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PokerStars Goes Live in Pennsylvania

Online poker has been one of the most anticipated pieces of the Keystone State’s expanded gambling plans. After months of waiting and several setbacks, the online poker industry is finally set to kick off with the launch of PokerStars’ online poker room. The poker operator which is best known as one of the world’s leading online poker operators will be starting off its Pennsylvanian operations with the launch of a toned-down version of its poker site. This is because the launch which is scheduled for November 4 will be a soft-launch and will, therefore, involve a few tests that will be overseen by the PGCB.

Licensed Under Mount Airy

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has already stated that its staff members are ready to oversee the test launch of an online gaming site. While the boar’s spokesperson did not reveal any specific details about the yet-to-be-launched online gambling operation, he did mention that the operation is licensed under Mount Airy Casino.

If you have been keeping an eye on the Keystone State gambling expansion, then you already know that Mount Airy is the official land-based casino partner of PokerStars.

Public Tests

The state’s gambling laws require all regulated operations to undergo a public test period before the official launch. During the test period, the regulator will be tasked with determining whether PokerStars is a good fit for the market and if it is it will be given the green light for a full launch. Some of the aspects that will be evaluated include the geolocation tools that are used by the operator as well as the fairness fo the games offered.

This test phase will last for two to three days after which the regulator will deliver a verdict regarding whether the operator can launch full operations or not. There is quite a bit of optimism that PokerStars will pass the tests. After all, it already has experience in the business and therefore it will certainly utilize this in the state. If all goes well, by next week Pennsylvanian poker enthusiasts will have full access to a robust and fully-featured online poker offering.

Is Mobile Gaming on the Way?

Unfortunately, there is no information suggesting that PokerStars is even thinking of a mobile poker app for the Pennsylvanian market. While the online poker site is definitely going to be responsive enough to work across a wide range of devices, mobile gaming has been gaining a lot of popularity in the state. More and more people are switching to available gambling apps and hopefully, there will be a mobile poker option. While there is no mention of the app and considering PokerStars’ history of starting things off with online gambling, it should not be long before something comes up. Keep your fingers crossed.

Virtual Reality Poker Product on the Horizon

Bitcoin isn’t the only new technology to take the poker world by storm. Virtual reality has also made quite the impression on poker operators – so much so that PokerStars is currently developing a new product that allows players to take part in poker games using a VR headset.

PokerStars VR

The new VR poker software provides players with the chance to play online poker games using virtual reality technology. By donning a headset, players will be able to transport themselves to unique locations and compete in cash games and tournaments with other virtual players.

Severin Rasset, Director of Poker Innovation and Operations at PokerStars, says:

“PokerStars VR is a chance for us to take this amazing technology and bring something totally unique to poker players. Poker is about interaction. It’s been bringing people together for well over a century. We’re really excited to invest in the next generation of the game and to give players the opportunity to meet in a brand new virtual reality dimension.”

There will be some unique modifications that players can make to their gaming experience. For example, they can customise the look of their 3D avatar, and they can choose to play in all sorts of interesting locations, like a yacht in Monte Carlo or an Old West saloon. They can also engage in other activities like order drinks or even throwing food at their competitors.

Currently, the technology is being tested by over 100 players around the world. It is able to use on Steam with either Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headsets. At the moment, there is no word on when PokerVR will be made available to the public.

Virtual Reality in the Wider Gaming Market

Virtual reality has been gaining ground in the wider gaming market for a couple of years now. We have seen large gaming development companies experimenting with this technology to create a wide range of immersive video games. There are puzzle games, shooters, arcade game and all sorts of different titles that use virtual reality to engage players in a brand new way.

Even the slots market has embraced virtual reality. NetEnt is one online slots developer that has been working hard to bring VR slots to life. Several of the company’s most popular games, including Gonzo’s Quest and Jack & the Beanstalk, have been given the virtual reality treatment, immersing players in the characters’ worlds while vying for the chance to win generous prizes.

While virtual reality is becoming a big hit in the larger, video game market, there is no telling how it will fare in online poker rooms and at online casinos. It will be very interesting to see how players respond to being able to play poker games and tournaments while wearing VR headsets.