Online casinos have existed since the 1990s; over the last 30 years, they’ve become more enjoyable, realistic, and immersive. So much is this the case, that it has become difficult to determine the difference between online casinos and traditional, brick-and-mortar casinos.
Obviously, physical casinos provide you with more of a social experience than online alternatives, as you’re there, in person, interacting with dealers and fellow gamblers. However, with modern chat features and VR compatibility, it’s now possible to socialize on digital alternatives.
In this comparison piece, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the differences between online and physical casinos to determine the best choice for the modern gambler.
Bonuses and promotions
Online and in-person casinos differ greatly when it comes to bonuses and promotions. You’ll definitely receive more bonuses when playing online casinos than you would when playing at in-person casinos. Casino expert Vlad Grindu argues that new online casinos provide users with a wide range of big bonuses to attract new customers and beat the competition.
There are obviously more online casinos than there are land-based casinos, so the competition is therefore fiercer. This is why you see digital casinos offering such a wide range of bonuses – from sign-up promotions to free spins. Welcome bonuses are often 100% matched, free spins offered are often in the 100s, and ongoing bonuses are regular.
The nature of online casinos also means that you can compare and contrast bonuses and promotions before deciding what casino to use. Given that in-person casinos are often few and far between – unless, of course, you’re in Las Vegas – you don’t get the opportunity to compare offerings.
Plus, bonuses and promotions given at brick-and-mortar casinos aren’t always gambling-focused. You may receive bonuses in the form of free food and drink at the restaurant or a discount on your hotel stay.
In general, you’re given far less in the form of monetary promotions at in-person casinos. So, if you want to earn big bonuses just for playing, you should use online casinos.
Convenience and accessibility
Mobile and desktop-based casinos are infinitely more accessible than physical, brick-and-mortar casinos. They provide you with 24/7 access to a wide range of slots and live dealer tables. When using mobile-based casinos, you’re also not restricted to your home and can play on the move, in a cafe, on your lunch break, and so on.
There’s no need for you to travel to a physical location as is the case with traditional casino venues. Again, unless you live in a gambling hub like Las Vegas, you often need to travel across states to reach your nearest casino.
Plus, once you arrive at the casino, you’re limited by numerous factors, including how much energy you have to gamble, the casino’s operating hours, the availability of tables and slots, etc. You’ll also need to factor in paying for a hotel stay and travel costs for the return journey.
In-person casinos are undeniably more time-consuming and complicated to use than digital alternatives, meaning online casinos are better at providing convenience and accessibility.
Atmosphere
For some, it's not about the games or the winnings, it's about the glitz and the glamour of going to an authentic casino. The intensity of in-person games mixed with the bars and entertainment offerings gives brick-and-mortar casinos a unique atmosphere that many are attracted to.
Some real casinos also come with a strict dress code, which gives many an excuse to dress up in their best clothes. Plus, being social hubs, casinos give gamblers an excuse to converse with all walks of life, whether during gameplay or at the bar.
While online casino chat functions are becoming more sophisticated, they’re still a long way off the atmosphere found at real casinos. There’s no online casino available today that can replicate the live shows, entertainment, and dining options offered by brick-and-mortar venues. For this reason, if you’re looking for atmosphere, you definitely have to use in-person casinos.
There’s a reason so many still visit casinos every year. According to the American Gaming Association’s 2023 report, 41% of the population visited a casino in the previous 12 months.
Payment options
Online casinos generally offer more banking options when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. At physical casinos throughout the US, you’re mostly limited to paying in USD. Physical cash remains widely accepted throughout casino venues, but most casinos now prefer that you buy the likes of poker chips using debit or credit cards. Either way, you’re unlikely to find anywhere that accepts alternative currencies.
Digital casinos, on the other hand, accept a wide range of payment methods. In addition to using a credit card, you can also use e-wallets such as PayPal and the Cash App. According to Capital One Shopping, the number of digital wallet users is expected to reach 5.2 billion by 2026. This suggests that the demand for digital wallet-accepting casinos is only going to increase.
There is also a wide range of online casinos that now permit crypto gambling. Dedicated crypto casinos accept several types of digital currency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and so on.
Instead of wagering using USD, you place bets using crypto and also receive winnings in the form of digital currency. This opens up a whole host of benefits to gamblers, including anonymous gambling and speedy deposits and withdrawals. Being decentralized, you don’t normally have to pay transaction fees on crypto gambling, meaning you can keep 100% of your winnings.
So, not only are online casinos the better option when it comes to payment options, but they’re also more economical. Especially when you factor in the travel, food, and hotel costs you’d have to pay at physical casinos.
Game options
Online casino sites generally have a wider game selection than in-person casinos. Digital casinos are not limited by space, meaning they can load their site with as many gaming options as possible. And they often do, given that a wider game variety gives them more of an edge over the competition.
It’s far easier for developers to create online slot and table games than it is for them to design a physical slot machine for a casino. So, the most cutting-edge and exciting games are generally found online.
At in-person casinos, game variety often depends on the current demand. You may find that your favorite slot machine has been removed due to a lack of interest.
At the same time, the thrill of in-person poker is incomparable to playing online. The thrill of the live dealer and your competition sitting directly opposite you adds a special quality to the game that can’t be replicated online.
Final thoughts
Online casinos are undeniably more convenient than in-person complexes. They offer bigger bonuses, can be accessed anywhere, and provide gamblers with a wider range of payment options. Plus, game variety is often way more diverse. At the same time, the atmosphere and amenities offered by an in-person casino cannot be compared to anything found online.
At the end of the day, the best casino option depends on what you’re looking for. The opportunity to play games easily and win big, or to soak up the atmosphere, interact with other gamblers, and enjoy a night out.
