Gambling has sparked heated debates over the years, with Americans supporting both sides of the debate. Regardless of where you stand, the relaxation of gambling rules across the country has sparked a new golden age of gambling.
Approximately 84 million Americans visited casinos in 2022, which led to an awe-inspiring $60bn in revenue. But with more ways to play than ever, you may be wondering whether it’s best to play online or in person.
Both are different propositions and have their pros and cons. In this guide, we explore the debate over the live casino vs online casino.
Convenience
Not every state has legalized land-based casinos. Since legalized gambling is such a new concept in many parts of the country, it could be years before you have a casino in your area.
On the other hand, online gambling has expanded relatively quickly, allowing millions of Americans to go online and enjoy a wealth of entertainment from their smartphones.
Even if you do have a casino near you, it’s still easier to stay home than dress up and drive out to your closest casino. When it comes to convenience, online casinos win hands-down.
Game variety
Online casinos can host thousands of games on one site. Moreover, you can hold accounts with multiple casino brands, thus further increasing your choice of games.
In a land-based casino, the selection is limited by floor space. Plus, you may only have a couple of casinos within easy reach, so if you don’t like the games there, you’re all out of luck. But while your game variety is reduced when playing in person, you do get to experience the games differently.
For example, playing a table game like roulette or blackjack is entirely different when playing at a table with others.
The best option depends on how you prefer to play.
Atmosphere
One of the reasons why Americans continue to visit land-based casinos is the atmosphere – nothing beats the traditional feel of sitting at a table and chatting with your fellow players as you roll the dice.
Over the years, brick-and-mortar casinos have developed the casino atmosphere to perfection, with appropriate music, décor, lighting, and skilled staff.
However, more recently, with the fast-advancing technology of online casinos, you can now experience a similar atmosphere from anywhere in the world when choosing to visit a live casino.
Service
Another area where the brick-and-mortar casino excels is in the level of service you receive. Although online casinos have done much to improve their service by offering loyalty schemes, it’s just not the same as real casinos.
Visit a land-based casino and you’ll be treated to drinks served to your table or hotel room, and buffets that tempt the most jaded palate. This is a service that completes the experience, making it much more than just the game itself.
However, sometimes you can get the best of both worlds. Many online casinos also have land-based casinos available, allowing you to cash in your loyalty points for an all-inclusive experience at a physical venue.
Wagers
Not everyone wants to be a high roller when they visit a casino. Yet, in most casinos, you can expect to be throwing down $5 and $10 bills as a minimum.
The reason for this is that land-based casinos are expensive to run. They have to pay their staff and the bills, and make a profit even when foot traffic reaches a low ebb.
In contrast, online casinos provide a broader range of wagering levels for players. You can even spin the reels of your favorite slot games for mere cents, which is a big attraction to the casual player.
Moreover, if you’re new to the casino scene, your focus should be on learning the ins and outs of your favorite games. With lower wagers and demo games available online, you can concentrate on studying each game without blowing your bankroll.
What’s the best casino experience for you?
Online and land-based gaming are both experiencing a golden age. Although online casinos have made up far more ground than their land-based alternatives, Americans still love a mixture of the two.
If you’re looking for a glamorous evening with your friends, head to your nearest casino, but if you’re seeking a relaxing evening in the comfort of your own home, an online casino is your best bet.
It largely depends on what you prioritize when playing your favorite casino games.
Conclusion
Online and land-based casinos are similar but different. Both offer differing experiences for players.
As online casinos become more advanced, there’s no reason why you cannot enjoy both, depending on how you feel at the time.
Do you prefer to play in online casinos, or is in-person play your preferred way to gamble?
