As online gambling sweeps the industry, have land-based casinos been left behind? Over recent years online gambling has become more and more popular and is now enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. Some of these players may never have visited land-based casinos before due to the sheer convenience of playing online but of course, there will always be pros and cons of online gambling.
Some players still prefer the experience that a brick-and-mortar casino can bring too. In today’s blog we’re going to look at some of the pros and cons of casinos so you can decide which way works best for you.
Difference Between Online Casinos and Land-based Casinos
Gambling dates back many many years to when land based casinos first existed. But as technology has advanced, so has the gambling industry which now has a massive online presence. Nevertheless, land based casinos still play a huge part in the market and they both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. You can also check out our blog if you’re interested in the history of online gambling.
Online casinos are simply an online version of the traditional land based casino. Technology now allows you to play your favorite casino games online, from your own home. These games are often available on devices that include desktops, laptops. Smartphones and tablets. Our pros and cons of online gambling should help you decide whether or it’s right for you.
A land based casino is one you can actually visit in real life. They originate from hundreds of years ago and some are very lucrative now. They offer a range of games and entertainment and will usually have some kind of dress code and etiquette that you have to adhere to.
All in all, these two ways of gambling differ massively from each other. If you’re undecided on which one to choose then our pros and cons of casinos should help you decide which one is best for you.
Our extensive online casino guide can also be of help in this matter; in it, we covered a bunch of essential aspects of online gambling, so make sure to give it a look.
Pros of Online Gambling
Online gambling comes with many pros so take a look at some of the reasons it could appeal to you. Also, give our latest podcast episodes a listen to get more insight on how online slots work, casino bonuses, crypto gambling, and more.
Convenience
This has to be one of the biggest pros of gambling online, never having to leave your home! Nowadays, you no longer need to get dressed up and visit a land casino to play your favourite games. You can simply log in through your web or mobile devices and have instant access to hundreds of different online casinos at a time that suit you! Online casinos are open 24/7 so you can play around a busy work schedule and stop and start as you please.
Entertainment
There’s no denying that land based casinos provide entertainment, but so does online gambling too. In fact, for some users, playing their favourite slots and games online is a hobby for them, it’s a form of entertainment.
When considering the pros and cons of online gambling, entertainment is a pro! Online gambling is exciting, the thrill of winning comes hand in hand. Playing online should simply be about having fun, not just about winning money. As long as you are only playing with what you can afford to lose the entertainment will flow too.
Privacy
Playing online in your home offers privacy, and you will be able gamble at a time that suits you, on your own if you so wish. If you prefer this kind of privacy, feel free to check out our list of online casinos.
Bigger Game Choice
Some land based are very lucrative indeed but when it comes to online casinos there’s just no comparison. Some online casinos are now home to thousands and thousands of games which can range from casino games, live dealer games, sportsbetting, bingo, horse racing and arcade games.
Real casinos simply cannot cater for this variety and you’ll have to visit different venues if you do want to enjoy the same kind of experience. Why not take a look at different types of online gambling available.
Better Bonuses
In fact, this is a huge perk if you’re considering playing online. If you walk into a land based casino you’re probably not going to be offered any bonuses to play with, but online it’s the complete opposite.
Most online casinos have a range of incentives which you can enjoy when you become a member that range from deposit bonuses, free bonus and extra spins to regular offers, promotions and tournaments. A bonus can help your deposit go further and could be the key to your success. Take a look at our online casino bonuses guide to give you a better idea of how they work.
More Payment Options
When you gamble online you’ll be able to choose from a huge selection of payment options which include Credit and Debit Cards, E-wallets, Bank Transfer and Bitcoin. You’ll be able to pick the most convenient one for you, unlike in a land based casino where your options would be considerably less. You can check out our complete guide to payment methods before you play.
Play at Your Own Pace
When you play at an online casino you can move from game to game at your own pace. You’ll never have to worry about waiting for your favourite slot to become free or waiting for space at your favourite table or poker game.
Cons of Online Gambling
Unfortunately, there will always be pros and cons of online gambling. We’ve talked you through the pros, now let’s have a look at the disadvantages of online gaming too.
Withdrawal Times
It’s probably the main disadvantage of online gambling, that your withdrawals are not instant like they would be in a land based casino. When you cash out online you'll usually be required to complete a verification process and then wait for your withdrawal to be approved. This can take up to 5 days in some casinos.
However, with that being said things are changing in this industry and now more and more online casinos are offering quick cashout times, some within just a few hours. We have lots of casinos that now process withdrawals within 24 hours so be sure to do some research before you play.
