According to the UK Gambling Commission, the proportion of people gambling online is equal to the proportion of people gambling in person. Five years ago, in person gambling rates were around double that of online gambling. This marks a significant shift to online play from retail. This increase has been driven largely by women, with male participation remaining relatively static. The retail figures are in decline but still a significant contributor to the UK’s gambling activity. So, what do online casinos offer that makes them such a draw for new customers? In this article, we’ll discuss how online casinos replicate the luxury of a land-based casino, and how they are able to offer much more.
High-End Design and Graphics
Going to a casino (a physical, land-based one) has always been seen as a luxury with glitz, glamour and riches on offer. Online casinos have a tough job to replicate this, but have managed in their own way. With sophisticated visuals, strong sound effects and animations, online casinos have done a stellar job with their sites and the games offered. What’s more, online casinos have made gambling even more accessible. For those who thought casinos weren’t for them, or who didn’t know what to do and were nervous about gambling in person, the online casino makes it more accessible.
Nowadays, with themed interfaces and 3D gaming technology, platforms are better than ever, and they continue to improve all of the time.
Live Dealer Games
One of the biggest recent draws to online casinos, and arguably the best way platforms replicate the luxury of a real casino, is through live dealer games. These are casino games streamed in real time, either from a studio or a real casino. The croupiers interact with players, and players can also interact with one another.
The experience of playing live dealer games is as close to the real casino experience that you can get. The dealers are professional, and the games are available with a range of table limits to suit all types of player, from casual, low-stakes gamblers to high rollers.
As an example, Betway Casino offers all new live casino customers up to £50 as a welcome bonus to get them started. There are loads of games available in the live section. Roulette games, blackjack, game show games like Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal Live and Money Drop, as well as Multiplier Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, lottery games and dice games. The list goes on!
Games are live-streamed with 200 frames per second, completely in HD. This example shows you just how great the range is. It’s far greater than any high street casino.
VIP Programs and Exclusive Rewards
Online casinos also have more to offer their customers in the way of rewards. The competition is fierce and so platforms entice players to join by offering them bonuses, and by continuing to offer them to stay. These come in various formats, including VIP programs, cashback offers, faster withdrawals, personalized offers and more. For high-rollers, loyalty programs can surpass anything offered by land-based casinos.
Convenience and Technological Enhancements
One of the biggest attractions for many people is the convenience of online casinos. These platforms allow people to enjoy premium gaming experiences from their own homes, without having to travel anywhere. They can even play from bed if they wish! Nowadays, mobile devices and gaming technology advancements means enjoying online casinos is better than it’s ever been. Added to that is the 24/7 customer service that most great casinos offer, plus the concierge-style support for VIP players.
Improvements in recent years that contribute to the luxury of online casinos include blockchain and cryptocurrency options, which make online play more secure and anonymous. This appeals to many people.
Conclusion
Online casinos will likely never replace their physical counterparts but they certainly do a good job at replicating the luxury they offer. Things for online casinos are set to improve even further as they begin to use AI-driven recommendations to personalise the gaming experience. With virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) casinos, players will really start to feel like they’re in a true casino in their own front room.
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.
