What Is The Future Of Land-Based Casinos After The Advent Of Online Casinos?
Bernd Becker 
The first betting at online casinos dates back to 1996, while land-based establishments have been welcoming visitors since the early 19th century. New Orleans was the first US gambling location. Over time priorities shifted to establishments in Chicago and San Francisco. In 1946, the first casino was opened in Las Vegas, and gradually the city became the center of excitement for fans of roulette, cards, and slot machines. Gambling fans are still interested in land-based casino news, which regularly appears on the pages of online media providing information about innovations, promotions, and new slot machines. Traditional casinos have lost the monopoly in gambling – their services are successfully replaced by the USA online casinos, which are available 24/7.
Changes in the U.S. Land-Based Gambling Industry
The emergence of online casinos has created many problems for representatives of the land-based industry. Some customers left when they saw that online competitors offered more convenient services. However, there were those who preferred to alternate their vacations at online casinos and land-based establishments.
Avid visitors to luxury casino hotels in Atlantic City and Las Vegas remained loyal to their habits – they still use their services regularly. Here they get the opportunity to:
- Play slot machines, poker, blackjack, and bet on roulette.
- Meet with business partners at the table and discuss the details of joint projects.
- Spend their free time with friends, and relatives, and celebrate important dates.
The land-based establishment is seen as a great place for recreation, satisfying ambitions, and friendly encounters. For such gamblers, the future of the gambling industry is beautiful and promising. Others imagine the future of the industry as dramatically different.
The situation hasn’t changed at all since the advent of internet casinos – at that time many were skeptical about the future of land-based gambling establishments when they saw strong competitors on Internet platforms with a variety of gambling activities. However, the most prestigious establishments continue to work successfully in their niche and their service is still pleasing to VIP gamblers.
Relaunching the American Gambling Business
A legal aspect had a significant impact on the future of land-based casinos. In 2006, U.S. lawmakers passed the UIGEA, the Online Gambling Act. It banned online casinos in all states, which became a supporting factor in the development of land-based establishments. The ban on online slot machines, lotteries, and poker lasted until 2011. In December 2011, the Department of Justice published a report stating that federal legislation only prohibited the operation of bookmakers. The exception was the state of Nevada, where online betting has been available since 2010.
here is a chronology of events related to the legalization of online business
- Summer 2012. – The state of Delaware declared the online gambling industry legal.
- February 2013. – Nevada government announces the issuance of online poker licenses, and the Ultimate Poker room launches 2 months later
- Fall 2013 – gambling industry representatives open websites to players from Delaware and New Jersey.
- 2017 – Pennsylvania updated laws.
- Spring 2018. – federal PASPA law protecting professional and amateur sports was repealed, and local governments are allowed to decide independently on the legalization of betting.
- 2019 – legalization of sports betting in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, Tennessee, Montana, and Rhode Island.
- Online lotteries were legalized by the local governments of Georgia and Illinois in 2012. Online resources with interactive games, lotteries, and Keno were legalized in Michigan in 2014, and Kentucky in 2016. In 2018, the lottery business was launched in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
Features of the Legislation
The American authorities have been selective about the legalization of gambling – each state has its own legislative nuances. A complete ban on gambling entertainment is introduced in Utah and Hawaii. States with no restrictions on gambling industry activities are as follows:
- Nevada.
- Louisiana.
- Arkansas.
- Mississippi (Tunica City).
- New Jersey (Atlantic City).
In some states, only Native American Indians can gamble. In Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, only floating casinos are allowed. The age of gamblers is limited. Services of establishments can be provided to clients who are older than 18 or 21, depending on legal aspects.
Boundless Interest in Online Casinos
Internet users are interested in gambling for many reasons. The most significant of them are:
- A significant selection of gambling games of different formats – from classic slot machines to sports betting.
- A huge range of ultra-modern video slots with numerous bonus options – free spins, re-spins, multipliers, risk games, and additional thematic rounds.
- Excellent quality visuals with colorful, spectacular elements – it’s fun and enjoyable to play on the online platform.
- Multiple bonuses from the administration – welcome package, deposits, free spins for being active, cashback, birthday gifts, etc.
- Active loyalty programs – points for betting with real money, rewards for achieving new status, participation in exclusive events, individual gifts, etc.
- Possibility to play on modern gadgets with Android and iOS operating systems – the game is accessible away from home or stationary devices.
- Numerous options for deposit and withdrawal – the gambler chooses the most convenient method.
- Most games are created with demo versions – the client bets with credits, tests slots, roulette, and poker, and then proceeds to the real game for money.
The listed advantages provide exhaustive answers to the question: “Why online casinos are better?” Land-based establishments do not have such limitless possibilities as online casinos do. The former level of popularity can be maintained thanks to the bohemian public. The establishments managed to win the clients’ favor by means of innovative ideas, promo actions, and perfect interior design.
