The sports industry stays at the front of cutting-edge technological revolution. This is why virtual reality (VR) is also finding its way in the transformation of the industry. VR is being used to amplify user experience, offering a more immersive experience – not just to the audience but also to players and trainers. While the audience can have an immersive experience of games, players and trainers can complete training sessions using enhanced VR equipment.
With new improvements in VR technology, it will find increased use in the industry. It is also being integrated into the broadcast of events, thus engaging fans worldwide in ways that were never imaginable before.
So How is VR Transforming the Sports Industry?
Imagine being at a game of rugby and watching your favorite team play. You can watch action up close from the sidelines. After the halftime, you can watch the action roll out from a different place on the sidelines. And you want to watch the final moments with a bird’s eye view. Virtual reality technology can allow you to float over the field and witness the final moments at convenience without flying over the field. Thus, you can change position and even fly as a viewer using this technology.
VR has been bringing dramatic changes in different industries for some time now. It has become more affordable and accessible than ever before. Google, Samsung, Facebook, and many other companies are working to develop easy-to-use equipment to bring it within the reach of the common man. Surveys show that fans don’t watch the full games when watching games from their homes. This has inspired TV channels and teams to engage more fans.
VR Technology & Viewers
VR can personalize the viewing experience for fans. For example, you can:
- Change camera angles
- Capture in-experience videos for sharing on Twitter or Facebook
- Replay your favorite moments
- Generate statistics
Leagues and teams are already engaging with fans using VR technology. for example, the NBA broadcasts games in VR. These broadcasts are usually limited to weekly ones, but it is still a big step. There are reports that the revenues generated from VR for major leagues can increase to billions of dollars in the next 7 to 8 years. And it is not surprising when it is claimed that it can become the primary format of sports viewing.
Virtual Reality Sports Betting
Virtual reality is also going to be used in sports betting. You can enter games, place bets, and watch players perform in real-time or enter fantasy games. Advanced algorithms can create fantasy matches, create their own conclusions, and you can bet on NRL rugby or any other game. Some of the key advantages of such fantasy VR games include:
- There is going to be no unexpected sports event cancellation. This means that you will not have to worry about losing your sports bets or game tickets.
- There is no need to worry about fixed matches.
- VR betting also provides higher level of protection under the law.
- You can also use this type of betting to practice for betting in real games.
You can bet on any game from anywhere without the need for traveling.
Technology providers will continue developing new and better VR technologies for better fan and player experience. Fans can find more immersive experience and better sports betting opportunities. While VR will take virtual fantasy games and betting to another level, this doesn’t mean that online sports betting is going to lose its significance. Thus, everyone is going to benefit from the changes brought about by VR in the sports industry.
