Vegas Infinite, the virtual reality-optional social casino experience from PokerStars, is now available on iOS devices. It differs from other play-money social poker and casino products by setting its games within a virtual 3D world, while typical social gaming apps use a system of menus for users to navigate from one game to another.
The game first launched on mobile in May, but only for Android devices, leaving Apple devotees wondering when it would be their turn. It has taken six months to get the game through Apple’s strict approval process, but today the wait is over.
James O’Reilly, Director of Disruptive Innovation at PokerStars, said:
Vegas Infinite is about connecting players for a truly social virtual casino experience. Over the last year, we’ve launched on Steam for PC, Android for mobile, and PS5 for console, augmenting a lineup that already included Meta Quest for VR and MR, Steam for VR and PlayStation for PS VR2. With the addition of iOS, we’re welcoming a whole new group of players and thanks to cross-play and cross-progression, everyone can seamlessly enjoy Vegas Infinite wherever they are and on the device that works for them.
Vegas Infinite began its life as PokerStars VR, but evolved to make the poker and virtual reality components options rather than requirements. In its current form, it can be played on VR headsets or conventional displays, and players can enjoy blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots, as well as the original multiplayer poker product.
Although Vegas Infinite is free-to-play and doesn’t award cash prizes, it’s an 18+ app because of its simulated gambling theme.
From PokerStars VR to Vegas Infinite iOS
Vegas Infinite has taken quite a journey over the years. However, its longevity and endless iterations are a testament to the experiment’s success. Other efforts to blend virtual reality and gambling have tended not to stick around so long.
Here’s a timeline of the game’s evolution:
- September 2018: PokerStars becomes the first real-money gambling operator to embrace the opportunity presented by dedicated VR devices, launching the original PokerStars VR for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Steam VR.
- October 2019: PokerStars is acquired by international online gambling giant Flutter, leading to a change in strategic priorities away from poker as a pure-play product.
- April 2023: PokerStars VR makes its way into the console space, thanks to Sony’s release of its second-generation PlayStation VR headset.
- September 2023: Flutter announces that PokerStars VR has become Vegas Infinite and now includes casino games as well as poker. The new game also has stricter moderation of player chat to improve the game’s social environment.
- October 2023: The newly-released PC version of Vegas Infinite drops the VR headset requirement and allows users to play on a flat screen if they choose.
- May 2024: Vegas Infinite receives its first mobile adaptation, launching for Android phones and tablets.
- November 2024: The mobile version of Vegas Infinite comes to iPhone and iPad.
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