From traditional land-based casinos to playing on one’s computer all the way to mobile and virtual reality play, online gambling technology has taken many strides over recent years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Casino software developers and popular online platforms are trying to keep up with what they think will provide the most value to their customers and are constantly aiming to think of innovative ideas.
The most recent phenomenon amongst all these developments is the pursuit of hologram technology. In this article we take a look at the developments of this technology in relation to gambling and what it means for the industry.
Holograms Technology
Holograms are a 3D image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other coherent light source. Although the technology was invented back in 1962 from two well-known scientists working at the University of Michigan, it has never really gained momentum or widespread adoption in the market due to costly and complicated production costs.
Hologram images are significantly more expensive to develop compared to other newer technology such as Virtual Reality (VR) applications. VR devices produce 3D images that are viewed directly through screens for an immersive experience whereas Holograms try to appear in natural 3D ways. Aside from the cost and production factor, consumers seem to find VR more appealing for what they need on their own personal screens such as laptops and mobile phones while holograms are a bit too complex.
The Benefits of Holograms for Casinos
Holograms can act as a new and intimate way for online casinos to connect with audiences. The idea is that a personalized dealer from any part of the world will be able to connect with a player via a hologram device that displays a real-life casino setting, dealer images, casino sounds and imagery and anything else that a live casino can bring. Unlike VR, there will be no glasses required and players will be able to turn on a device that spits out hologram images directly into their living rooms where they can immerse in a lifelike casino.
Market Outlook
The question comes down to who will adopt the technology and when. Reports state the technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30% throughout 2023 and that the overall market will be worth US$3.57 billion by 2020. Most likely mobile phone makers will aim to embed the technology in devices over the next decade, which may end up being the largest contributor, while external device sales may be limited.
Constraints of the technology
The biggest challenge will rest in what device maker most quickly adopts the technology and how they apply it to the market with value. External VR devices have seen limited sales and the technology really hasn’t caught on with the public so many analysts are concerned that hologram technology will fall into the same category. Assuming the technology developers software developers should follow in suite and make adjustments to their services, including online gaming developers such as online casinos.
Should the development of hologram casinos follow through there will be no end in site to what possibilities could come from playing games such as blackjack. Imagine sitting face to face with a casino dealer located in Macau at your casino of choice playing blackjack and virtually interacting with the casino. The future is with this kind of connectivity and holograms are at the forefront.