It’s a debate that can spark a heated argument among die-hard casino fans – are land-based casinos or online casinos better? Whilst both offer excitement, strategy and potential big wins, they each offer their own benefits.
We’re here to try and settle this debate once and for all. Read on if you want to know if you should be playing at great online casinos like one found here in this Jackpot City Casino review or venturing to your nearest land-based casino.
Land-based casinos
Land-based casinos are where everything started and hold a special place in many gamblers’ hearts. The biggest super casinos and casino resorts offer more than just casino gaming – they have other built-in facilities. You’ll be able to relax and chill out in the spa. Or you can hit a high-quality restaurant in the complex. Some of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas even have theaters where live performances take place.
The fact that you don’t just go there to gamble is one of the biggest strengths of land-based casinos, which we’ll get to in a second. You can spend an entire vacation at one of these casino resorts and return home refreshed, recharged and hopefully with some nice winnings!
Benefits of land-based casinos
As we stated, the biggest benefit is the fact that there are plenty of other activities to do at the bigger casinos. Smaller casinos will most likely only have a bar area and maybe some TV’s to watch sports.
There’s an atmosphere found in casinos you just can’t replicate online. If you’ve ever watched any classic casino films such as Win It All or The Gambler, then you’ll know the tense atmosphere that you get whilst playing a table game against other people. Just walking around the casino floor itself has a unique feeling, smelling the smells, hearing the sounds and seeing the sights.
You’ll also find unique bonuses at land-based casinos. These bonuses may consist of things like cheaper hotel rooms, free food and free drinks. If you’re more of a sociable gambler, you could revel in these special bonuses as you mingle with other players.
The downsides of land-based casinos
With the good also comes the bad. If you’re looking purely for gambling action, then land-based casinos may not be the best choice. Thanks to the fact they’re built in limited space, there’s only a certain amount of games that the casino can hold. This leads to being stuck with a certain selection of slot and table games.
The bonus selection will also often be very limited. Online casinos don’t have the tremendous overheads of land-based casinos, so can often go the extra mile when it comes to bonuses. If you’re a bonus hunter, you’ll be disappointed with the selection at most real casinos.
Online Casinos
Online casinos started off very basic, but in modern times they offer an incredible amount of features. There’s an absolutely staggering amount of different casinos to choose from, each offering something slightly different. Let’s take a look at the benefits of playing at these sorts of casinos.
Benefits of online casinos
Thanks to the fact they’re online, you’ll find thousands of different games at many of the top casinos. You’ll have different categories of slots, live casino games, video table games, Keno, lotteries and more to choose from.
On top of this huge range of games, new players can also get their hands on some incredible welcome bonuses. These include free spins for hit slots, a deposit match offer for a boost in your bankroll, free bonus cash and even bonuses simply for signing up.
Finally, the convenience of online casinos is unmatched. You don’t have to get dressed, book a taxi or even leave the comfort of your bed. You simply log on to the website or open the casino app and you’re good to go!
Drawbacks of online casinos
The only real disadvantage of online casinos is the fact you aren’t getting the same casino atmosphere. There are a few social games such as the ones you’ll find in the live casino, but even they don’t mimic the environment of a real casino floor spot on.
So which is best?
This is all down to you and what you’re gambling for. If you want the social side of gambling or want to enjoy other activities whilst you play, then a land-based casino could be for you. But if you’re purely in it to win it, the bonuses and huge range of games offered by online casinos could be a great choice!
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
