Staff Reporter
On the heels of the digital revolution, casino gaming has come a long way over the past two decades. From the dimly lit, smoke-filled rooms of old to the comfortable convenience of mobile gaming, the gambling industry has transformed remarkably in a short period.
Among countries that allow remote gambling, Britain reigns supreme as the world’s biggest regulated online market. Online gaming, which was practically non-existent ten years ago, brings in billions of pounds each year. On the other hand, the growth of brick-and-mortar establishments, while still popular among the older demographics, remains flat.
Many people are under the impression that land-based casinos are slowly fading into obscurity, but the sector has a significantly larger workforce than remote gambling, with the latest estimates of over 80,000 people being employed. Indeed, it wasn’t until September 2019 that online platforms usurped in-person gambling (excluding lotteries) for the first time in terms of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY).
But what exactly are the differences between physical and online casinos? This article will explore las diferencias entre casino físico y online, in an attempt to shed light on why remote gaming is becoming increasingly popular and preferred over traditional, land-based gambling.
Reasons Gamblers Prefer Remote or Online Gambling
Convenience
One of the biggest reasons gamers prefer remote gambling to visiting a physical casino is the convenience that online casinos provide. So long as users have a solid internet connection, they can play from anywhere. While not being tied down to a physical location for gaming is a large appeal, gamblers can also enjoy their favourite games anytime, day or night.
Whether commuting home from work in a taxi or waiting for a train, gamers can use their cellular data or Wi-Fi to instantly connect to a remote casino. What’s more, they don’t have to wait in a queue to play their favourite games or to cash out their winnings. This ease of use and nearly instant gratification make remote gaming incredibly convenient.
Accessibility
With the relatively recent proliferation of mobile phone technology, online casinos are easier to access than ever. As such, these technologies are reshaping where, when and how people gamble online. In 2015, for example, only 23% of online gamblers used their mobile phone to play online casino games. And just five short years later, in 2020, that number climbed to 50%.
While smartphones are the preferred device, laptops, PCs and tablets are still important routes of access. Interestingly, despite the opportunities to gamble on the go, most online gambling takes place at home. Since so many people gamble remotely – thanks in large part to the 24/7 accessibility via mobile devices – casino operators continue to develop cutting-edge apps that are optimised for smartphones and tablets.
Selection of Games
Beyond the convenience and accessibility that online casinos provide, the sheer selection of games far surpasses those offered at physical locations. Not limited by the physical size of a building, remote casino platforms can host a variety of different games and thousands of various titles. From classic casino games like blackjack, slots, poker and roulette to live casino games online operators offer some of the best casino games from the top game developers.
The Evolving Regulatory Environment of Online Casinos
While attempting to mitigate the risks associated with gambling in general and remote gambling in particular, the UK Gambling Commission is planning to modernise the regulations governing land-based and online casinos by leveraging data and advanced technologies to stay up to date with the latest developments in the sector. A policy paper titled “High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age” was presented to Parliament in April, outlining extensive proposed updates to the UK’s 2005 Gambling Act. Among the proposals outlined, the goal is to deliver:
- protections at the account level to ensure operators are sufficiently safeguarding all online gamblers.
- controls on structural features like speed and stake that are part of the steps taken to make online products safer by design.
- actions to enable every online gambler to comprehend and manage their gaming.
- a fresh perspective on particular problems that are a part of the shifting terrain in the constantly evolving world of online gambling.
Largely unfettered by the regulations that many believe have stymied the growth of land-based casinos such as the number of gaming machines allowed and restrictions on real event betting, online platforms will likely continue as the preferred way for Britons to gamble. After all, they are easier to access, more convenient and offer a wider selection of games that physical casinos simply cannot match.
