Metaverse in Gaming: A Detailed Description of the Phenomenon

Innovations are penetrating various areas, including the casino niche. Special attention must be paid to the metaverse. This is an environment that combines entertainment, VR and AR, as well as the ability to communicate, create avatars, etc.

In this case, various tools are used — blockchain, artificial intelligence, and high-speed networks. They provide realistic interaction, full immersion, and complete safety.

An important characteristic of the metaverse is online interactivity, which enables users to interact dynamically with each other or the virtual environment.

A full-fledged atmosphere of the real world is created. For example, players only need to put on a VR headset to be transported to a digital casino.

Rosloto experts have prepared a detailed review of metaverses and the features of their use in gambling. We provide services for the implementation of the most complex innovative projects and help operators boost revenues.

Meta World Indicators: Economics and Statistics

Analysts from the Bloomberg Intelligence group give the following figures:

• at the beginning of 2025, the turnover of the new industry reached $800 billion;
• according to forecasts, the entertainment sector in the metaverse will grow annually by approximately 13% and will reach $390 billion in 7 years.

Such innovative products as VR casinos are emerging at the junction of 2 directions — virtual reality and gambling.

Leading Market Participants

The metaverse has attracted the interest of tech giants. For example, the Meta Platforms social media conglomerate is investing in the creation of VR startups.

The Decentraland project is a 3D portal that offers a virtual world. Customers can buy land, and designers can make clothes and accessories for avatars.

The resource has gained great popularity: digital real estate has been bought by famous brands, including Samsung, Adidas, and others. Fashion shows were organised in the metaverse, and Sotheby's held its first auction of this kind.

Atari recently announced the construction of a VR casino within the Decentraland platform.

Many entertainment firms are experimenting with virtual technologies. Chateau Satoshi, ICE Poker, and other establishments are already accepting clients.

The audience's interest in metaverse games is growing due to the development of VR solutions, the emergence of affordable gadgets, and the spread of cryptocurrencies. Such areas as eSports, live casinos, and streaming also help attract users.

The digital space will help in the evolution of online casinos. Entrepreneurs will be able to conquer new markets because access to these websites is open from anywhere in the world. Besides, it will be possible to win the favour of a young audience interested in virtual products.

Those operators who want to take a leading position in the new niche should invest in this area today, while the competition is not too high.

Key Metaverse Technologies

Several aspects directly affect the development of projects:

Virtual and Augmented Reality

VR allows players to move freely around gaming establishments, communicate with other people, sit at poker tables, and interact with various objects. This creates the effect of maximum immersion in the atmosphere of a land-based location.

The quality of devices (Oculus Quest, HTC Vive) is constantly growing, and their cost is gradually decreasing. Thanks to this, the technology is becoming widespread.

Augmented reality complements and improves the user experience. Through this concept, various elements can be overlaid on the real world even through a regular smartphone.

Researchers from Bloomberg Intelligence note that the value of the VR gambling market is increasing. If in 2020, it was estimated at $10 billion, then in 2 years, it will reach $44 billion.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Distributed ledger-based platforms are used to create metaverses:

• Ethereum;
• Binance Smart Chain;
• Polkadot;
• Tron;
• IBM Blockchain;
• Solana, and others.

This guarantees decentralisation, a high level of safety, and clarity.

VR casino operators take into account the trends and preferences of clients and accept bets in cryptocurrencies:

• Bitcoin;
• Ethereum;
• Litecoin;
• Ripple, etc.

Often, gambling establishments introduce unique tokens. Payments are made through digital wallets. Each transaction is recorded, but it cannot be interrupted or cancelled, which increases the trust of consumers and complies with Provable Fair principles.

The main advantage of virtual coins is the absence of intermediary banks. Transfers are made directly between casinos and their visitors. This makes it possible to attract a global audience.

Non-Fungible Tokens

NFTs provide an opportunity to confirm ownership of digital objects and internal assets that are used in online entertainment:

• avatars;
• skins;
• accessories, etc.

Usually, such items can be resold on the virtual market.

For entrepreneurs, the use of NFTs is another way to monetise services and attract new customers. Many people are interested in such a direction as play-to-earn, which provides for the payment of coins with participation in games and achievements.

Platforms and Engines

Metaverses need powerful software. Among the current engines, there are Unity and Unreal Engine. Program components make it possible to create products with high-quality, realistic 3D graphics. Some companies (for example, Decentraland) are investing in the development of their unique blockchain-based solutions focused on VR.

Already active portals of this kind, VRChat or Horizon Worlds, can be used for iGaming in the future and deserve special attention.

Those businessmen who want to conquer a new niche can choose between 2 options:

1. Integration into an existing metaverse. For example, it is possible to purchase virtual real estate on the Decentraland or Sandbox resources and build an online casino there.
2. Creation of a proprietary VR solution. Operators receive full control over the user experience and a personalised product that has no analogues in the industry. However, this method requires significant investment and the involvement of qualified personnel.

