Did you ever imagine that at some point in your life you would go to a casino… without going to a casino? Yes, you read it correctly. ‘Going but not really going’ is possible with the advanced technology. When Virtual Reality (VR) first emerged, many people were uncertain on whether to applause the news or not. Some were seriously concerned, whilst others saw it a great step in technology that will help in transforming the modern world.

We have come a long way from the online casinos of two decades ago where the attempt to make casinos as more realistic as possible hit a rock due to inadequate graphics and creativity. Thanks to the available high-tech, you can enjoy games with crystal clear graphics and sound effects in popular games like slots and online roulette.

Virtual reality technology and the VR casinos are becoming more widespread and accepted by hundreds of thousands of online gamers from all over the world. Some gamblers prefer playing at a land-based casino where they are free to walk around and choose their favorite slot machines or table games over the online casinos. Regardless, you will find the VR Casinos more immersive, interactive, and entertaining.

In this guide, we explore the emergence of Virtual Reality Casinos, some of the best games you can play, the best VR casino game developers, and much much more.

What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is a simulation, or better explained as an immersive computer-generated world that engages the human senses. Normally, the user must wear a VR Helmet or goggles which will take you to a virtual 3D world. The helmet is equipped with multiple LED screens and a pre-installed stereo sound system.

Since the first VR- helmet sold by SEGA hit the markets over 20 years ago, the technology has made a tremendous advancement in the quality and design of VR technology. There are four renown names which are closely associated with the VR helmets, SONY, HTC, OSVR, and Oculus Rift. These are main producers and developers or VR helmets.

It is important to understand from the start that VR technology is not only utilized in casinos but also in fields like education, health, therapy, military training, and more. But the most industry that is expected to benefit greatly is the casino. In fact, reputable sites like SlotsMillion has already paved the way for the Online Casino.

How does the VR Casino work?
As aforementioned, you will require virtual reality goggles. Once the goggles or helmet is put on, everything will blacken out before a screen appears. This is your new virtual world. The gambler interacts with the screen using a controller and of course, their hands. There is a video released by SlotsMillion Casino where viewers can witness the sweetness of playing at a VR casino.

Using this technology, players are able to enter into a standard casino with slot machines, roulette tables, cool jazzy music, bar disks, lounge couches, and much more. You can choose to gamble on the go or from the coziness of your couch.

Which games are available in VR Casinos?
Although the VR casino industry is still at an embryonic stage, a couple of great games have emerged from different software developers like Microgaming and Net Entertainment. If you are interested in playing VR casino games, you will probably come across an array of over 40 titles in SlotsMillion Casino such as Slots, Poker, Roulette, Blackjack tournaments, Gin Rummy, and Poker Dice.

VR Slots

Virtual reality slots are the most popular and played VR games. Maybe its due to their attractive graphics, animations, and sound effects. You can expect to find titles like Starburst, Fox in Wins, Ace of Spades, Pistols and Roses, Big Bad Wolf, Go Bananas, Gonzo’s Quest, and Robbin Hood Shifting Riches.

VR Blackjack

There is a good number of virtual reality Blackjack variations with the same fun and excitement as in online casinos. Using the VR goggles, you will be able to reach out and place your chips on the table, feel the cards, stand, hit, double, just like in a brick and mortar casino.

VR Roulette

Virtual reality roulette games are the third most popular in VR casinos. The reason is that it is loved by both high roller and low budget gamblers.

Who are the pioneers of Virtual Reality casino games?
Virtual Reality games are spreading at an alarming speed and many players are getting attracted to them every day. As a result, two of the most reputable software developers have taken the initiative of delivering players with the first games in VR Casinos. These companies are the true visionaries who have made this dream come true. The two main pioneers are none other than the multi-award winner, Microgaming, and Net Entertainment. 메이저사이트

Net Entertainment

NetEnt has been in online casino industry since 1996 and it is the company responsible for the popular VR slot games like Jack and the Bean Stalk, and Jack’s World. The games come with high-quality 3D graphics, great sound effects, and animations, just as you would expect from the developer.

