A comparison of Online Casinos vs Live Casinos vs Brick and Mortar

The increase of online casino games can mostly be put down to the fact we are in the smartphone era where you can internet access anywhere at any time, whereas real life casinos do have accessibility issues. Did you know, as of 2023, the UK gambling industry is estimated to be worth £14.3 billion, with approximately 43% of Brits gambling each month? In terms of online revenue, casino games produce a GGY of £3.9 billion, of which £3 billion comes from casino slots. Those free spins on registration or live casino platforms may have a little something to do with it, as brick and mortar casinos are still relatively on the low.

Remember you need to be 18+ to gamble within the UK and please feel free to visit BeGambleAware.org for information on how to gamble safely.

When it comes to the bridge between online casinos and the brick and mortar, live casinos seem to fill a very niche gap. So, let’s take a deep dive into the many worlds of gambling!

Game Selection:

1. - Online Casinos: Online casinos offer a vast selection of games, including online slots, table games (such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat), and/or bingo. Specifically to online slots, they also tend to offer a wider range of themes and gameplay.
  - Live Casinos: Table games are the main focus of live casinos. They provide genuine dealers running the game in real-time, playing versions of popular games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. With live casinos, it does have its limitations on what kind of casino games it can offer.
  - Brick and Mortar Casinos: Slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and occasionally even sports betting are all available in traditional casinos. The bigger the casino, the more games it can offer too.

Betting and Bonus Differences:

1. - Online Casinos: Online casinos will provide a range of wagering options in order to accommodate players who either wish to stake high or low amounts. They also offer various bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and activity bonuses!
  - Live Casinos: Compared to online casinos, live casinos typically have greater minimum wagers, mainly due to the presence of live dealers and the expenses related to carrying out live casino games. Live casinos, on the other hand, may offer exclusive bonuses and promotions specifically tailored for their live games.
  - Brick and Mortar Casinos: Brick and mortar casinos support a variety of betting limits, with a range of minimum and maximum bets depending on the game type. Traditional casinos to tend to offer benefits such as free meals, hotel stays, or show tickets, as part of their loyalty programs, but these do tend to be reserved for the more VIP players who can initially afford to spend the money anyhow.

Functionality and User Experience:

1. - Online Casinos: Online casinos offer convenience and accessibility when it comes to gambling. Players can play their favourite games anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. Online slots also offer players the ability to play at their own pace without having to interact with fellow players or game hosts.
  - Live Casinos: The point of the live casino is to replicate the brick-and-mortar casino through a screen via high quality video stream, a polished studio setting, a camera, and good internet access. In this, players can interact with real dealers and other players, creating a more immersive experience. Furthermore, live casinos operate on a specific schedule, so players would need to turn up at the designated hours.
  - Brick and Mortar Casinos: Brick and mortar casinos offer a complete sensory experience, with the ambiance, sights, and sounds of the slot machines ringing…because you’re also physically there. Nothing beats reality like real life.

Random Number Generator (RNG) vs. Live Dealers:

1. - Online Casinos: Casino games like online slots function with something called the Random Number Generators (RNGs). Each spin of a game is randomly calculated, so no one spin should ever be the same. For the purpose of preserving the fairness of online casino games, such as the UKGC, RNGs are audited and regulated by independent testing organisations.
  - Live Casinos: Live casino games are similar to traditional casinos in that they have real dealers who operate the games in real-time. Players can watch the action unfold through the live video feed as it happens and the use of actual cards, wheels, or dice adds a sense of authenticity for those who prefer the human element when playing casino games.
  - Brick and Mortar Casinos: Of course, brick and mortar casinos offer the most tangible and authentic casino experience, as the player will be occupying the same space as the casino games. Players can play with physical cards, hear the ball as it spins on the roulette wheels, and the knock of the dice as it falls onto the tables.

Social Interaction:

- Online Casinos: Online slots is a casino game that can be played at home, without any direct social interaction. However, many online casinos offer features like chat rooms in order to assist with social engagements.
- Live Casinos: Live casinos offer more of a social aspect compared to online slots as players can interact with the live dealers and the other participants, therefore creating a more engaging and sociable environment.
- Brick and Mortar Casinos Brick and mortar casinos offer a lively social environment that enables players to speak with dealers and other gamblers alike. They offer the opportunity to meet new people, enjoy live entertainment, and engage in the overall casino experience!

So, what did we get from comparing all three gambling options? To summarise, each type of casino—brick and mortar, live casino, and online slots—has its own distinct advantages. While live casinos provide an immersive experience with live dealers and social interaction, online casinos excel in convenience, game variety, and accessibility. The most social and tangible casino experience may be found at brick-and-mortar establishments, where patrons can interact with dealers and other players in a lively physical environment. So many options are available, but I guess for now, the online casino is still ahead of the race.

This article was contributed by Intouch Games