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Before 2020, most of the world's population used the Internet to some extent for their personal and professional needs. But once the pandemic hit, we realized how the digital world can offer almost everything the physical world can.
The gambling industry came to the same realisation, and - although it's a bit harsh to say - online gambling blossomed when the global health crisis occurred. Since March 2020, we have seen a significant transformation in the gambling industry. So, what does that mean for brick-and-mortar casinos? Let’s take a closer look.
Land-Based Casinos in a Post-Pandemic World
When most nations worldwide saw lockdowns as the best method for suppressing the coronavirus, land-based casinos, like virtually all businesses, had to close their doors. From that moment on, players sought an alternative and found it online.
The pandemic is over, and land-based casinos are back in business. But now they not only have to ''compete'' against each other but also their online counterparts. Are there reasons for concern?
According to the American Gambling Association, commercial land-based gaming generated $50.04 billion in 2023, which accounted for 75.1 % of the total industry's revenue. The same report shows that 12 of the top 20 commercial casino gaming markets reported revenue growth compared to 2022, including Las Vegas.
The numbers indicate that people still like to visit traditional casinos. It is because of the overall experience that physical establishments provide. However, going to a land-based casino requires planning, especially for players who need to travel to enjoy their favourite games.
This is where the online casino takes centre stage.
Online Casinos: Taking the Lead
Convenience characterises online casinos. Thanks to continued advances in technology, players can access real-money casino games anytime, anywhere. The availability of games and the variety of offers motivate players to opt for gambling sites instead of going to a brick-and-mortar casino.
Additionally, the popularity of online gambling has created new business opportunities for game development companies that partner with the most reputable gambling sites. Such collaborations have shown value for both parties, helping online casinos stand out in the market, and game developers to expand their service portfolios and find new partners.
As much as the diversity of the online gambling industry seems appealing, it can create confusion, especially when a newcomer starts searching for a gambling site to join. In that case, turning to specialised sites like www.casinosherlock.com, which offers expert reviews, is the way to find the answers to all online gambling-related questions. Their extensive insights, reveal all the pros and cons of a given online casino, enabling a better understanding of what to look for and what to avoid.
Reading expert reviews and joining dedicated forums and online communities helps players collect valuable information about the industry's current offers.
What Makes an Exceptional Online Gambling Experience
Aside from a rich game selection comprising hundreds of slot titles and classic table games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, an exceptional online gambling experience also depends on the following:
- Casino Bonuses
- Security
- Payment methods
Let's elaborate on each:
Online casinos offer bonuses that can expand your game time and chances of winning. There are separate offers for first-time and seasoned players.
Online casinos employ various technologies, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and fingerprint/face recognition, to ensure the security of players' private and financial data.
Finally, when playing in online casinos, players can choose between traditional and innovative banking options to deposit and withdraw money, such as credit cards, direct bank transfers, prepaid cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
In summary, online casinos provide an array of choices, enabling players with different levels of experience, preferences, and budgets to fully enjoy gambling in the digital space.
It's All About Learning (from Each Other)
We can hear how the future of the gambling industry is an either-or scenario. It will be land-based or online casinos. But practice shows room for both, as long as they are open to adapting to change, especially the one centred around players' preferences.
Online casinos rely on technology and know the more they are open to innovation, the more successful they will be. As a result, they employ solutions like:
- Cloud computing
- AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning
- VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality)
- Mobile gambling
Traditional casinos are slowly adopting this approach, building a technology stack that improves operations and customer satisfaction.
On the other hand, the social aspect is the essence of gambling in land-based casinos. Gambling sites acknowledge it, hence the proliferation of live dealer games on digital gambling platforms. Plus, to allow players to interact with each other, online casinos also organise tournaments, offer live chat rooms, and provide multiplayer games.
Once you become more familiar with the subject matter you soon realise that land-based and online casinos are two sides of the same coin. Still, it's exciting to think about how both will continue to develop. One thing's sure: They will be propelled by advancing technology and players' wants and needs.