Microgaming

Microgaming is known for supplying some of the best slots titles to some of the industry’s best online casino sites. Other being the ground-breaker in the world of virtual reality, Microgaming has developed the most exciting games which have won it multiple awards over the past years.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of VR casinos?
Similar to any other online casino games and sites, there are some weaknesses and strengths of playing at a VR casino. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of VR casinos:

Advantages

• VR casinos have the ability to detect the player’s presence in the game.
• Gamblers are able to chat and converse with others while playing.
• VR Casino games are available in a great array and they are expected to grow.
• Players get an opportunity to step out of their daily routine
• There is constantly updating in the virtual reality casino industry.

Disadvantages

• There is a risk of being addictive
• Players tend to spend more than their set budget

What do I need to play at a VR Casino?
Before you start playing at a VR Casino, it is prudent to check and see that your computer has the necessary aspects. This will enable you to download the VR casino software and install it on your machine without difficulty. So, here are some of the basic aspects needed for Virtual Reality casino gaming;

• Windows 7 SP1 and higher
• Intel i5-4590 or higher
• NVIDIA GTX 970 / AD 290 or higher
• At least 8 Gigabyte plus RAM
• HDMI 1.3 video out-compatible

 

The Proper Care & Feeding of the Golden Goose

Under the new paradigm of declining economic conditions across a broad spectrum of consumer spending, casinos face a unique challenge in addressing how they both maintain profitability while also remaining competitive. These factors are further complicated within the commercial gaming sector with increasing tax rates, and within the Indian gaming sector by self imposed contributions to tribal general funds, and/or per capita distributions, in addition to a growing trend in state imposed fees.

Determining how much to “render unto Caesar,” while reserving the requisite funds to maintain market share, grow market penetration and improve profitability, is a daunting task that must be well planned and executed.

It is within this context and the author’s perspective that includes time and grade hands-on experience in the development and management of these types of investments, that this article relates ways in which to plan and prioritize a casino reinvestment strategy.

Cooked Goose

Although it would seem axiomatic not to cook the goose that lays the golden eggs, it is amazing how little thought is oft times given to its on-going proper care and feeding. With the advent of a new casino, developers/tribal councils, investors & financiers are rightfully anxious to reap the rewards and there is a tendency not to allocate a sufficient amount of the profits towards asset maintenance & enhancement. Thereby begging the question of just how much of the profits should be allocated to reinvestment, and towards what goals.

Inasmuch as each project has its own particular set of circumstances, there are no hard and fast rules. For the most part, many of the major commercial casino operators do not distribute net profits as dividends to their stockholders, but rather reinvest them in improvements to their existing venues while also seeking new locations. Some of these programs are also funded through additional debt instruments and/or equity stock offerings. The lowered tax rates on corporate dividends will likely shift the emphasis of these financing methods, while still maintaining the core business prudence of on-going reinvestment.
Profit Allocation

As a group, and prior to the current economic conditions, the publicly held companies had a net profit ratio (earnings before income taxes & depreciation) that averages 25% of income after deduction of the gross revenue taxes and interest payments. On average, almost two thirds of the remaining profits are utilized for reinvestment and asset replacement.

Casino operations in low gross gaming tax rate jurisdictions are more readily able to reinvest in their properties, thereby further enhancing revenues that will eventually benefit the tax base. New Jersey is a good example, as it mandates certain reinvestment allocations, as a revenue stimulant. Other states, such as Illinois and Indiana with higher effective rates, run the risk of reducing reinvestment that may eventually erode the ability of the casinos to grow market demand penetrations, especially as neighboring states become more competitive. Moreover, effective management can generate higher available profit for reinvestment, stemming from both efficient operations and favorable borrowing & equity offerings.

How a casino enterprise decides to allocate its casino profits is a critical element in determining its long-term viability, and should be an integral aspect of the initial development strategy. While short term loan amortization/debt prepayment programs may at first seem desirable so as to quickly come out from under the obligation, they can also sharply reduce the ability to reinvest/expand on a timely basis. This is also true for any profit distribution, whether to investors or in the case of Indian gaming projects, distributions to a tribe’s general fund for infrastructure/per capita payments.

Moreover, many lenders make the mistake of requiring excessive debt service reserves and place restrictions on reinvestment or further leverage which can seriously limit a given project’s ability to maintain its competitiveness and/or meet available opportunities.

