Before the Internet, gambling in a land-based establishment was really the only option available for anyone wanting to enjoy a spin of the roulette wheel or a game of poker. Today however, things have changed quite dramatically. Thanks to advancements in technology, and the widespread availability of reliable internet connections, it has become possible for people to play their favorite real money casino games from the comfort of their own homes.
By 2 Gaming Casinos | Best 2 By 2 Gaming Casino Sites 2023Online casinos have therefore grown rapidly over the past two decades, and are today one of the most popular forms of entertainment available on the internet. In fact they have become so popular that many people now consider them to be better than land-based establishments. Below we explore some of the reasons why this may be true.
What Makes Online Casinos So Great?
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Instant Access to Games
Perhaps the single biggest reason why online casinos are now considered by many to be superior to their land-based counterparts, is the convenience factor involved with playing online. With an online casino you can literally be playing your favorite game within seconds of launching the software, providing you have already signed up and deposited funds into your account. Every second of your time isn’t taken up by unnecessary actions such as walking, finding parking etc. All you need is a laptop, tablet or mobile phone and a good internet connection.
Land based casinos do not offer anywhere near the same level of convenience, especially if you live some distance away from one. Even once you arrive, it can take several minutes just to sign up to a venue, show ID, wait in lines to deposit funds, find a seat at your chosen game and then finally start playing. Depending on what type of game you want to play, you could very well still be waiting again. Popular games like Blackjack, Roulette, Slots and Poker can have hour long waiting lists during peak periods.
Wider Variety of Games Available
Another major benefit to playing at an online casino is the sheer volume and variety of games on offer. Because online casinos don’t have the same space constraints as land-based ones, they can offer hundreds, sometimes thousands of different games. From the latest video slots to classic three reel games, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
In addition to the vast selection of regular games, many online casinos also offer access to against 'players' from all around the world. This is made possible by the online casino's software acting as the dealer, and allowing users to make betting decisions according to their own strategy while the software reveals the outcome.
While land-based casinos are limited by physical space and often only offer 10 - 20 table games at a time, the online version of the same casino may offer close to 100! This means that no matter where you are in the world, and what time of day or night it is, you can always log into your favorite online casino and find a seat at your preferred table game.
Casino Apps That Accept Real Money (2023)Generous Casino Bonuses and Promotions
One of the main reasons why many players try an online casino in the first place, is because of the huge range of bonuses and promotions which are offered to new and existing players alike. While land-based casinos do run special promos and events from time to time, they are generally few and far between, and rarely add much value to a player’s experience.
In stark contrast, online casinos offer massive bonus offers simply for signing up, and will keep bombarding you with even more incentives on a daily basis. These can include anything from free spins, to cash back on losses, to entries into huge jackpot prize draws.
Almost all online casinos offer a Welcome Bonus as an incentive for new players to sign up. These can vary greatly depending on the individual casino but typically provide a percentage match on your initial deposit/s, up to a certain amount. For example, a 100% match up to $500 would mean that if you deposited $500, the casino would give you another $500 absolutely free.
Best Live Casinos in Canada (and 3 to Avoid) - AskGamblersIn addition to welcome bonuses, many online casinos also offer frequent player points, which can later be redeemed for cash or prizes. Some casinos offer these at a rate of 1 point per dollar wagered, while others might be more generous.
Another common method used by online casinos to attract and retain players, is the VIP program. These programs usually involve multiple tiers of membership, each offering bigger and better bonuses along with higher deposit / withdrawal limits, faster support response times, and invitations to special exclusive events and tournaments. The benefits can vary quite widely from one casino to the next, so it makes sense to shop around before choosing the right VIP program for you.
All of these factors combined, mean that players who choose to gamble online are able to get significantly more value for their money compared to land-based venues.
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Higher Payout Rates
Most land-based casinos pride themselves on creating an opulent atmosphere for their patrons, filled with luxurious décor, fine dining restaurants, brand-name shops, and of course, world class gaming. All of these amenities cost a lot of money to operate though, which is why most land-based establishments have relatively low payout rates for their games.
In order to remain profitable, many popular land-based games like Blackjack and Craps have payout rates of less than 99%, which may sound good but actually leaves a cut for the house of at least 1%. Slot machines are even worse, with payouts as low as 75% not uncommon.
