Choosing between land-based or online casinos depends on what you want to trade off for your preferred experience. While some people value convenience and round-the-clock access, while others prefer a bit of glamour and a bubbling atmosphere to meet new people.
To help you choose which is right for you, these are the pros and cons of land-based and online casinos.
Online Casinos
The first true casino software was developed in 1994. This umbrella term represented all establishments that facilitated playing games of chance or skill for financial rewards via the Internet.
Pros of Online Casinos
You should consider choosing online casinos for the following reasons:
Game Variety
It is easier and cheaper for developers to design and integrate newer games into online casinos. As a result, the most trusted ones allow players to enjoy restriction-free gambling with multiple games and bonuses.
Accessibility
Online casinos that accept US players offer unparalleled accessibility, allowing players to indulge in thrilling games anytime, anywhere. While state laws regarding online gambling are highly diverse, online casinos are accessible almost everywhere - even in those states with strict gambling laws.
Comfort
With an internet-enabled device and quality connection, you`re all set. Unlike brick-and-mortar casinos, online casinos don`t require long commutes because you can gamble from anywhere. As a result, choosing online casinos is synonymous with choosing a comfortable and convenient gambling experience.
Bonuses and Loyalty Programs
Although land-based casinos offer some bonuses, their enormous running costs make it impossible to match the mouth-watering offers of online casinos. These range from huge welcome and reload bonuses to free spins and cashback.
Time and Cost Savings
Online casinos don`t just save you travelling time. You also don`t have to wait until some tables are free. Their online infrastructure supports multiple players concurrently. Likewise, you can stretch your bankroll for more games because you don`t have to spend on drinks and hotel fees.
Cons of Online Casinos
Nonetheless, online casinos have the following drawbacks.
Lack of Socialization
Gaming is supposed to be for excitement and leisure. The setup of traditional casinos executes that objective by making multiple provisions for fun. Online casinos, on the other hand, restrict it to pretty much just, well, gambling. Even the live chat feature only exposes you to people whose identity you can`t ascertain.
Network Dependence
Your fun at an online casino highly depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi service. You could end up with internet connection glitches that abruptly halt your gaming.
Land-based Casinos
These physical gaming premises are licensed to facilitate games like roulette, blackjack, poker, slots, etc.
Pros of Land-based Casinos
The following are some reasons to choose land-based casinos:
Social Gambling Atmosphere
The beautiful people, bright lights, live music, and service of a physical casino combine to deliver a social gambling atmosphere. It goes beyond the games. Some people visit for just that glitz and energy. You should choose land-based casinos, too, if you want a social gaming experience.
Fast Withdrawals
Land-based casinos pay winners instantly, usually in cash. These instant withdrawals are possible because you are physically with the croupier and other attendants. So, collecting your winnings is pretty straightforward and quick.
Live Game Interactions
Common casino games like poker require wits, skills, and some mind games. Tricks like bluffing have a unique feeling that can`t be used behind a screen. If that stuff tickles your fancy, you might want to consider choosing land-based casinos.
Cons of Land-based Casinos
Online casinos started evolving to remedy these drawbacks of playing at physical gambling outfits.
Travelling Back and Forth
You must be physically present to enjoy the perks of a land-based casino. And that means dressing up, commuting to the venue, staying at the hotel (sometimes when it's too late or the venue is too far from your home), and then journeying back.
Those are enough reasons not to choose land-based casinos if you`re an introvert who doesn`t like being among large crowds or in noisy places.
Lower RTPs
Most online casinos don`t charge an entry fee. Yet, they must finance the music, bright lights, and other non-gaming entertainments that power such vibrant atmospheres. In addition, they still pay rent or lease on their slot machines.
So, they charge the players for different games.
Consequently, compared to their online counterparts, whose RTPs are between 95-97%, slots at land-based casinos have an average RTP of 75%.
Seating Limits and Restricted Hours
Yet, many people can get enough of those Vegas night casino experiences. So much so that the casino gets crowded out, and tables fill out quickly during peak periods. Additionally, many casinos operate only at certain hours for regulatory and maintenance reasons.
This means that the average player can`t just pop into the casino for their favourite game when they feel like it.
