A changing world
Although most people can now play their favorite games online, it was not always this simple, and for most US citizens, it remains impossible to play online for real money. We live in a fluid society, and can stay at home and have fun on the big screen or play on the go with a phone. Travelers can while away those hours inside a virtual casino, making sure bets as the journey time whizzes by. In certain states, they also win hard cash – once upon a time, they could only dream of the opportunity (unless they were traveling with a band of fellow poker players). Regardless of the jackpots on offer, for most people, online casinos, whether real money, sweeps, or casinos, are a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial gain.
Each state decides
While casino owners have made significant efforts to expand their land-based operations, it is the state regulators who make up the rules. Of the 24 US states that permit brick-and-mortar casinos, only seven allow real-money online gaming. There are age restrictions and residency requirements in the permitting state, but anyone who can prove eligibility can make a deposit and then engage in the exciting world of poker, spins, roulette, and even baccarat.
Try before you buy
Unlike in the world of land-based casinos, online venues and social casinos allow players to ‘try before they buy’ and familiarise themselves with all the games. Whether a player is interested in finding new casinos online or has a favorite already, a review site like Casino.org can act as a guide and help them find what they are looking for. Before the internet, you could either play at the local casino or book a vacation or weekend away and travel to a destination like Las Vegas. There was no choice, and no self-respecting security guard would let you come in and just have a look around or try out the games for free.
In fact, in order to play at a casino in the UK, you usually have to be a member, but that is not the case everywhere. However, online casino gambling is an entirely different experience. While players do have to prove age and residency, it is perfectly possible to while away a good deal of time without spending any money at all. Once your account is set up and verified, most online casinos have a great selection of trial and demo games that let you get into the swing of casino gaming without parting with any cash. While no one would have forced you to gamble in a traditional casino, you might have felt the pressure to buy a drink or spend some money in some other way.
Attractive bonuses and promotions
Online casinos have also gone out of their way to attract as many people as possible through their doors. Unlike physical casinos, there are no capacity limitations. Online platforms vie with each other for players’ attention, so they offer attractive sign-up and loyalty bonuses to ensure that players choose their site and not a competitor’s. Some sites even offer no-deposit bonuses, allowing play for real money without requiring any payment at all. While these are pretty rare, they do exist. Players always need to be aware of wagering requirements that could prevent them from withdrawing winnings, but can you imagine a land-based casino offering you the chance to play for free?
Boosting tax revenues
However, there is still reluctance in many US states to adopt online real-money gaming. The benefits to them are enormous in terms of the hundreds of millions of dollars generated in tax revenue, but some still feel that the dilution of the real-world casino is not worth the risk. However, it may just be a matter of time as more and more people in non-online gaming states clamor for the rules to change. As they turn towards sweepstakes and offshore online casinos, legislators are torn as to how to act.
The states that allow iGaming are New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut. Then, in 2023, Rhode Island’s legislature approved online casino gambling. That means playing all day, every day, and seven days a week in the Ocean State. This news, especially for the smaller states with fewer revenue options, is game-changing, and, of course, it’s a game-changer for those who live there. According to a report by Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC, a consultant hired by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, online gambling is expected to generate $160 million in additional tax revenue for Rhode Island over the first five years. Win-win is the perfect two-word phrase everyone in the world of online betting is using.
Regulatory oversight is key
However, it is not just a case of waking up one morning and building a casino players’ site with full access and expecting clients to deposit their hard-earned money. There must be numerous safeguards in place, but ones that do not make it feel impossible to enter. It takes time, scrutiny, and regulatory oversight to build successful platforms for players and businesses alike. Things need to be seen and proven as fair. Spenders want a reasonable chance of winning whilst riding the exhilarating ups and downs of the game. Many also want to feel a part of an intimate group, so the opportunities to play at home with friends are also available.
And chill …..
While traditional casinos may be considered more sociable, there are additional factors to take into account, including the drive, parking, and in-venue costs, in addition to the stakes. Playing from home allows iGamers to eat and drink whatever they want without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, there is no dress code, and live-dealer gaming allows players to engage in real-time play alongside and against human opponents. Technology has not only made deposits secure but also enabled speedy and meticulous payouts to be concluded.
Virtual casinos could make physical ones more appealing
While many feared, and still fear, that online casino gambling might destroy land-based venues, the opposite seems to be true. A recent report from New Jersey shows that more, not less, people are visiting the casinos there. It appears that online casinos have introduced more people to this form of entertainment, making it even more popular.