It’s not difficult to notice the resemblances between land-based casinos and online casinos when you start playing in the virtual world. In fact, we could say that they are nearly identical, but online casinos provide extra advantages.

Over the years, casinos have gone through numerous transformations, largely due to the rise of online gambling. Now, we have reached a point where both land-based and online casinos can coexist and enhance each other’s experience. Today, we will explore the evolution of casino gaming and the benefits of each platform.

Land-based casinos

The origins of organized gambling are unclear, but it is known that ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese engaged in the activity. In Elizabethan England, gambling was also a popular pastime.

The first known establishment for gambling was opened in Venice in 1638. While it may not have met modern casino standards, it provided a regulated environment for gambling during the carnival season. However, it was closed after two years due to concerns about the impact on the local population.

In the United States, gambling was initially limited to saloons in major cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, and New Orleans, before spreading to smaller towns. Saloons offered patrons the chance to socialize, have a drink, and gamble. In the early 20th century, gambling was banned in the US, but it returned to Nevada in 1931 and to New Jersey in 1978, both of which now have thriving casino industries.

Online casinos

The emergence of the internet revolutionized many industries, including the gambling sector. In 1994, Antigua and Barbuda passed the Free Trade and Processing Act, which paved the way for the licensing of online casinos. As a result, software companies recognized the potential and began developing online casino games.

Other countries followed suit and began regulating the industry on their home soil. Countries such as the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao began licensing online casinos to cater to their international appeal and rapid growth.

With online casinos, players can enjoy table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as spin the reels on online slots from the comfort of their homes. For those who enjoy socializing, online casinos still provide the opportunity to interact with other players.

The benefits of playing at casinos online:

No commuting

Driving long distances to visit a casino can be quite tedious. Even if there’s a casino nearby, one still needs to dress up and travel there. Additionally, the costs of driving and the time involved should also be considered.

An array of the best online casino bonuses

If you have been exploring online casinos, you are probably aware of the plethora of bonus offers available for you to choose from. While all casinos offer a welcome bonus, typically a percentage on your first deposit, many also provide bonuses for subsequent deposits or even no deposit bonuses to entice new players.

However, before you take advantage of any online casino bonus, it is important to read the terms and conditions and understand the wagering requirements. Though it may seem tedious to read through lengthy terms and conditions, doing so can save you from future inconvenience and potential financial loss.

A wider selection of casino games

When you play at a land-based casino, there is a chance that you may have to wait for your turn to play your favourite slot machine. However, when you play at an online casino, there is no need to wait as you can immediately search for your favourite game and start playing. This convenience is one of the biggest advantages of online casinos.

Another benefit of playing at online casinos is the variety of games available. You can find thousands of games including popular table games, slot games, bingo, poker, scratchcards and much more. This vast selection ensures that you can always find something that suits your taste and preference.

It’s important to keep in mind that online casinos tend to be faster-paced than land-based casinos. This is especially true for table games like blackjack and roulette. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the speed of play and to not get carried away. The faster you play, the more likely you are to lose your money quickly.

On the other hand, there are also benefits to playing more slowly. Since casino games are designed to have a house edge, playing at a slower pace may reduce the amount of money you lose in the long run. Ultimately, the choice of playing speed is up to you and online casinos offer the option to play at your own pace.

Payback percentages

Understanding the rules, payback percentage, and house edge of each game is crucial since it varies depending on the strategy you apply. For instance, blackjack offers ways to lower the house edge. Nevertheless, these rules and percentages are created with the aim of making the casino money.

In land-based casinos, payback percentages are unknown. In contrast, online casinos provide this information, allowing you to make informed decisions before playing. For example, online slots have a payback percentage ranging from 98% to 85%. Knowing the potential payout of your favorite slot game can be helpful, and it is challenging to find this information at land-based casinos.

Playing online also has the advantage of lower minimum bets in comparison to land-based casinos. This feature can help your bankroll last longer, especially for those who are looking to play more conservatively.

No interaction if you don’t want to

Have you ever encountered a rude dealer at a brick-and-mortar casino? With live or online casinos, you can avoid such experiences altogether. If you prefer to play standard table games, the software can take care of everything for you, eliminating the need for a dealer.

Alternatively, if you prefer to play live dealer games, you can choose to interact with the dealer as much or as little as you like.

Play on the move

Online casinos have evolved significantly since their inception. Nowadays, most casinos are accessible via mobile devices, which allows you to enjoy the same benefits as desktop computer users. You can play games, make deposits and withdrawals, and take advantage of mobile casino promotions whenever and wherever you want.

In contrast to land-based casinos, which have specific opening times, online and mobile casinos offer you the freedom to play anything you want at any time. This means that you can indulge in your favourite games 24/7, without being restricted by casino opening hours.

Safety matters

Thieves are aware that when players leave a land-based casino, they are often carrying cash with them, making them easy targets. Thieves also tend to loiter on the casino floor, scouting for big winners who are leaving with cash.

While many land-based casinos take measures to ensure safety and security, the walk to the car park can still be risky.

In contrast, playing at an online casino allows you to gamble without drawing attention to yourself. Moreover, reliable online casinos use encryption technology to safeguard your personal and financial information from compromise.