Almost everything has seen a digital revolution in the wake of COVID-19 and casinos are no different. Even before the pandemic, there was a growing increase in online casino adoption.
This change from gambling in-person to online casinos is felt most in areas that have popular live casinos — like Atlantic City, New Jersey. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of in-person casinos vs online casinos.
May 15, 2020
The Pros & Cons of In-Person Casinos vs. Online Casinos
Gambling has long been one of the most exciting and cherished forms of entertainment. There is a certain thrill and adrenaline rush associated with casino games and the possibility of winning big from skill or pure luck. Naturally, this means there are tons of in-person and online casinos, including in the United States. New Jersey and Atlantic City in particular have tons of gambling options. But, how do you know which type of casino is right for you?
Check out the pros and cons of New Jersey in-person casinos vs online casinos to determine which is best for you.
In-Person Casinos
In-person casinos are a part of New Jersey’s culture. They mainly operate out of Atlantic City and feature a large host of games, including slots, video poker, regular poker, blackjack, and baccarat. They come with their own pros and cons that should be considered before choosing to gamble with them.
The Pros
- Entertaining and Exciting
- Distanced from Home
- Interactive
- Clear Rules and Limits
In-person casinos have some major advantages. One of the most obvious is just how entertaining and exciting they are. These are locations designed to earn money, and they try to provide as many entertainments and distractions as possible to keep players invested and interested in staying. This means live music, flashing lights, great food, and alcoholic drinks. There is also the visceral thrill of gambling in real-time and watching your stack of chips grow or shrink with your luck.
There also is the element of the casino being distanced from home. This often helps players show restraint not found in online casinos. Plus, they are interactive and allow you to socialize with other players and learn the ins and outs of a game from nearby experts.
Finally, there are clear rules and limits. You know how much you are gambling because you need to exchange money for chips – you don’t just deposit a number into an online account. This holds you accountable and can add to the fun.
The Cons
- Fewer Game Options
- Inconvenient
- Not Suitable for All Budgets
Of course, an in-person casino will also have a couple of drawbacks. One of the most obvious for players who like to gamble in New Jersey is the lack of game options. Online casinos often have hundreds of available slots and tables, while physical casinos are more limited. There will be fewer slot options, fewer tables, and you will also need to share with other players.
There is also the potential inconvenience since you need to travel to Atlantic City or a similar area in New Jersey if you want to play. The games are also not suitable for all budgets – some casinos only accept high rollers for instance, and the quarter slots might be full of other players.
So, many players often turn to online casinos for their gambling fun.
Online Casinos
Online casinos have been a staple of New Jersey and Atlantic City gambling since the turn of the 21st century. These options can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or cellphone and are a great way to gamble and have fun from the comfort of your own home – or even while on the go. Naturally, when they first emerged in the 1990s, many players has their own trepidations about playing online. However, it has rapidly become the biggest form of gambling in the United States.
So just what are the pros and cons of online casinos?
The Pros
There are many advantages to online gambling in New Jersey. They include:
- Easy Entertainment and Excitement
- Comfort and Convenience
- Increased Security
- More Game Options
- Bonuses
- Suitable for Different Budgets
First and foremost, online gambling in NJ has made it easy for players to seek entertainment wherever they are. Although many people play in the hopes of winning money, the majority of individuals gamble for the thrill and fun. Online casinos provide easy access to these boosts of adrenaline while also adding another crucial feature: comfort. You can gamble from anywhere and everywhere while online since you do not have to go to a specific building. Whether you’re playing online slots at BetMGM NJ or trying your luck with roulette at Golden Nugget NJ online casino, you have options and flexibility. As you might guess, this increases the appeal.
However, many other players like the security, bonuses, and flexibility online casinos possess. Rigorous software is used to ensure your account doesn’t get hacked so you lose your money. Bonuses reward players for regular participation, and there are hundreds of available games that work for any budget. Some, such as low stakes slots, can be player for a single quarter. This makes gambling accessible to anyone.
The Cons
Of course, there are also some cons to consider if you are interested in taking advantage of online casinos in NJ.
- Convenience and Comfort
- Transaction Fees
- Cashout Times
- Confusing Legislation
- Rogue Operators
Perhaps the greatest con of online gambling is also one of its pros: The convenience and comfort of gambling almost anywhere and anytime you please. For compulsive gamblers, in particular, being able to gamble from anywhere can be a major issue. Some players forget they are using their real money and can be tempted to bet more than they can handle because of the ease of use. If you are not good at self-control, this can become a major problem.
Some people also find online casinos confusing or frustrating. There are transaction fees and taxes if you want your money, and cashout times can be long and excruciating. Worst of all, not all casinos can be trusted. If you don’t choose one which is properly regulated and inspected by the state, you can become the victim of a rogue operator who is unscrupulously running rigged games. To avoid those, use online sites that also have brick and mortar locations that can be trusted.
As you can see, there are many pros and cons to in-person and online gambling. Whichever one you prefer will be a matter of personal preference. However, it has never been easier to gamble in the state of New Jersey, especially if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your couch.