Humans have enjoyed gambling games for thousands of years. Some of the most popular games today originated centuries ago, with their basic rules and mechanics remaining relatively unchanged over this span of time. However, the advent of digital technology has seen the gambling industry change rapidly.
Today, gambling can be separated into two distinct categories: land-based and online, and the divide between the two has only grown larger over time. In this article, we look at the differences between land-based v online casinos and discuss whether it’s possible to bridge the gap between them. Read on to learn more.
Land-Based Casinos: Pros and Cons
For much of human history, land-based casinos and gambling outlets were where the majority of players would enjoy their favourite games. From small gambling halls to huge resorts, land-based casinos come in many shapes and forms and can be found all over the world.
Perhaps the biggest draw of land-based casinos is the atmosphere they offer. For many people, these establishments aren’t just somewhere to gamble. They also offer unique opportunities for socialising and meeting friends.
However, these establishments can pose accessibility issues. This is a cornerstone of the land-based casinos v online casinos argument; with one of the biggest criticisms of land-based casinos being that they can be difficult or impractical to access, especially for people living in more remote areas.
Online Casinos: Pros and Cons
Online casinos started appearing towards the late 1990s. However, it’s been in recent years that these platforms have exploded in popularity. Now, experts predict the online gambling sector could attract upwards of 290 million players by the year 2029.
There are many advantages offered by online casinos, but one of the most significant is unparalleled levels of convenience. Traditionally, if a player wanted to play a game of blackjack they would have to travel to a casino. For some, this could involve travelling long distances, making for an expensive trip.
This all changed with the advent of online casinos. Now, players can access their favourite games on their laptops, phones or tablets, at any time of day and wherever they are in the world without having to leave their homes.
Another key advantage of online casinos is the sheer range of options they offer. Land-based casinos are limited by physical space, and so might only have room for a handful of game tables. Not so with online platforms, these digital casinos can have an essentially limitless number of different games for players to choose from.
While the above are certainly plus points, a downside often cited in the land-based v online casinos debate is that online casinos can sometimes lack the atmosphere of their land-based counterparts. Digital recreations of the casino games can feel a little cold and detached, without the banter and camaraderie that players experience around a physical game table.
How to Bridge the Gap
The land-based v online casinos debate continues to be a fiercely contested topic in the sector. While rivalry between the two is unavoidable, the best approach for the industry and for players is to find a way to bridge the gap between them.
In the early days of online gambling, this appeared to be an impossible task. The technology just wasn’t there for online casinos to offer the same level of experience available in land-based locations. However, technology has developed at an incredible rate, and today’s online casinos are far more immersive and realistic than those of the past.
Now, online casinos offer live games, such as live roulette and live baccarat. These are the perfect hybrid between physical and digital; featuring a live dealer who is streamed to players in remote locations. These players can interact with each other, fostering a sense of community and socialisation only previously seen in land-based casinos.
Crucially, the option of running live online games isn’t exclusive to online casinos. Land-based casinos can get in on the action too. With VIVO VLB in Resort, land-based casinos can seamlessly stream their game tables to an online player base. This is the key to bridging the gap and ending the land-based v online casinos debate once and for all. What’s more, this technology offers additional revenue streams for operators and improves accessibility for players.
Conclusion
Just a few years ago, the concept of bridging the gap between land-based and online casinos seemed fanciful at best. Now, with the power of modern technology, we’re seeing these two disparate industry segments increasingly intersect. This can only mean good things for operators and players moving forward.
