Comparing Online Live Casinos and Land-Based Casinos

Gambling has always been popular in the UK, and nowadays, gamblers are spoiled for choice.

But, who’d have thought there’ll come a day when people would consider another way to gamble other than sitting in a room full of fine people, sipping on a dry martini, shaken, not stirred like James Bond?

Although land-based gambling revenues are projected to increase in the coming years (from 50.6 billion euros in 2020 to a forecasted 74.3 billion euros in 2026 across Europe), the internet era has ushered in a new way of gambling. One that puts people at a poker table while on a train, a cafe, or any of an infinite number of places a person could be. Online live casinos are a present reality of the 21st century. But how does the experience compare to being at a land-based casino?

Similarities and Differences Between Online Live Casinos and Land-Based Casinos

The following points show how online live casinos and land-based casinos compare and contrast.

Ease of Access

Betting on online live casinos takes just a few steps, and only requires an internet connection and an internet-ready device. This feature makes the games offered on every top casino site readily available and accessible to a vast audience.

On the other hand, doing the same at a land-based casino requires your physical presence. Making matters worse, gaming laws in some countries often require that casinos be situated in remote locations, making them even more challenging to reach. In some countries, notably across Asia, locals might be banned from using casinos, and they’re only available to tourists. Thankfully that’s not a problem in the UK, but it’s still nowhere near as simple as opening up your laptop or phone.

Extensive Gaming Options

Online live casino operators like those on a guide to the top UK live online casinos ranked have the edge of providing a wide range of gaming options because they generally need fewer resources. They often only have to partner with a software provider offering such games, thus giving bettors extensive gaming options. Sure, that’s not as easy as it sounds, but these operators aren’t limited by land size and often hire remotely. So, they can easily make this possible with a broader staff base.

Land-based casinos don’t have that luxury.

Instead, they often have to invest more capital to restructure the casino and purchase the machines or setups for new games. This barrier makes it difficult for them to provide more, especially recent games.

Gaming Ambiance

Today, gambling at a casino is often subconsciously synonymous with music, bright lights, cigars in smoky rooms, and glamorous people having a great time in Las Vegas. That’s because gambling can be a lot of fun. The whole point of playing at either an online live casino or a land-based casino is to have fun and be entertained.

And in that regard, online live casinos tend to fall short due to the need for more social interactions. Don’t you think it would be more fun to win a round by bluffing the person sitting across from you with people staring than when you’re alone in your room?

So, while land-based casinos might offer refreshments and allow you to network with others as you gamble, online live casinos only let you bet with random chats with strangers on the internet being the highest form of social interaction guaranteed.

Gambling Costs

Indeed, gambling in the company of others can be a fun experience, but it can sometimes come at a significant cost. It begins with your outfit before leaving home, the parking and valet services, and then dining out before you get to play. In addition, you still have to pay for drinks as you play, tips before leaving, and maybe even hotel fees.

You get the gist: Land-based casinos can come with huge costs.

Conversely, nothing stops you from gambling in your pyjamas as you munch on your favorite snack or treat yourself to a home-cooked dinner at an online live casino. The only cost you must budget for is the amount you plan to wager on the games. Even then, you can easily set yourself limits at many of the best sites, which have such features in place to protect players.

Regardless of your options, online live casinos and land-based casinos are similar in that they are both associated with some gambling costs.

Safety

As with any activity, gambling at either an online live casino or a land-based casino comes with security concerns, no matter how little.

At an online live casino, you must often provide personal and financial details like your credit card number, crypto wallet ID, or even your name and address. Although most regulatory bodies often have gaming regulations and statutes that mandate licensed casinos to implement multiple security checks and player protection guidelines, you might still be open to cyberattacks.

However, you don’t have to worry about this at a land-based casino. Most of them are just beginning to transition from cash-only operations to accepting credit cards and other forms of online payment.

Again, regulatory bodies often mandate some security presence to mitigate any risks. But, the possibility exists no matter how small.

Quick Glance: Pros and Cons of the Different Types of Casinos

If you’re still unsure between a night at your local casino or playing live games from home, these lists might help.

Pros of Online Live Casinos

You can enjoy the following benefits when you gamble at an online live casino.

• Gamble on the go anywhere or anytime
• More gaming options
• Global accessibility
• You can still interact with real dealers

Cons of Online Live Casinos

If the pros captivate you so much to lean towards online live casinos, you might have to deal with the following drawbacks:

• Limited socialization with other players
• Gaming interruptions with fluctuating internet connectivity
• Longer processing times and verification checks

Pros of Land-Based Casinos

For the old-school thinkers who find themselves in the new age world of online live casinos, sticking to the traditional land-based casinos comes with the following perks:

• Social gaming environment
• Instant withdrawals and shorter processing times
• Giving back to the local community

Cons of Land-Based Casinos

Holding the traditional fort of land-based casinos has its drawbacks. Some of them are:

• Longer traveling times
• Restricted opening hours
• Lower RTPs of physical slots
• Limited floor space: You might have to wait for someone to finish playing at your favourite dealer’s table