Licensing Features

Each region puts forward its legislative requirements for online casinos, but the new format does not yet fall under regulatory standards on a universal scale.

European Union

The EU countries have established strict rules for iGaming sites, but this does not yet apply to the metaverse. Not a single state of the EU has adopted additional norms for licensing VR portals. For now, we need to focus on the general terms for entertainment projects.

For example, in Germany, you can only conduct a casino business on domains approved by regulatory authorities. Besides, it is necessary to monitor the age of clients and determine betting limits. These requirements are spelt out in the regulations of Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

There are many questions regarding gaming in the metaverse, the main ones being:

• Who and how will verify users in a decentralised environment as part of the KYC procedure?
• Who will be responsible for monitoring cryptocurrency transfers?

There are no reliable answers, so entrepreneurs have to work according to standard permits issued by special commissions in Malta, Gibraltar, Curacao, and other jurisdictions. In this case, metaverses are defined as extensions to regular online casinos.

Legislative changes are expected in the coming years. Operators should keep abreast and regularly consult with experienced lawyers.

USA

In this region, games for money are regulated at the state level. Only a few administrative-territorial units have legalised such entertainment.

Additional standards for metaverses have not been adopted. Any unlicensed brand that provides services to citizens of the country will attract the attention of regulatory and fiscal authorities.

Well-known companies are in no hurry to dive into the new industry. Those who want to open a VR casino must obtain a permit in each state where the audience is located and comply with federal legislation (for example, FinCEN rules for cryptocurrency transfers).

In reality, it is quite difficult to meet all the requirements, so only offshore firms serve users from the US.

Other market participants decided to take a break and wait for the adoption of new regulatory acts that clearly define the legality of gambling meta-projects.

Latin America

The betting niche is in the phase of liberalisation and relaxation of standards, but the conditions vary depending on the country. Special laws related to the digital space have not yet been adopted here either, and iGaming is legalised in several jurisdictions:

1. Colombia. It was the first in the region to adopt certification rules for online entertainment platforms. This happened in 2016.
2. Argentina. Virtual casinos are regulated at the provincial level. Each administrative-territorial unit has the right to independently determine taxation.
3. Brazil. In December 2023, the country's authorities adopted a resolution legalising many types of iGaming activities. The law came into force in 2024.

In Latin America, metacasino owners must obtain a standard permit and comply with local requirements.

Many states in the region are in the grey zone. There are no bans or rules. In such jurisdictions, crypto projects can operate without supervision, but there are risks of sudden regulatory acts.

Africa

The continent is recognised as one of the most promising for the iGaming industry. Sports betting from mobile devices and lottery draws are extremely popular.

The bookmaking business is legalised in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Online casinos are banned in some countries, but most of them do not control the niche.

VR entertainment platforms and metaverses are not yet popular in Africa. This is due to the low level of distribution of devices that immerse people in virtual reality. Despite this, the audience's interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain is gradually growing on the continent.

Entrepreneurs interested in the African region should study the specifics of the local legislation in detail. In some states, it is possible to work under offshore licences, while in others, it is strictly prohibited. The VR services market is still free, so businessmen have great prospects.

Ways to Profit

Here are several models of how to make money in the metaverse:

Traditional Income from Gambling

Virtual halls use familiar online casino solutions: slots, poker, roulette, etc. They generate earnings for operators due to software advantages.

In this niche, the term Return to Player (RTP) is used. The indicator shows what percentage of bids is given back to users over a long period of participating in sessions. For example, this metric in slots fluctuates between 92–93%. That is, for bets of $100, project owners keep $7–8.

The format of entertainment in the metaverse does not change the RTP principle, but the environment attracts new clients, which leads to an improvement in the financial performance of gambling brands.

Sale of Digital Items

We are talking about the provision of unique virtual assets. Online portals can issue:

• avatars;
• NFT elements;
• skins, etc.

They are used by players in the digital environment. Some items have collectable value or increase the consumer’s status. Usually, the elements can be resold. Entrepreneurs profit from primary sales and commission fees from secondary ones.

Native Tokens

Some websites offer virtual coins, which are considered in-game currency. People receive them for winning various sessions.

The growth of the digital asset’s rate will lead to an increase in the value of the operator’s company. The portal’s owner can charge a commission for exchanging tokens for other currencies, which will also have a positive effect on the level of income. A competent and balanced approach will help attract investors.

Virtual Real Estate for Rent

The presence of a land plot in the metaverse opens up new opportunities for earning money. Enterprises can lease it out, especially if it is in Decentraland.

Today, there are already known cases when investors enter into contracts with gambling projects. The young brand Atari Casino rented a plot for 2 years.

Advertising Revenue

It is possible to place various marketing objects in virtual entertainment halls and receive additional profit. Such an offer will be interesting for cryptocurrency resources or exchanges, brands of elite alcohol, manufacturers of modern gadgets, etc. This way they will interest a solvent audience.

Popular and successful digital establishments can also sell their merchandise.

