Although physical casinos are iconic for their glitz and glamour, many are being left behind by the rise of online alternatives. In many cases, it’s simply impossible for land-based providers to compete with the level of convenience that the online options offer. After all, who doesn’t like being able to play their favourite casino games from the comfort of their own home?
While I do think convenience is likely the biggest draw of online casinos for many players, there are other reasons why their appeal is so strong. They attract a wide range of players, thanks to their lower budget options and plentiful bonuses that allow players to stretch their budget further. You’ll also likely never find yourself bored at an online provider, thanks to their variety of games and consistent innovation. So, with all that in favour of their online counterparts, do I think physical casinos will be able to compete?
Why do Players Choose Online Casinos?
The reason why most players find themselves picking an online provider over a physical one is because of convenience. Not everyone has a physical casino that’s located within a commutable distance, and others may not have the time to visit one. Accessing online casinos, in comparison, requires only a few clicks and can be done anywhere if you’re connected to the Internet.
It’s much less of a commitment to play at an online casino, allowing me to squeeze in my favourite games whenever I have a few free minutes. Land-based casinos are much more of an occasion, requiring travel and sometimes even formal dress.
Game Variety in the Online Space
You’ll often find that the games on offer don’t differ much between a variety of physical casinos. There’s still plenty of choice, with all the classics like poker, blackjack, roulette, and of course, slots. Often, there will even be games that are exclusive to the venue. However, these remain relatively the same throughout locations.
While the game selection found at in-person casinos is ideal for when you’re after the nostalgic games we all know and love, variety is the spice of life, and it’s always nice to have new games to choose from. Online casinos offer immense game libraries in comparison, with options themed on popular culture like bands, television shows, and even other games like Monopoly. The online game offering is refreshed with new options weekly, and it’s far easier to find niche options like keno, mines, or pachinko.
Consistent Innovation
I said earlier that you’ll likely never be bored at an online provider, and that’s because of their almost relentless innovation. One of my personal favourite innovations is interactive slots, which incorporate an additional layer of fun through a short mini-game. These games are often things like puzzles or a treasure chest, and they influence the overall slot outcome.
I also have to mention how the industry has adapted to outside innovation, such as virtual reality. Today, I can play VR versions of games like poker and blackjack, which completely immerse me within the game. It’s as close to the real thing as you can get, thanks to the realistic casino environment created through vibrant and intricate graphics and complete with accurate sound designs. It also allows you to interact with things like roulette wheels, cards, and even other players.
Live dealer games have been one of the most important innovations within the industry. Developed in the late 1990s, these games allow players to get closer to the feel of a real casino by interacting with a dealer or croupier using a livestream. Today, live versions of games like poker and roulette are some of the most popular options in the industry.
Accessible VS Exclusive
While physical casinos often aim to provide an exclusive and luxurious experience, online casinos target accessibility. They want all players to feel like a high roller, which is why they make their games much more affordable. Slots are the best example of this, with each spin starting from as little as 10p and allowing all players to get involved.
To make sure players get the most bang for their buck, online casinos also offer ample bonuses. These include budget options, like no and low deposit bonuses, where players can often get things like free spins without having to spend a thing. The readily available bonuses allow players to stretch their budgets further, regardless of their size, and enjoy their favourite games for longer.
Physical Casinos are Being Left Behind
Given all the advantages offered by the online, it’s easy to understand why many physical casinos are being left in the dust. We can clearly see this when we compare the numbers between the two. Between 2015 and 2024, online providers in the UK saw high levels of growth, resulting in a 63% increase in income. In the same period, there was a 28% drop in the number of physical venues and a 14% decrease in income.
These numbers are a pretty accurate illustration of the shift away from physical casinos, which we’ve been seeing in the industry over the last 20 or so years. Although it’s been a real struggle for physical casinos to keep up during this time, they do have some advantages over their online counterparts.
Creating an Occasion
As I mentioned earlier, physical casinos aim to create a more exclusive experience for their players. Although this can exclude some players from wanting to visit, if capitalised on correctly, it can actually be a selling point. If physical casinos really emphasise the luxury experience, they can attract players looking for more of an occasion than simply taking out their phone.
I see more and more physical casinos going down the route of a luxury occasion, following the path of many of the top casinos in Las Vegas. There’s no denying that land-based casinos offer a unique atmosphere created by the bright lights, dealers in sharp suits, and iconic sounds like the ringing slot bells. Although their online competitors try to replicate it through live dealer games, there’s still no way to compete with the environment of actually being in the room.
Luxury Beyond the Games
I touched on it a bit earlier, but one way physical casinos can attempt to compete is by billing themselves as the luxurious side of the industry. They do this through plush decor and suave dealers, as well as their higher buy-ins. Land-based casinos often cater to high-rollers and have bigger spending limits than those found online. As well as this, they offer VIP programmes to encourage loyal customers, especially as an incentive to try out new games.
Physical casinos, certainly the ones I’ve visited, often incorporate further entertainment options than just games. Many are found in luxury hotels alongside high-end bars and restaurants. It’s also pretty common to see them hosting exclusive performances, like concerts and comedy shows, to provide something a little extra for the customer.
Capitalising on Trust and Reputation
Many of our favourite physical casinos across the world belong to renowned brands, such as Wynn Resorts. People know these names and recognise them for high standards of fairness, security, and fun. The reputation of land-based casinos provides players with a sense of trust and security, as they feel like they’re guaranteed to have a fair experience and receive their winnings.
In contrast, I still frequently hear from players with reservations about uploading their personal and financial information to online casinos. These are valid concerns, as fraudulent casinos, or ones that don’t adhere to UK laws, continue to be a problem in the online sector. That’s why I only recommend online casinos with reputable licences from the likes of the UK Gambling Commission. When it comes to fairness, keep an eye out for an eCOGRA certification and big-name providers such as Pragmatic Games or Evolution. If you’re not sure about the reputability of an online casino, never risk it, instead, opt for a licensed provider!
Do I Think Physical Casinos can Compete?
Now, to answer the big question—I only see it getting harder and harder for physical casinos to compete. The online alternatives offer convenience, and they appeal more widely to a range of players, regardless of things like budget or location. They also provide more choice of games and bonuses, allowing all players to find an option that suits all their preferences. On top of this variety, there’s innovation, with regular new games keeping players coming back for more.
I do think there will always be room for physical casinos, especially those that emphasise occasion and exclusivity. Going to a physical casino is more of an all-round experience, especially when they’re found on complexes that offer other forms of entertainment, such as shows and restaurants. I also believe there will remain players who are untrusting of the online space and continue to opt for land-based casinos instead.
However, I see physical casinos becoming more and more of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, rather than a regular visit, and as a result, I think we’ll continue to see more and more players move away from them.
After nine years in the industry, Dermot Heathcote has become one of the leading online casino experts. He takes an honest, in-depth approach to all his content, making him one of the most trusted sources for all things casinos. To stay on top of the latest industry developments, Dermot attends conferences like Sigma and SBC Summits, as well as gathering feedback from real players.