On the other hand, online casinos have much lower overhead costs than their land-based counterparts. They don’t need fancy buildings, expensive furnishings, top chefs, cleaners, security guards, or any of the other staff required in a resort style casino. Since most online casinos are located in tax havens, they also don’t have to pay local taxes.
All of these savings can be passed directly onto the player in the form of higher payout rates. Many online games, particularly slots and video poker, routinely offer payouts in excess of 98%, while still making a healthy profit for the operator. A couple of great examples of this are SlotsandCasino (click through to read our ) who boast an average payout ratio of 98.16% as independently reviewed by eCOGRA, and Casumo Casino whose payouts are verified at 98.1%.
Best No Deposit Casino Bonuses UK 2023 - Top Free Spins OffersIt is worth noting however, that because different games have different payout ratios, this number will depend largely on which types of games are offered by the casino. We recommend checking the audit records of any potential new casinos to ensure that they have a strong track record when it comes to payouts.
Anonymous Play Is Possible
For many people, one of the biggest reasons for preferring online casinos over land-based venues, is the ability to gamble anonymously. Not everyone wants the pressure and distractions that come with being surrounded by high rollers, and would prefer to simply focus on their own game without feeling the need to impress anyone.
When gambling online, no one needs to know your true identity unless you are setting up an account and providing ID for verification purposes. Once logged in, you will be represented merely by your username, which no one need ever know if you choose not to share it.
Even if you talk to other players or dealers during a game, it is easy to maintain an anonymous profile as there is no way for them to physically see or identify who you are. For some people this provides a level of comfort and confidence needed to truly enjoy their gambling experience.
top canadian casinos onlineNo Second Hand Smoke Exposure
This may seem like a small point, but for many people who smoke or simply hate the smell of cigarette smoke, it is a major problem when gambling in a land-based casino. Most such venues allow smoking both on the floor with customers, and even at the tables, subjecting non-smokers to second hand smoke which can be incredibly irritating and unpleasant.
Thankfully there are no such restrictions when gambling online, and you can enjoy your games completely smoke free in whatever surroundings you choose. Whether you prefer a stuffy room to help you concentrate, or a beach scene to make you feel relaxed, the choice is entirely yours.
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Best Online Casinos for US Players
So now that we have established some of the key advantages that online casinos have over their land-based counterparts, let’s look at some of the best online casinos currently available to US players.
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is an award winning online casino that has been operating since 2000. It focuses primarily on slots, although it does also offer a good selection of traditional casino games including Blackjack, Video Poker and Roulette. One of the stand out features of this casino is its user friendly interface, which allows players to quickly and easily find new games to enjoy.
SlotsandCasino offers a 300% Welcome Bonus (up to $2,500) along with a great range of ongoing promotions for existing players. Their customer support team is available 24/7, and the casino uses 128 bit SSL encryption to protect all sensitive data. Over 98% of deposits are paid out within 48 hours, and their fair gaming principles have been independently reviewed and verified by eCOGRA.
DuckyLuck Casino
has been online since 2004, and is licensed by the Panama City government. They use RTG software to power their entire platform, ensuring a seamless and high quality gaming experience across all devices. New players are welcomed with a massive 500% bonus (up to $7,500), and can go on to earn frequent player points, weekly cashback, and entries into a large monthly prize draw.
DuckyLuck Casino offers a wide range of banking options including Bitcoin, MasterCard and Visa, and their 24/7 support team can be contacted via email or live chat. Over 98% of deposits are paid out within 48 hours, and all game outcomes are verified as fair on a monthly basis by Bold & Proud Entertainment Group.
Wild Casino
specializes in traditional table games as well as modern titles like Live Dealer Casino Games. They also offer a massive Welcome Package comprising of a 250% bonus (up to $5,000) alongside 100 free spins. Other benefits include frequent reload bonuses, double-up Tuesdays, weekend bonanzas and more.
2023's Best Pennsylvania Casino Online SiteWild Casino accepts a wide range of payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Money Orders and Person to Person Transfers. They also offer 24/7 live chat support and all withdrawals are paid out within 48 hours. Game fairness is independently reviewed and verified on an ongoing basis by Bold & Proud Entertainment Group.