Successful Projects in Metaverses

The industry is relatively young, but there are already several remarkable results:

• ICE Poker. The platform accepts bets in virtual tokens.
• SlotsMillion VR Casino. The world's first casino in another reality started its work in 2015.

Savings on Retention

Running this kind of business allows entrepreneurs to reduce operating costs. There is no need to pay rent, utility bills, and salaries to workers or buy a physical building. The vast majority of processes are automated.

Developers and business owners note that the first investments are needed to create and purchase virtual real estate or land. In general, VR projects require less expenditure than a traditional offline or classic online casino. Thanks to this, it is possible to ensure higher margins.

Experts warn that there is no need to evaluate metaverse gaming portals as a guaranteed source of unlimited income. Unfortunately, there are examples of closed projects.

Operators who combine advanced user experience, originality of offers, and effective advertising activities succeed.

Prospects for Casinos in the Metaverse

Entrepreneurs need to make a choice: to invest in a new niche today or wait until the industry stabilises. Our experts have prepared an overview of the key advantages and risks of entering the market.

Advantages

Among the positive features, it is worth highlighting the following aspects:

1. Low competition. The niche is at an early stage of development. Brands that are the first to become part of it have an opportunity to take leading positions and win a loyal audience. The appearance of the first metaverse casino in the region will be excellent newsbreak in the media and specialised blogs — this is an additional PR effect.
2. Global reach. The digital environment makes it possible to attract players from any country and region. Operators are advised to focus on the younger generation. People from this category love video entertainment and would never visit a classic website, but they may be interested in metaverse projects.
3. Improved brand reputation and recognition. The provision of modern solutions with the implementation of virtual and augmented reality is the path to technological leadership in the niche. Such firms will gain the trust of customers and attract new gamblers. Besides, this is a preparation for the future: when the technology and VR gadgets become widespread, companies will already have a finished and proven product.
4. Additional profit-making channels. The metaverse opens new horizons for earning (sale of non-fungible tokens and merchandise, issuance of unique coins, or rental of virtual real estate). Thanks to this, operators can diversify their activities.

Risks

There are several potential disadvantages:

1. Investments in growth. To implement a high-quality project, it is necessary to attract a large number of qualified specialists — 3D designers, artists, vendors, blockchain, and security experts. It is necessary to make a truly unique solution with ideal graphics and interesting mechanics. It must be optimised to support various devices, including not only desktops and mobile portals but also VR gadgets.
2. Low level of distribution. VR headsets are gradually developing and becoming cheaper, but today, it is too early to talk about a high level of popularity. Not every gambler has a helmet or glasses for such entertainment. Entrepreneurs should support the 2D mode familiar to browsers so as not to lose potential visitors. They must also realistically assess the expected audience volume and not hope for millions of clients in the first weeks of operation.
3. Regulatory risks. Businessmen need to constantly monitor the legal field and be prepared for potential drastic changes. When investing in metaverse casinos, it is important to additionally include expenses for professional advice, as well as the implementation and compliance with responsible gambling principles.
4. Unpredictable payback. There are no guarantees that a VR casino will bring profit in the short term. The first years of work will probably be aimed at analysing the market and audience, improving software, studying technologies, etc. To those operators who are focused on a quick return on investment, this format seems quite risky. It is important to clearly understand the long-term potential of the sector and not focus on quick returns.

Brief Instructions on How to Open a Casino in the Metaverse

It is recommended to start working in a new format only if entrepreneurs have enough resources and a detailed strategic plan. They should not abandon the main gambling direction.

Gradually entering the VR niche will allow project owners to take high positions in it before the competition increases significantly.

Recommendations for a step-by-step immersion in the metaverse:

1. Create a small VR portal with the most popular and simple entertainment.
2. Integrate the service into the main online casino system.
3. Check the reaction and response of the audience.
4. If there are positive results, continue investing in business scaling.

An important point: it is necessary to remain flexible and monitor market changes. Technologies are actively developing and improving. Even a small stagnation will cause problems: casinos will quickly become outdated and will not correspond to trends or user preferences.

The Main Things about Metaverses in the Entertainment Niche

A new format in the iGaming vertical has combined the atmosphere of land-based establishments and a high technological quality.

The key features of such casinos include:

• Realism of products. Players are transferred to a unique environment where they can communicate with other clients and various objects by using modern equipment. There is a complete immersion in the atmosphere of the best entertainment locations in the world.
• Ample scope for extra income. In addition to profits from bets, platform owners can generate revenue from the release of digital tokens, NFT assets, and internal elements.
• Development prospects. In the coming years, VR devices are expected to improve and become cheaper. The potential audience of casinos in the metaverse will increase significantly.

The Rosloto studio provides services for the implementation of modern entertainment projects. It uses innovative technologies, monitors trends, and quickly responds to any market changes. The aggregator knows how to make gambling brands successful and profitable.

The article was prepared by our experts with vast experience in creating vibrant digital portals. We are well aware of the features of the latest technologies and their implementation.