Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos

For many, the thought of gambling online violates all that is sacred about gambling. It isn’t just the actual game, right? Rather, it’s the ritual. You gather your closest friends and hop on a discounted flight to Las Vegas. Once settled in your hotel, which is right on the strip, you put on your best suit bursting with the thought of using your well-rehearsed poker face and enjoying free cocktails all night long. Finally, when it’s all said and done, you hop on an overnight flight to return back home – either high from the thrill of winning or devastated from a bad loss. This is the ritual of risk taking that many of us romanticize and look forward to every year. How can you take the Vegas out of gambling?

Surprisingly, there are many advantages to gambling online that even the most Elvis-loving Vegas enthusiast can’t deny. The first is convenience. For those of us not fortunate enough to live in a city such as Las Vegas, going to a casino can be a big, expensive ordeal that requires months of planning. Online gambling offers the convenience of playing whenever you want from the comfort of your computer room. You can play in your robe and slippers if you desire, and the costs of going to Vegas or Atlantic City (hotels, meals, airfare, etc…) are obviously eliminated. This leaves more money for actual gambling!

Playing online also offers the gamer more control over his or her environment. Playing in casinos can often be intimidating, particularly for novices. Dealers or other gamblers can grow impatient with those who wish to take their time making bets or asking questions about game rules. Playing online puts the gambler in control. You are free to take a half hour to make a bet if you desire, and you can play while referring to a poker guide book that rests in your lap. Further, playing online eliminates many of the distractions found in regular casinos. In the case of slot machines, which are designed to be distracting, playing at home allows a gambler the opportunity to play in complete silence without any distractions. This can be particularly helpful when learning a new game.

Another advantage to playing online is financial. For some games, such as slot machines and roulette, the odds of winning are better online than in casinos. Further, the cost of maintaining a website is considerably less than maintaining a casino, and this allows websites room to offer monetary bonuses that are only found online. For example, it is common for many online sites to match new players’ first deposits or even double these first deposits up to a certain amount.

Although online casinos offer many advantages, there are some inherent disadvantages to gambling from you computer. First, there is always the possibility that a gambler will not be paid for his or her winnings. Although there are many safeguards in place at this stage of the industry, this is always a possibility. Downloading software from less-reputable gambling sites may also result in computer viruses. Finally, the anonymity and accessibility of gambling online can be dangerous for those with a gambling addiction, and this form addiction can be as devastating as an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Tom Shannahan has been playing poker since he was 16. He grew up watching his father play with friends once a week. He currently writes part time for Pokerlistings.com where you can find more great information about Poker Tournaments and Online Poker Rooms.