Will live online Casinos ever replace land-based Casinos?

At the moment, as we mentioned above, the biggest problem with land-based casinos is the current pandemic. It is likely that very few casinos are open around the world, including New Zealand.

Of course, this is only one of the problems of the pandemic. Casinos are not at all an essential activity, even though they are businesses that provide jobs and pay taxes. But those who are open, of course, will have many restrictions.

The restrictions are enough to make a person uncomfortable on essential outings, such as going to supermarkets, pharmacies, to work or to classes. Now think about that discomfort, but in a place where one of the focuses is socialization.

Not only can you not be physically comfortable because of the mask, having to constantly clean your hands and not touching anything unnecessary, but you would also be prevented from socializing with the other players in the casino!

Finally, we highlight again one of the problems, which is the move to a physical casino. Unless you live in the general area of a physical casino, you might as well consider visiting it.

Driving to and from the venue would probably spend you a good chunk of the budget you were planning to bet. If you have to use the motorway you still run the risk of having to go through tolls, for example.

What's so special about a live online casino?

If we compare the two in the social situation in which we all find ourselves, virtual casinos win easily. Just think of tournaments and other events that any bettor would be interested in - and that, in a physical casino, would need to be physically booked and attended.

In contrast, a virtual tournament only requires players to sit at a desk. There is no need to deselect or cancel because of national confinements, nor is it even necessary to wear formal clothes.

The truth is that online casino games have been around for years, and thanks to the ease of access, they are likely to have a lot more clientele than traditional casinos. It is simply more convenient to play on the computer than to go to an establishment, nowadays.

As if that weren't enough, the most advanced and prolific online casinos have pretty much everything you can find in a traditional casino. Better than that, is the fact that many of your favorite games, such as blackjack, baccarat, poker, toleta, craps, among others, have real dealers who react in real time and can even hear you, talking to you.

Sometimes you will also be able to interact with other players and the design of some casinos tends to be the most faithful to the real atmosphere, to provide you with a realistic and comforting experience. For example, you will be able to hear crowd noises, clinking glasses, buzzing, laughter, music and everything you would hear in a real casino.

As augmented reality and virtual reality technology advances, a number of casino developers are exploring and experimenting with new technologies to offer players the ultimate virtual reality experience.

This is already possible in some casinos, but it is not yet something general. Still, be in no doubt that, in a few years, you could be playing in a virtual casino without noticing a difference. Thanks to Occulus Rift technology, it's like you're physically there. However, it is believed that the iGaming revolution is still only at the beginning.

Despite the enormous convenience of a virtual casino, and how faithful it can be to the real atmosphere, it is not, at least not yet, possible to imitate the charm of a physical casino.

The sounds can even be imitated, but they are only an illusion. The same goes for the scenarios, background images and “socialization” (almost non-existent). The truth is that a physical casino is inimitable and we believe it probably always will be.

Think about this analogy: if you are at University, taking classes online is very convenient. Can wake up later, can be in his pajamas, eat and drink while listening to the teacher, etc... However, he cannot be with his friends and acquaintances, nor can he easily interact with the teacher.

Therefore, being in the city and socializing is an important point, both to go to university and to a casino. You don't go to play, necessarily, but because you have fun socializing! And socializing is practically half the purpose of a casino.

Finally, we have to point out that a virtual casino could never replace the level of luxury that famous destinations in the world of betting present. We are talking, of course, about places like Las Vegas, Monaco or even Macau, where casinos are part of local cultures, and there is still no live online experience that comes close to the interactions, interactivity and gameplay in these emblematic gaming venues.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has elevated the status of online casinos. During a time of mandatory lockdowns, punters are relieved to be able to play their favourite games anyway.

Even more, they can visit casinos that offer gaming experiences with dealers live. Now, even when the pandemic is over, it is certain that many will continue to prefer casinos behind screens to physical casinos.

However, we have to conclude that land-based casinos are a tradition. If you can visit Las Vegas, Monaco or Macau in the future, don't let an online casino replace any of these destinations, because that's simply not possible.

Above all, it is a choice. Some may prefer traditional casinos, while others prefer the comfort of their homes. If virtual casinos ever completely replace traditional ones, we believe that this phenomenon will not happen anytime soon. But certainly the trend indicates a clear shift.