There’s been a debate regarding whether online casinos will render land-based casinos obsolete. There are also plenty of arguments regarding why land-based casinos are better than their online counterparts. As you can see, the constant back and forth regarding the two variations have caused a rift between gamblers. However, land-based and online casinos both have its pros and cons. And there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy both.
Online Casinos
The Liechtenstein International Lottery is what first online gambling in 1994. Since then, online gambling became a multi-billion-dollar industry. Online gambling as a whole is seen to be one of the heaviest taxed industries in the world. This is because governments have recognized the potential that it has to bring in additional tax revenue. This is especially effective when local economies are down.
The Benefits of Online Casinos
Convenience
One of the main benefits of online casinos is the fact that you can do it from anywhere. The only thing you need is a stable internet connection. This is what makes it so popular, especially with younger players and those that are new to gambling. Playing online also eliminates the intimidation factor that comes with land-based casinos. You’re able to try most games for free and that will allow you to familiarize yourself with what you enjoy the most.
Licensing
Online casinos that are licensed are also heavily regulated, and this makes a lot of them safe. This means that if you run into a problem online, you can request help from the customer support team. This lets you gamble with confidence knowing that the casino will assist you if you have a general query or a serious problem.
Game Selection
The game selection that most online casinos offer is enormous. Online casinos try and provide players with games in almost every category. This includes slots, table games, live casino games, scratch cards, bingo, and much more. This allows you to make seamless transitions from one game to the next with minimal effort, and that’s something that we all want.
Security
Safety and security are two of the most important factors linked to online gaming. Most casinos have advanced encryption technology in place and this prevents hackers from getting in. Furthermore, most of them keep funds away from the casino, so if something was to go wrong, nothing will be taken.
Cost
Another important factor is how cost-effective it is to play online compared to land-based casinos. Some games suit the budget of all players and this applies to the bonuses too. Online casinos usually have some sort of bonus for newcomers. This comes in the form of free spins, a deposit match bonus, or a welcome package.
The Disadvantages of Online Casinos
Convenience
You’ll be surprised to find that one of the biggest downfalls of online casinos is that it’s too convenient. It’s a double-edged sword as it’s very easy to gamble these days. For most people, this shouldn’t be an issue, but there are a handful of them that will get sucked in. Online casinos don’t close, and if you eliminate the fact that there’s no need to go home, it can be a big problem.
Scams
Good casinos are known to be legitimate and they’re licensed. However, some casinos are bad news. These casinos operate with no ethics and are simply there to scam you out of your hard-earned money. However, the iGaming industry usually catches on quickly and people are eager to spread the word that the casino is a scam.
Withdrawals and Fees
Withdrawal times and fees are a small price to pay for the convenience that comes with playing online. Online casino withdrawals can take up to 7 business days to reflect in your bank account. To make matters worse, some online casinos will charge you a percentage of your winnings for making the withdrawal. This means that you’ll pay the casino and your financial institution to get your money.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos have been around for a long time and they’re a great place to visit when you’re looking for a change of scenery. Unlike online casinos, land-based casinos have a deep-rooted history that dates back to the Ancient Greek era. Additionally, visiting a casino has become an experience, rather than just a trip to play slots. Many casinos out there beautiful and offer various forms of entertainment that could be enjoyed by the whole family.
The Benefits of Land-Based Casinos
The Experience
Land-based casinos have an ambiance that can’t be matched by anything else, especially when compared to online casinos. The closest thing to the classic casino atmosphere is a carnival. Most people visit land-based casinos because of this and there’s nothing quite like drawing a crowd of spectators when you’re on a winning streak.
It’s Easier to Keep Track of Your Losses
Anyone that has ever gambled has taken a loss, as losing is a part of gambling. However, when you’re at a land-based casino, you’re likely to handle physical cash. This will give you an exact idea of how much you’re winning or losing. Some players tend to get carried away on online casinos as their bankroll is in the form of a casino account.
The Complimentary Services
A free watered-down drink is still free, and this is something that the casino doesn’t have to do. Most casinos take great pride in providing players with some form of hospitality. Casinos will often continue to provide you with these services if you’re a frequent visitor. This can come in the form of meal vouchers or movie tickets. Even though these are there to keep players gambling, it still displays some form of care.
Instant Cashouts
Unlike online casinos, land-based casinos will provide you with instant cashouts. This makes visiting a land-based casino much more attractive to some. Most players don’t want to wait 5 business days to get their winnings.
The Disadvantages of Land-Based Casinos
The Proximity
Land-based casinos are usually located somewhere far from residential areas. This means that you’ll likely have to make a weekend out of it or prepare for a long drive. This can discourage some people from making the trip but to others, it’s part of the experience.
Dress-Code
When visiting a land-based casino, you’ll be denied entry if you’re wearing a specific attire. This is what makes online gambling more attractive to some people. To gain access to a casino, you need to wear a shirt and trousers or look presentable if you’re a woman.
Slow Table Games
Playing table games at a land-based casino is significantly slower than what you’d experience when playing online. Dealers work at a particular pace, and there’s nothing you can do to speed up the process.
Our Verdict
Both casino types are necessary as different variations appeal to specific consumers. Some players thrive in the live ambiance and others aren’t suited for land-based casinos due to the lack of convenience. Neither casino will cancel each other out, nor do we believe that it’s a good thing. In conclusion, Land-based casinos are a culture on their own, and plenty of regions and organizations depend on the revenue and jobs that they create.
