The live online casino experience vs the physical casino floor comparison
As online casinos continue to grow with technological advancements, they are becoming a more mainstream talking point. Some players may think that physical casinos are better in every way than their online counterparts…but that isn’t necessarily true. Let’s look at some of their features and what experience may be best for you.
The introduction of live dealer games
The biggest shift in online casinos? Live dealer casino games.
The difference is interaction. Players can chat with the dealer, ask questions, even joke around between hands. It’s not the same as sitting at a physical table, but it’s close enough to matter. And it’s exactly the kind of bridge the industry needed between the convenience of online play and the atmosphere of a real casino. There is a tactile element some people love that at the moment can’t truly be replicated, but by tuning into the sounds of a card shuffle or the clink of a stack of chips, online sites are bridging that gap as much as possible. And in the future, this could become an almost indistinguishable difference in feeling.
Online casino bonuses
One thing that you aren’t likely to see so often in physical casinos: bonuses. On the other hand, online casinos hand them out constantly in the form of welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free spins and many more. This means newcomers can use them to test out any casino, start to build strategies, and get a feel for which games they may (not) like
This system makes onboarding much easier. Physical casinos can’t really compete here. Sure, they can have loyalty programs and comps, but those take time to earn and people aren’t always going to stick around long enough to benefit. Online bonuses are instant and accessible from your home.
Atmosphere
Some people will always prefer taking that journey and going to a physical casino. The noise, the energy, the crowded floor… that’s part of the appeal. Online casinos have come a long way, but they can’t fully replicate walking into a Vegas casino at midnight.
That said, online casinos don’t have a bad atmosphere, far from it – it is just different. Quieter, more controlled, less overwhelming. For players who find physical casinos overstimulating or just prefer a more laid-back experience, it’s exactly what they’re looking for.
Security in casinos
Security in casinos, whether that be online or physical, matters. When accessing online casinos, there are some things that you will need to take into account and put in place before you dive straight in. Cyber attacks are more common and advanced than ever, so here are some things you can do:
- Read the privacy policy. It’s not the most thrilling read, but you must understand how your data is being handled before you hand over your payment info. If there is anything you don’t agree with or trust, at least you know early.
- Check for HTTPS. Before diving in, look at the URL: if it starts with HTTPS, data between you and the website is encrypted. It sounds simple but this ensures it is a secure and authentic website. If it doesn’t have that? Move on.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. Every login or payment gets verified through a code sent to your phone or email (or a third-party app). Even if someone gets your password, they still can’t access your account. For a lot of sites that hold your details, this is an option that is automatically suggested to you, so it shouldn’t be too hard to miss.
Conclusion
Physical or online? It comes down to your preference and what you are looking to get out of the experience. There will likely always be some feeling of separation between the two but with advances in technology and social perception, the bridge is becoming shorter, the lines are becoming blurred, and they seem to be merging more into one.
Regardless of what type of casino you prefer to spend your time and money at, one thing is for sure: this industry has experienced massive growth in the past few years, expanding to new audiences and increasing its range, and that shows no signs of slowing down.