Top Land Based Casinos
Of course, despite the advances in online casino technology, there will always be a segment of the population who prefer the sights, sounds and excitement of a bustling land-based casino. Below we list what we consider to be the five best land-based venues from around the world.
1. Marina Bay Sands Casino Resort - Singapore
The Marina Bay Sands Casino Resort is widely regarded as one of the most impressive integrated resorts in the world, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South-East Asia. Located in Singapore, the complex covers an area of over 2,500,000 square feet and features 2,561 hotel rooms, an 1,600,000 square foot Casino, convention and exhibition facilities, theatres, museums, numerous restaurants and much more.
Casino Marina Bay Sands offers over 600 gaming tables and 1,600 slot machine, making it one of the largest casinos in the world by some margin. Popular games include Caribbean Poker, Baccarat, Mahjong, Tai Sai, Blackjack and Texas Hold 'Em.
Cash Live Casino Bonuses to Claim with Promo Code (Nov. 2023)2. Foxwoods Resort Casino - United States
Foxwoods Resort Casino, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is one of the largest casino complexes in the world. It is located in Ledyard, Connecticut on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation, and features over 6,700 slot machines, 340 gaming tables, and more than 35 poker tables. Popular table games include Blackjack, Mini and Mega Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, Spanish 21, Pai Gow and Three Card Poker.
The casino also hosts numerous high stakes poker tournaments throughout the year, as well as live entertainment and sporting events. Accommodation options are plentiful, with over 2,200 hotel rooms spread across six different properties.
3. Winstar World Casino and Resort - United States
Located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, Winstar World Casino and Resort is the largest casino in the United States, covering an area of over 600,000 square feet (excluding the uncompleted tower section). It is owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation and features over 7,000 electronic games, 100 poker tables, 100 table games, a 36 table poker room and a 8-table mid-stakes cash game room.
Popular table games at Winstar World Casino include Mini and Mega Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, Spanish 21, Pai Gow and Three Card Poker. The casino also offers a poker room with over 300 tables, hosting events such as the WSOP Circuit and the World Series of Poker itself.
4. Venetian Macao Casino Resort - China
Venetian Macao Casino Resort is part of the larger Cotai Strip complex in Macau, and is modelled after its sister property Venetian Las Vegas. It features over 3,400 suites, 10 restaurants, 15 bars and lounges, 3 pools, a casino floor of 260,000 square feet, and a theater with a seating capacity of 1,800 people.
Best Free Slots (Online Demo Games) 2023 - Indivisible GamingThe casino offers over 600 gaming tables and 1,600 slot machines, with popular games including Blackjack, Sic Bo, Baccarat, Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker and Slots. The Venetian Macao is widely regarded as one of the most impressive casinos in the world, and helped revitalize Macau's struggling gambling industry after the opening of several similar venues in Asia.
5. The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino - United States
The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino is part of the larger MGM Grand Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is most famous for playing host to the World Series of Poker each year, which attracts thousands of professional and amateur poker players from around the globe. The casino offers over 159 table games featuring Table Game Hosts, as well as a high limit room with experienced dealers and personal hosts to cater for every need. Popular table games at The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino include Blackjack, Progressive Sic Bo, Baccarat, Three Card Poker and Pai Gow Poker.
Aside from poker, the casino also features a race and sports book with over 330 flat screen TVs, showing continuous coverage of sporting events taking place around the world. There are also numerous restaurants and bars dotted throughout the property, along with a vibrant nightclub scene.
Conclusion
As we can see, both online and land-based casinos have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. While land-based establishments offer a luxurious and glamorous environment, exciting social interaction, immediate access to games and anonymous play; they also tend to have lower payout rates due to high operating costs.
Online casinos on the other hand, provide greater convenience, a wider range of games, generous bonuses and promotions, higher payout rates, no second hand smoke exposure and anonymous play; along with 24/7 availability and the ability to gamble from anywhere in the world where an internet connection exists.
Things I Learned from Crashing a High-Limits Maryland Live Casino Poker Session with Kevin HartUltimately, whether you choose to gamble online or in person will likely depend on your own personal preferences and circumstances. Those who prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy casino floor and the opportunity to meet new people, may find themselves drawn to the bright lights of a land-based establishment. However, for those who value convenience and consistency above all else, an online casino may be the perfect solution. Whichever route you decide to take, just remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy yourself!
