For years now, the iGaming industry has been first and foremost on people’s minds, when discussing online gambling. However, many still prefer the land-based, face-to-face experience, that is visiting a casino. Yet, there are also those who believe that online casinos have fully outdone their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
In this article, we would like to take a look at the differences, similarities and more between online and land-based gambling establishments. We will bring up how online casinos like RegalRush are far more convenient to access and may offer a wider variety of games. But we will also bring up that land-based casinos offer a social element that cannot be replicated online.
Both are a Hit
The iGaming industry is, without a doubt, a massive hit. Billions of dollars go into online gambling every year. Though it was once considered a subsidiary of the “proper” gambling market, iGaming has become a developed industry in its own right. Because of this, many believe that brick-and-mortar gambling establishments have taken a hit to their popularity. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, land-based gambling is more popular than ever. Not only that, but even in the digital age that is the 21st century, casinos are still more popular than online gambling. For proof of that, we need only look at Las Vegas. Sin City attracts 40 million annual visitors, making it one of America’s biggest tourist destinations, along with Disney World and Hollywood.
Though land-based gambling may be more popular right now, online casinos continue to grow. We may see a time when they overtake their predecessors. However, their rise in popularity does not facilitate the fall of land-based gambling. In fact, it would seem as if though it is enhancing their success. The two markets are mutually beneficial, which is certainly impressive.
A Different Experience
Anyone who has visited both land-based and online casinos will tell you that the experience is certainly different. At online casinos, gamblers can get away with being far more contemplative of their games. This is because they are usually alone, in their home, away from the ruckus of the actual game. That lets them separate themselves from other players, which makes it easier to avoid FOMO, peer pressure, or just bad decisions made in excitement.
On the other hand, brick-and-mortar casinos have their own advantage. For one, a gambler may be surrounded by other, like-minded people, which builds a sense of community and belonging. Many people have struck up a lifelong friendship at the poker table, for example. More to the point, being face-to-face with fellow players opens up the possibility of reading their expressions, and learning more about their playing patterns. For poker players especially, this is a great thing.
Online casinos certainly do provide a different experience from their land-based counter-parts. However, at the end of the day, which option one prefers will come down to personal choice. For some, the contemplative, isolated nature of online gambling is a huge upside. On the other hand, there are those who prefer the extroverted experience of land-based casinos.
The Games are the Same
Whether one chooses to play at online or land-based casinos, one will come across the same games. Most common, and most beloved, is slots. Slot games were created around the late 19th century, and became an instant hit in various bars throughout the USA. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that land-based casinos started adopting them. However, the moment they did, these machines began generating cash. Today, both online and land-based casinos have revolutionized slot games, creating a fun, new experience.
But, as fun as slots can be, it is also true that they tend to get a little repetitive after a while. That is why some people prefer blackjack. The card game is a staple of online casinos, particularly with the growing success of live gambling. By using livestreaming technology, online casinos can now emulate the face-to-face experience of their land-based predecessors. Speaking of which, blackjack is a classic, brick-and-mortar game as well. A gambler would be hard-pressed to find a casino that does not have at least one table.
Apart from the two most popular games, gamblers can expect to find baccarat, roulette, poker, and more at both establishments. Roulette, of course, is a staple, often being considered the third horn of the casino-goers’ trinity (slots, blackjack, and roulette). However, those who like exploring new and exotic games, might have a better time at online casinos.
More Games Online
It is certainly possible to find any game you’d like at a land-based casino. However, a lot of establishments are limited by region, and local popularity. So, for gamblers who are interested in some unique games, that they may not have played before, online casinos are the better choice. The reason is simple; many online casinos feature those more exotic games that a player might be craving.
For example, one would be hard-pressed to find games that may not even exist at land-based casinos. On top of that you can use crypto payments to make quick and anonymous deposits. Online casinos also offer staple games that most people will have heard of. We are talking classics like blackjack or roulette here. Both games have a huge following online and fans line up to join a live casino table.
Finally, internet-based gambling sites feature completely original games, many of which might have nothing to do with classic casinos. For example, a pretty popular concept is taking a successful quiz show and transforming it into a gambling game. Wheel of Fortune is a big one here. Couple that with the original, video game-esque gambling games, and online casinos certainly come out ahead, at least in the gaming library department.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether one chooses to visit a land-based establishment, or an online casino, comes down to personal preferences. Both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to what different players prefer. Some may value the face-to-face social interaction that land-based gambling provides, while others want to explore a massive library of games, unlike any other.
