How Gambling in Brick and Mortar Casinos Differs From Gambling Online
In every way but in no way at all. There are many similarities, but we'd also argue everything about gambling online is different (and better) except the game and the concept is the same. Well, even the concept isn't as similar as you'd think.
Read on to learn how gambling in brick-and-mortar casinos differs from gambling online.
Atmosphere and Experience
Well, the atmosphere and the experience is what makes it completely different. No matter how they try - an online casino won't replicate a physical one. We will admit they are becoming closer to it with live dealers and virtual reality casinos, but there's something so different about stepping into a real one.
And it's not like online casinos don't look or sound like real ones - they have the flashing light, slot machine sounds, and some even have animated chatter in the background. It's the physical feeling that's missing. There's a different level of excitement in the air.
Then there's dressing up, having a drink, socializing - again, online casinos can't do that.
Accessibility and Convenience
Did that sound like a diss about online casinos - we didn't mean it to be. We're merely pointing out the positives of an online casino.
Online casinos have something brick-and-mortar casinos could never have - accessibility and convenience. Let's be honest, technology is making us lazy. The thought of getting up, getting dressed, and draining the social battery all night at a casino isn't on everyone's Friday night bucket list anymore after work. And it definitely isn't on the mid-week school night agenda.
With online casinos, you can log on from your sofa, put your feet up, and tap away until you can't be bothered anymore. Not everyone has a casino around the corner, but everyone has a 24/7 virtual one in their homes.
Game Selection
Online casinos do something else brick-and-mortar casinos could never give - an endless list of games to select that almost gives you a headache. Traditional casinos find themselves limited by the space they have. There aren't infinite slot machines, table games, and live games that can fit under one roof. You best believe online casinos will fit as many as the website or app capacity will allow without making it crash. Especially slots - you will lose your mind with the number of slot games to pick. We love that it gives you everything you can want in one platform.
And it's not like they're bad quality. A reputable online casino will have an endless library of high-quality games.
Social Interaction
We'd say brick-and-mortar casinos have a much more intense level of social interaction - but online casinos are definitely improving. Live dealer games are an example of that. They're not a world away from playing with people in person; the only difference is you can't feel or touch things.
There's no doubt that the interaction in brick-and-mortar casinos is more intense and tangible, but some people don't want that. To some, walking into a busy casino is their idea of hell. Or you could consider that some people love it - the buzz, the adrenaline, the rumbling of people talking.
Ultimately, it depends on whether you like social interaction at the level of brick-and-mortar casinos. If you don't, it's better to stay on your sofa, in your pajamas, with your feet up.
Security and Regulation
Brick-and-mortar and online casinos have very different security and regulation needs. Realistically, in terms of security, brick-and-mortar casinos only need to ensure people aren't conning them or causing havoc. They have cameras and security throughout the casinos to prevent that. And one of the things you should know about native American casinos is that their security is usually a third-party and will report everything to authorities should there be any regulatory issues
Online casinos have an entirely different situation - cyber attacks are becoming more frequent by the day - no, the minute. Still, security features like encryption technology and two-factor authentication are improving. They're adding layers of protection to online casinos that weren't there five years ago. And a lot of it is down to the players. Reputable online casino websites have excellent levels of security.
Native American Casinos are embracing the technology for their online presence, to remain the favourite casino destination for Americans. With legitimate State and Federal licensing, American players can see their data is safe along with their deposits and withdrawals of any winnings.
On the other side of the coin, poor-quality online casinos and unregulated ones are more likely to have security issues. Look for online casinos with the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gambling Authority regulatory assurance, even on US sites.
And it's not only that, you need to look for fairness assurance. Again, this is something regulated online casinos must follow. By that, we mean offering fair payouts and RTPs. Online gambling is a competitive industry and has become a progressive industry.
Can you now see the differences between brick-and-mortar and online casinos? There are some similar aspects, but we'd say that, now, online casinos do it better. That's simply because people can't be bothered to go to casinos anymore. Everyone will agree it's better to sit at home, especially as we're going into winter.
Still, there's nothing wrong with getting up, feeling a little fancy, and going to a brick-and-mortar casino every once in a while.