What “metaverse casinos” actually mean in 2025
There are two distinct models. First, social VR casino worlds on platforms like Meta Quest where you can’t win real money; they’re entertainment-only. Second, web casinos that add VR modes or virtual worlds for immersion while still running under a traditional online gambling licence in approved jurisdictions. Knowing which is which prevents confusion and compliance trouble. Meta’s developer content rules explicitly prohibit real-money gambling or cashing out in-game currencies in Quest apps, which is why most “VR casinos” on Quest are social-only.
PokerStars’ Vegas Infinite is a prominent example of the social model: the official Meta store listing and the product’s own site state that it is not a gambling product and offers no opportunity to win real money.
On the licensed, real-money side, some online casinos have experimented with VR for nearly a decade. SlotsMillion publicized a “world’s first” real-money VR casino experience back in 2015–2017 while operating under Malta/UK licensing; this shows VR can coexist with real-money gambling when delivered via compliant channels and markets. Availability has varied over time as technology and platform policies evolved.
Web3/metaverse worlds: token poker and virtual lounges
Decentral Games’ original ICE Poker inside Decentraland has shifted into a broader “Poker Arcade” model. Official docs note the April 2024 transition, and the project’s site explains free-play access and tokenized game elements. Treat these as on-chain games with rewards mechanics rather than licensed real-money gambling unless clearly stated otherwise by a regulator. Always read the project’s terms and disclaimers.
VR modes in licensed online casinos
Beyond fully social VR experiences, some regulated suppliers have released live games with an optional VR mode. Evolution’s Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt launched in 2021 as the first online live game show with a VR mode, delivered through licensed online casinos—not a consumer VR app store—showing how immersive features can layer onto regulated products.
Platform rules still define what you can do in a headset
Quest’s current policies forbid apps from facilitating real-money gambling or enabling redemptions of in-game currencies for cash. That’s why real-money play typically happens in a browser or native mobile/desktop app that belongs to a licensed operator, not inside a Quest store app. If you see a headset experience offering real-cash payouts in-app, be skeptical and check both the operator’s licence and the platform’s rules.
Meta also tightened gambling advertising across Facebook and Instagram in July 2025, requiring permission, license evidence, and stricter targeting controls, which affects how social/VR casino brands promote themselves.
Where crypto fits in metaverse and VR gambling
Crypto shows up in two ways. In social VR apps, coins aren’t used for real-money bets due to platform rules. In regulated online casinos and sportsbooks, some markets allow crypto or stablecoins under strict AML/KYC; others ban it outright. For example, Australia prohibits licensed online wagering operators from accepting digital currency, Ontario’s standards say cryptocurrency is not legal tender and shall not be accepted, and Brazil’s 2024 ordinance requires betting payments to flow through bank accounts at Central Bank–authorized institutions. Local rules—not the virtual world—decide whether crypto can be used.
If you play on a regulated site that does accept crypto, network confirmation and finality still govern cash-in/out timing; plan deposits ahead of live events rather than relying on last-minute top-ups in VR. (Your operator’s help pages will state required confirmations or settlement policies.)
KYC and licensing still apply—even in a virtual world
If real money is involved, expect identity verification before you gamble. In Great Britain, operators must verify name, address and date of birth before allowing play, and the Commission reiterated the rule in 2024 reminders. The medium may be VR, but the compliance obligations are the same.
How to try “metaverse casinos” safely
Choose the right experience for your goal. If you want social entertainment in a headset, use verified Quest listings and expect no cash prizes. Vegas Infinite’s official pages make this explicit.
If you want real-money play, use a licensed online casino that offers VR-style modes or immersive lobbies within its web or native app, and verify its regulator and jurisdiction. Historic examples like SlotsMillion show how VR can be integrated under a licence, but always check what’s currently supported in your region.
Confirm local crypto rules before depositing. Markets such as Australia, Ontario (Canada) and Brazil impose strict limits on crypto deposits for gambling—even if a site markets itself as “metaverse” or “web3.”
FAQs
Are real-money VR casinos on Meta Quest?
No. Quest content policies prohibit apps from facilitating real-money gambling or cashing out in-game currencies, so the high-profile casino titles there are social-only.
What about VR gambling on the web?
Some regulated operators have offered VR experiences via browser or desktop in licensed markets, for example the SlotsMillion VR project publicized since 2015–2017. Availability changes as tech and regulation evolve, so verify current support and licensing.
Is there a real-money game with a VR mode today?
Yes. Evolution’s Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt introduced a VR mode within the live game show delivered by licensed online casinos, not by a store app.
Can I use crypto to gamble in VR?
Only where local law and the operator permit crypto deposits—and typically outside the Quest app model. Several jurisdictions ban crypto for consumer gambling payments, including Australia and Ontario, while Brazil routes payments through bank accounts at Central Bank–authorized institutions.
Do I still have to pass KYC in a metaverse casino?
Yes. If real money is involved, you must pass identity checks under the relevant regulator’s rules. In Great Britain, verification before gambling is mandatory.
Bottom line
Metaverse casinos are real in two very different forms: social VR worlds with no real-money payouts, and licensed online casinos that are layering VR-style immersion into their regulated products. Platform policies (like Meta Quest’s) keep in-app play entertainment-only, while real-money experiences live on the web under the same old rules: licensing, KYC, and payment compliance. If you want the VR vibe, pick the model that matches your goal—and check the regulator’s rules and the platform’s policies before you put any money on the table.
