Online gambling and gaming are used interchangeably, but they could become even more entwined if leading betting firm Entain press ahead with their plans in the near future.

Playing at online casinos has become increasingly more authentic in recent years. Still, Entain is seeking to take this to the next level by delivering a more immersive experience with VR.

This innovative step will move gambling ever closer to gaming, attracting players who seek out fuller experiences when they look for online games.

A Joint Project

The move into the world of virtual reality technology will be innovative for the gambling industry, but Entain won’t be doing it alone. They will be partnering up with media tech firm Verizon Media, part of Verizon Communications.

Verizon will be providing the know-how to create what’s being described as a “virtual reality sports club”. The intention is for the gambling VR experience to use the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, offering players several different options to access the VR gambling hub.

Complete plans haven’t been released so far, but may include a version of PartyCasino as it’s one of their largest gaming brands. The PartyCasino online site already offers a wide range of different types of casino games, including live dealer options.

A New Type of Gambling

Sandeep Tiku, the chief operating officer of Entain, described the plans for the project and the company’s desire to lead innovation in the market. He sees Virtual Reality as the next logical step for online gambling firms and believes that there will be lots of interest from players keen to explore a more immersive experience.

Tiku says that the new VR experience will allow people to watch football matches as well as play. There may also be additional features such as the ability to add music and discover bands, as the company seeks to expand the offering to become a fuller interactive form of entertainment.

The Entain executive said that their goal is to “wow”customers with “multidimensional” experiences, unlike anything they’ve had before while ensuring their safety using cutting-edge technology.

The full details will be revealed closer to the launch, but it’s clear from the details released so far that the project isn’t just about betting. While gambling is likely to remain one of the most extensive offerings from Entain, they are seeking to include broader forms of entertainment within the project remit, bringing gaming, music, sports and gambling together in one immersive experience that will appeal to a wide audience.

It’s hoped that by offering such a diverse range of entertainment, the project will bring Virtual Reality firmly into the limelight and make it less of a niche product.

The pilot is expected to be released later in 2021.