How Online Gambling is Changing the Game for Casinos

Gambling is a popular recreational activity, and when done responsibly is a fun way to have an exciting time. The thrill of winning and buying something nice is excellent, and many games can be fun even when you have a down night, provided you are playing within your limits.

While legalized gambling was once the sole domain of casinos, with the spread of online legalization, the gaming market has changed. As more and more states legalize online gambling, making it easier for players to access online casinos, there has been a knock-on effect for brick and mortar casinos. Here is what you need to know about the changing landscape of legalized gambling.

Understanding the Legality of Online and In-Person Gambling

While there are many sites that advertise being available for online gambling in the U.S., it is not legal in all states yet, and as such, betting online in a non-legalized site has risks. In addition to having to clear additional hurdles and use less-reputable methods of depositing and withdrawing funds, there are not the same protections in place as in legalized states with regulated online gaming.

Similarly, gambling is also restricted to brick and mortar casinos. Restrictions can vary not only from state to state but within different sections of states, as some states have restrictions and limits on the number of casino licenses available and where those casinos can be. Before participating in any gambling, both online and in-person, you should take time to familiarize yourself with your state’s gambling laws in order to protect yourself.

The Benefits of Gambling Online

The biggest perk of playing online is the convenience. Because you don’t have to leave the home, and can often even play or place bets on your phone, it’s never been easier to play than with an online casino. Another benefit of online play is reduced betting limits. While low-limit table games at casinos will still usually require minimum bets ranging from $1 to $5, online play will often allow for penny play.

The Benefits of Gambling In-Person

When it comes to having an exciting night, you simply can’t beat going to brick and mortar casinos in Las Vegas and other top destinations. Celebrating with the table when a hot roller gets the dice, and taking advantage of free benefits on the gaming floor, adds an extra boost to the experience.

How Online Gambling is Affecting Brick and Mortar Casinos

The growing presence of online gambling has had a big impact on brick and mortar casinos. While it’s obvious to see why having increased competition can present problems for in-person play, not everything to do with online betting means bad news for casinos. Here are the key ways online betting is affecting live casinos:

• Partnerships: The primary way that brick and mortar casinos benefit from online gaming is by participating in it themselves. Whether that comes in the form of running an online site directly or, as is the case with all New Jersey online poker rooms, by forming a partnership with an online gaming provider, the casinos earn themselves a cut of the action.
• Some Loss of Professional Play: As online gambling becomes available legally, that means that some of the professional poker market shifts to the convenience of online play. Because casinos make money on poker by volume of play, not by “beating” unskilled player, this can have a negative effect on the bottom line of the brick and mortar casinos who see the reduced professional play at their high-end tables.
• Tourist Play Remains: Although there is value to be had in regulars who instead move to online gambling, many of the most reliable sources of income for casinos won’t be lost to online play. Tourists in town aren’t looking to stay in their room and play a legal game on their phones or computer, they want to hit the casino and get the experience of being out in the casino just as much as they want to play. Similarly, many regulars prefer to play as they are used to, rather than staying at home.
• More risk to struggling casinos: While the threats of online casinos may not be enough to put the brick and mortar industry out of business, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still risks to some casinos. For establishments with fine margins, the introduction of legalized betting can present as an existential threat if the casino can’t capitalize on online gaming.

Online gambling continues to grow from year to year, and there are few reasons to think that will stop anytime soon. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler looking to find new ways to have your fun, or think you would enjoy placing the occasional bet but can’t justify getting out to the casino, online gambling may be right for you. Please remember to always gamble responsibly, and never place a bet that you can’t afford to lose.