How VR and AI Impact the Quality of Refereeing in Sports

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VR and AI Refereeing in Sports

The introduction of new technologies into sporting life is manifested in different aspects. One of the most successful among them is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) as ‘assistants’ of real referees. Special programmes for football, tennis, cricket and other sports have been developed on the basis of these technologies. They help to analyse game moments, improve the accuracy of decisions and minimise human errors.

AI is able to process large amounts of data instantly, and VR technology allows referees to study controversial moments in detail. This approach makes competitions more objective and reduces errors, which is particularly important in high-level tournaments. In this article, we will look at the specifics of VR and AI in refereeing, as well as some real-life facts that prove the effectiveness of these technologies.

Gambling, VR, and AI in Sports Refereeing

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the new format, let’s start with the so-called ‘near-sports’ sector. This is the casino and betting industry. On projects such as 21bit Aussies can test innovations in virtual sports betting with AI referees. Although this type of gambling entertainment is not yet as popular as Hot Fruits 20, Gates of Olympus 1000 and other pokies, it is gradually gaining popularity. Games of this genre already appear in the top positions on 21Bit.

As far as betting is concerned, VR and AI refereeing has a direct impact on this area of gambling. A more accurate record of offences and game events makes betting fairer and reduces the likelihood of controversial situations. For example:

  • VAR (Video Assistant Referee). This technology is used in football. It allows moments to be reviewed and refereeing errors to be corrected, which plays a role in bookmakers’ odds.
  • Hawk-Eye. This programme is used to determine the exact position of the ball in tennis. It speeds up the line judging process, allowing you to instantly correct the odds in the sportsbook.
  • DRS (Decision Review System). Software dedicated to cricket. Its purpose is to accurately determine the moment when the ball touches the surface of the pitch, which is very important for real-time betting.

In addition, 21Bit Australia uses AI in suspicious behaviour detection systems. VR technology also creates a realistic atmosphere in live casino games.

Features and Benefits of VR and AI Technologies in Refereeing

Now let’s move directly to sports. Let’s start with actual facts, demonstrating how innovative technologies have already changed the course of critical sporting events more than once:

  • Football (World Cup 2018). In the France vs Australia match, the VAR system detected an offence on Antoine Griezmann, which led to a penalty award. France converted the kick and won 2-1.
  • Tennis (US Open 2022). In the women’s singles final, Hawk-Eye determined that a ball from Ons Jaber’s racket went into touch, giving Iga Swiatek a key point on her way to the title.
  • Cricket (Ashes Series 2019). In the fifth Test, UltraEdge revealed a minimal batting touch from Steve Smith, leading to his exit from the game and affecting the overall outcome of the match in England’s favour.

In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the VAR system helped referees review 20 controversial episodes, avoiding errors that could have affected the medal distribution. In tennis, the Hawk-Eye umpiring system has been used since 2020 even on dirt surfaces, where its accuracy had previously been questionable. In cricket, UltraEdge and Ball-Tracking help umpires identify outs and LBW decisions with high accuracy.

Finally, let’s list the advantages of using the new formats in refereeing:

  • Error minimisation. The technologies make it possible to review points and make objective decisions, thus eliminating the human factor.
  • Speed of decision-making. Artificial intelligence analyses events in fractions of a second, reducing delays in the game.
  • Accuracy. Highly detailed VR and precise AI algorithms capture the smallest details important for refereeing.
  • Less pressure on referees. Referees can rely on the technology, minimising the risk of bad decisions.

Increased confidence in the sport. Honest refereeing makes games fairer, which has a positive impact on spectator interest.

Thanks to VR and AI, sports refereeing has become more accurate, fair, and efficient. These technologies have already transformed world championships and continue to be actively implemented in various disciplines.

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