Whereas we are not advocating that all profits be plowed-back into the operation, we are encouraging the consideration of an allocation program that takes into account the “real” costs of maintaining the asset and maximizing its impact.

Establishing Priorities

There are three essential areas of capital allocation that should be considered, as shown below and in order of priority.

1. Maintenance and Replacement
   2. Cost Savings
   3. Revenue Enhancement/Growth

The first two priorities are easy enough to appreciate, in that they have a direct affect on maintaining market positioning and improving profitability, whereas, the third is somewhat problematical in that it has more of an indirect affect that requires an understanding of the market dynamics and greater investment risk. All aspects that are herewith further discussed.

Maintenance & Replacement

Maintenance & Replacement provisions should be a regular function of the casino’s annual budget, which represents a fixed reserve based on the projected replacement costs of furniture, fixture, equipment, building, systems and landscaping. Too often however we see annual wish lists that bear no relationship to the actual wear & tear of these items. It is therefore important to actually schedule the replacement cycle, allocating funds that do not necessarily have to actually be incurred in the year of accrual. During a start-up period it may not seem necessary to spend any money on replacement of brand new assets, however by accruing amounts to be reserved for their eventual recycling will avoid having to scurry for the funds when they are most needed.

One area of special consideration is slot machines, whose replacement cycle has been shortening of late, as newer games & technologies are developing at a much higher rate, and as the competition dictates.

Cost Savings

Investment in cost savings programs & systems are, by their very nature and if adequately researched a less risky use of profit allocation funding then almost any other investment. These items can often take the form of new energy saving systems, labor saving products, more efficient purchasing intermediation, and interest reductions.

These items have their caveats, one of which is to thoroughly analyze their touted savings against your own particular application, as often times the product claims are exaggerated. Lease buy-outs and long term debt prepayments can sometimes be advantageous, especially when the obligations were entered into during the development stage when equity funds may have been limited. In these cases it is important to look at this strategy’s net effect on the bottom line, in comparison with alternative uses of the monies for revenue enhancing/growth investments.

One recent trend is the growing popularity of cash-less slot systems, which not only provide labor savings for fills, counts and hand-pays, but also serve as an aid to patrons who do not like to lug around those cumbersome coin buckets, while also encouraging multiple game usage.
Revenue Enhancing & Growth

Leveraging is the key catalyst of any revenue enhancing/growth related investment. It includes the following:

o Patronage Base
o Available Funds
o Lands
o Marketing Clout
o Management Experience

The principal is to leverage the use of the available asset towards achieving higher revenues & profitability. Typical examples include increasing average patronage base spending and widening the effective trading radius, by offering additional products/services, such as retail stores, entertainment alternatives, recreational/leisure amenities, overnight accommodations,  안전놀이터  more restaurant choices, and of course, expanded gaming.

Master Planning

Anticipation of potential growth and expansion should be fully integrated into the project’s initial master planning so as it assure cohesive integration of the possible elements in a phased-in program, while also allowing for the least amount of operational interruption. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to anticipate market changes, so expansion alternatives must be carefully considered.

The Big Picture

Before embarking on any type of expansion and/or enhancement program we strongly recommend first stepping back and assessing the property’s present positioning relative to the market and competitive environment. As we have observed in numerous gaming jurisdictions around the country, often casino ventures that have been operating “fat and happy” for a few years, find themselves in a zero-growth period. Sometimes this is due to competition stemming from either/both new local area casinos or regional venues that have the affect of reducing patronage from peripheral area markets. Additionally, the current customer base may become bored with their experience and are seeking greener pastures. The historical growth of the Las Vegas strip is testament to the success of continually “reinventing” oneself.

Our approach to these market studies is initially focused on determining the degree to which the current facility is penetrating the potential market and in relationship to any competitive market shares. Typically, this represents an analysis of the current patronage base in terms of information gleaned from the player tracking data base, and mailing lists, coupled with day-part, daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal revenue trends.

This data is then interfaced with an assessment of the overall market potential to indicate the extent to which certain market segments are utilizing the facility and the needs it is fulfilling. More importantly however, is that this type of analysis will indicate those market segments that are not utilizing the facility more fully, and why.