Rogue Casinos & Rigged Games
Unfortunately, the wider web is home to some rogue casinos but the good news is that you shouldn’t come across them very often. The AskGamblers list of reviewed online casinos is packed with fully licensed and regulated casinos to help you feel at ease. Playing at a rogue casino could cause you to trouble further down the line so watch out for these.
Unfortunately, rogue operators may also run rigged games so you don’t get a fair chance to win. But don't worry because the likelihood is you won’t run into these too often, if ever. The vast majority of casinos stay within their licensing conditions. If you’re still worried about rigged games we have an in-depth blog that answers the burning question of are slot machines rigged, so be sure to check it out.
No Interaction With Other Punters
If you love the social interaction of a land based casino then you may find the online gambling scene a lonely one. However, with that being said some online casinos do offer a chat facility where you can chat with other users while you play.
Too Convenient
Would you believe that the disadvantages of online gambling also includes too much convenience. Especially for players who may be likely to gambling-related harm. It is very easy to log on and play at an online casino any time of day or night so the temptation will always be there and some may struggle to resist it. Spending budgets can also go out the window when playing online as it’s so easy to reach for your bank card and make another deposit.
Fees
Unfortunately, you may come across casinos that will either charge you to make a deposit or charge you to cashout. These kinds of fees can be avoided though and there are hundreds of online casinos that offer free deposits and withdrawals, just like a land based casino.
Withdrawal Limits
These come part and parcel with some online casinos which can have daily, weekly or monthly limits. Unfortunately, this means if you hit a big win you may need to cashout in installments until the full balance has been paid. Lots of casinos offer unlimited withdrawals nowadays though, so look out for these next time you play and if you want more information check out our guide on withdrawal limits and everything you need to know.
Rules & Regulations
Online casinos are heavily guarded with terms and conditions, rules and regulations. You will be required to adhere to these every time you sign up at one. If you breach any of their rules you risk having your money forfeited, having your account suspended or even be banned.
We always advise you to familiarise yourself with a casino's terms and conditions before you play to avoid any problems further down the road. If you abide by them chances you’ll never find yourself in deep water.
Pros of Land Based Casinos
Brick and mortar casinos stretch back decades and still remain popular around the world. We will list the pros and cons of casinos so you can decide which one is right for you.
The Experience & Ambience
There’s no denying that the experience of a real casino is nothing short of epic. Lots of online casinos try to replicate the experience but there’s nothing quite like walking through the doors of a thriving land based casino.
From the glitz and the glamour to the traditional casino games, a land based casino can offer an experience that you’ll never forget.
Social Interaction
Land based casinos are often full of like-minded people so if you love sharing your gambling activities a real casino is the place to be. You can watch the action at the tables or slots as they happen and not just on a YouTube channel like online casinos.
You Can Budget Easier
You should only ever bet with money you can afford to lose and with online casinos it can be very easy to make repeat deposits. If your budget is small you can visit a land based casino with only the amount you can afford to play with and once the funds are gone you can go home.
Free Drinks
This is always going to be a pro, right? Believe it or not some land based casinos will offer you free drinks, especially if you're a VIP!
Cons of Land Based Casinos
Inconvenient
Whilst a land based casino can offer an epic experience they often come with strict dress codes and you are required to behave in a certain way. If you don’t you could be removed from the casino or even banned. You’ll need to weigh up whether or not you want to get glammed up every time you fancy a flutter.
You may also need to travel to your nearest land based casinos if you don’t live near one which is another con to consider.
Open During Business Hours
Unlike online casinos, some real casinos will only be open during business hours and if you have a busy work schedule this may mean you won’t be able to visit a casino as often as you’d like.
Limited Game Selection
No land based casino will ever cater for the number of games an online casino can offer due to limited space and physical limitations.
Limited Payment Options
Unfortunately, the same applies for payment methods. Online casinos are able to cater for a massive variety of payment options but in a land based casino these will be reduced.
No Privacy
A land based casino is free for all, if you’re playing in one everyone else will be able to watch. If you don’t like sharing your gambling activities then you may prefer to check out our list of online casinos instead as they provide very little or no privacy.
FAQ
Why are online casinos better?
Online casinos offer entertainment from the comfort of your own home which is one the reasons they have become so popular. You can now enjoy your favourite games from any device without ever having to step foot out of your front door.
Can online casinos be rigged?
Unlicensed and unregulated casinos can be rigged which is why you should always play at a casino that displays a valid license. The vast majority of online casinos are not rigged and offer a safe online experience.
What is a land based casino?
A brick and mortar casino which you can visit and play real games. They can offer a range of popular casino games mixed with entertainment and ambience.
