The world of gambling today offers its audience two main formats of entertainment – traditional land-based casinos and modern online casinos. Both of them have unique advantages and disadvantages. Against the backdrop of digital transformation and globalisation, the question of choosing between the two is becoming more and more relevant.

In this article, co-written with nelscottreef.com, we will look at the main differences between land-based and online casinos, the advantages and disadvantages of each format, the psychological and cultural aspects of choice, audience preferences in different countries, and a glimpse into the future of the gambling industry. 

Historical Context

The first casinos in our usual form appeared in Europe in the 18th century. The most famous is the Casino of Monte Carlo, which became a real symbol of luxury, where the high society spent its time. Later, in the XX century, Las Vegas and Atlantic City became global centres of gambling entertainment.

Land-based casinos were a combination of gaming, shows, restaurants and hotels and
offered their audiences physical interaction with dealers and other participants, as well as an elitist atmosphere filled with lights and live music. 

Since the late 1990s, thanks to the development of the internet, the first online casinos started to appear. In the beginning they were simple copies of card games and roulette, but over time they evolved into high-tech platforms with live real, 3D slots, tournaments and cryptocurrency betting.

Today, users can bet from the comfort of their sofa, using a mobile app or browser, and the gaming options are comparable, if not superior, to those of land-based casinos.

Advantages of Land-Based Casinos

Despite digitalisation, traditional casinos are still in demand.

The main advantage is the unique atmosphere of live socialising, the sounds of chips and roulette, spectacular shows and live music. Many guests perceive land-based casinos as a special event and an elitist leisure format, confirming their social status.

Reliability and Trust

For many participants, it is important to see the dealer deal the cards, watch a real roulette wheel spin and trust a licensed establishment that has been around for decades. Official land-based casinos are often located in entertainment complexes with hotels, restaurants, shops, spas and concert halls, offering not only a fun time but also a fulfilling holiday.

Advantages of Online Casinos

Modern online casinos offer their audience an impressive array of options, which makes them increasingly popular among users around the world. The main advantages include: 

  • Play anytime and anywhere 24/7;
  • No need to spend money on transport, hotels and food;
  • Support for all devices – PCs, smartphones, tablets.

The online casino team also actively attract new audiences with lucrative special offers. For example, you can get a bonus for registration, no-deposit freespins, join cashback and loyalty programmes, participate in tournaments with big cash prizes.

For some users, the ability to play anonymously is important, especially in countries with restrictions. Many online casinos allow you to choose a pseudonym, use cryptocurrency and not disclose personal information while playing.

Disadvantages of Land-Based Casinos

Let’s look at the main limitations faced by guests of establishments.

Limited Geography

Not everyone has physical access to a casino. This is especially true in countries where gambling is restricted or banned.

High Costs

Travelling to a casino often involves travel, accommodation, meals, tips and extras. In addition, the cost of participating in individual games can be quite high. 

Social Pressure

Participants may feel social pressure, for example, to continue playing out of politeness while at the card table. This can contribute to impulsive betting and losses.

Disadvantages of Online Casinos

The digital format also has its vulnerabilities. 

Lack of Personal Experience

Despite technological improvements, online gaming is not able to convey the emotions that accompany the real process: the tension at the table, the applause, the spectacularity of what is happening.

Risks of Dependency

Due to the high availability of games, there is a risk of game addiction. The user does not need any additional effort to access a website or app, which creates the preconditions for more frequent, uncontrolled gaming.

Security and Fraud

Not all online casinos operate with integrity. There is a risk of encountering results where random number generators were not used, hidden bonus terms, withdrawal problems.

Audience Preferences 

Let’s take a look at which formats are most popular in different countries around the world. 

USA and Canada

The legalisation of online casinos is happening gradually. Users often choose hybrid formats: playing online and occasionally visiting casinos in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

Europe

Countries such as the UK, Germany and Sweden have a high level of trust in licensed online casinos and this market continues to grow.

Asia

There is a mixed situation in the region: gambling is restricted in China and South Korea, but online casinos are still popular. Especially internationally licensed projects.

Latin America and Africa

The growing popularity of smartphones is making online gaming more accessible, especially in countries with limited infrastructure.

The Social Factor and the Psychology of the Game

In land-based casinos, guests can socialise with other members, develop skills in reading the intentions of opponents (especially in poker) and feel a sense of belonging to an elite club. This is more involved, but can also increase the risk of loss.

Online casinos compensate with remote format chat rooms, streaming and live casinos with real dealers. In doing so, users can use strategies and analytics and pause at any time.

The Future of the Industry

Both areas are expected to create synergies and the boundaries between land-based and online casinos will become increasingly invisible. The main areas of integration include:

  • Creation of online projects based on land-based casinos (e.g. Caesars Online);
  • Utilising VR and AR technologies to create immersive gaming experiences;
  • Development of hybrid tournaments where participants play online and offline at the same time.

That said, it is important to choose licensed online casinos regulated by bodies like the MGA (Malta), UKGC (UK), Kahnawake (Canada). And land-based casinos in most countries operate under strict regulations, including AML, responsible gaming, and guest verification. Today, choosing between a land-based and online casino is a matter of personal preference, the purpose of the game, and affordability. One format does not replace the other, they organically complement each other, providing the audience with more opportunities.