win. VR poker will be the ultimate entry-point for VR gambling going forward.