Summary
- Casino History
- Atlantic City
- Online US Casinos
- Land or Online Casinos
- Free Play
- Variety of Games
Much has changed since casinos were introduced to Atlantic City, NJ in the mid-70s. With Las Vegas being pretty much the only game (no pun intended) in town, it was a godsend for those on the East Coast who would have to fly to Vegas to enjoy the land-based casinos. Since Atlantic City the gambling industry has been revolutionized by new mega casinos and the introduction of online play. Competition is everywhere and for gamblers, this offers them affordable options to online gambling as well as casinos.
Land-Based Casinos in the US (casino near me)
Its hard to believe that with the popularity of online casinos, the land-based are still prospering. Bigger and more extravagant, these behemoths have gone from a strictly gaming establishment, to entertainment centers for the whole family. Although it’s not Disneyland, there is still plenty to do in both the casinos and outside the city. Las Vegas has created a “destination” point in which everything can be found.
When we think of casinos in the US, most of us still harken back to the days of Las Vegas and even Atlantic City, but with the introduction of the Native American Casinos, Riverboat Casinos and others, there seems to be always a place around the corner where one can spend some money. Many of these are just slot based, which in the casino market brings in the most revenue for the casinos.
Atlantic City Casinos
For some land-based casinos, the growing competition has taken its toll with the cost of these brick and mortar institutions becoming too costly to maintain. Between 2012 and 2014 5 of the 12 casinos in Atlantic City closed. Whether this is due to the increasing competition of the online casinos is debatable, but what we know is that with more and more destinations in the US providing gambling opportunities, operators need to become increasingly creative to survive.
Land based casinos in the US will continue to thrive and evolve, but the glory days of old Las Vegas and its mafia run casinos is a thing of the past.
U.S. Online Casinos
The Indian and Riverboat casinos provided enough angst for the major players, but with the introduction of online play, the industry as a whole was turned on its head and would change forever.
To say that a lot of things have changed since the introduction of the Internet would be the understatement of the Millennium. I don’t have the time nor the patience to begin this argument, but the Internet has been the most revolutionary creation since Johannes Gutenberg and the creation of the printing press.
The age of instant information is here as well as access to goods and services which could only be achieved by physically flying, driving, bicycling, or walking to your destination. And of course, the ability to gamble in the comfort of your own home or on the go with your favorite tablet or smartphone. The online gambling industry in the US has certainly had its ups and downs, but for the most part, it is here to stay and will influence both players and the longevity of land-based casinos.
Another factor for its volatility is the fact that each of the 50 States, controls its own gambling laws. As with the land-based casinos, online casinos are under the jurisdiction of the States in which they operate as well as where the online player is located. It’s a tangled web for both players and operators and will most likely stay this way for the near future.
Land Based vs. Online Casinos in the US
Two sides of the same coin in my opinion as well as two distinct types of players, although gamblers can be enjoy both. Online play did not become a replacement for casinos, but what it did do is increase exponentially the access people have to gambling. Not just access but instant access from any computer device.
Aside from the obvious reasons such as travel, cost, time, etc., as to why someone would forgo a land-based casino for an online casino like Ozwin, FairGO or Uptown Pokies, there are other reasons which make online play so attractive. The number one reason why players gravitate towards online play is that at many casinos you can play for free. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, sometimes beginners to experts prefer to enjoy the action without any financial exposure.
Free Online Play
Find a large land-based casino that offers free play on its tables and slots, and I’ll show you a casino that is in the death throes of bankruptcy. Of course, loyal players receive everything from dinners to suites and more, but they are never given a chance to play for free. Most anyone can jump onto an online casino and play till their hearts content. No registration, no deposits and no downloads.
Now of course free play isn’t the only reason why gamblers enjoy online casinos. Just as with land-based casinos, online casinos provide loyal players with many bonuses, promotions and prizes as well as in some cases land-based casino goodies. If you’re a beginner and sign-up and make a deposit for the first time, you will also receive a bonus at many casinos which offers free spins as well as matching your deposit 100%.
Selection of Casino Games
Another feature of online play is the variety of casino games which can be played. With some US online casinos, on offer are a few thousand online slots / pokies. These include 3-reel, 5-reel, video, classic, 3D and from a slew of game developers. Not that you don’t have many options at one of mega casinos, but certainly not at your finger tips and not at your small, medium or large casino. In Australia i is FairGo you shoul look to and givet a try!
Again, I will repeat my above statement that Online Casinos do not directly compete with Land-Based Casinos. But online casinos do offer players are options that no casino can compete with. If you have never played online, then I would highly suggest you give it a shot. It’s a whole new experience and one in which you will not regret.