Gambling is a time-honored tradition, which dates back all the way to the ancient world. All throughout history, men and women have played different games while staking their hard-earned cash on the outcome. From card games to board games, and even games of chance, gambling has survived and evolved alongside our societies, and has adapted to the times.
The first ever casino was built in the 1600 in Venice. The occasion marked the creation of the grandiose establishments which truly hit their peak in the 20th century. However, as we progress further and deeper into the Information Age, gambling is also progressing. In the late 1990s, web poker sites first hit the internet. Since then, the online gambling industry has been evolving and getting better.
Today, websites that offer free slots with a bonus and free spins wheel of fortune are all the rage. Gamblers from all over the world are making accounts and logging onto these sites in order to try their luck. But though iGaming is on the rise, the land-based casino industry hasn’t stopped growing. This fact would lead one to believe that land-based casinos still have something over their online counterparts. So, in this article, we are taking a look at the ways in which brick-and-mortar casinos differ from gambling websites.
Convenience
The first difference is the convenience of accessing the two types of gambling. Often time, land-based casinos might have a dress code, which prohibits entry to those who don’t meet this code. Obviously, establishments like these are difficult to gain access to. And even if a dress code is not involved, land-based casinos still require you to travel to them.
On the other hand, online casinos are much more easily accessed. All you really need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other sort of electronic device. If you have any compatible gadget at your disposal, all you need to do is connect to a casino website, make an account, get your welcome bonus, and start spinning.
A Sense of Camaraderie
So, we’ve established that online casinos are much more convenient and easily accessible. However, humans are social creatures, and at times we will sacrifice convenience for companionship. While online casinos still can provide a certain degree of camaraderie thanks to live chats and private messages, it simply does not compare to the hustle and bustle of a land-based casino.
If you ever find yourself at a craps table, you will find just how friendly gamblers can be. While craps is one of the easiest games to play, it is often recommended that new players stay away, simply due to the overwhelming nature of the craps table. Cheers, boos, yells, shouts, and loud, rambunctious conversations can all be heard in the cacophony of noise that is the craps table in any casino.
It is precisely this sense of camaraderie that keeps the land-based establishments open. Some people still prefer to look at their opponent’s eyes and analyze their moves during a game. Which brings us to our final point…
The Gameplay is the Same, Yet Very Different
By and large, land-based casino games and online casino games are the same. Same rules, mechanics, and gameplay. However, what sets them apart is the players’ behavior. During a live game, you must be very aware of your behavior. For example, in a poker match, the slightest mistake can give up your position to your opponent, while online games are much more forgiving.
So, the question is which one do you prefer. Do you want to play online, where you can’t see your opponents, but you also have the benefit that they can’t see you? Or, do you prefer to spend your time analyzing the other players, picking up on their tells, at the cost of leaving yourself exposed as well?
