Opening a history book reveals that gambling in centralized locations dates back to the stone age. However, with the rise of the Internet, many now view traditional casinos as outdated, opting instead to play online casino games from the convenience of their own homes.
Online casinos are currently not legal in Illinois, but it is anticipated that they will be approved in the near future.
It is already established that online casinos do not negatively impact retail casinos.
Is iGaming detrimental to the 11 retail Illinois casinos situated throughout the Prairie State?
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of brick-and-mortar casinos compared to online casinos.
Positives of retail casinos: an exciting atmosphere
While some believe that traditional casinos are becoming outdated, there are still many advantages that brick-and-mortar establishments provide that online casinos cannot replicate.
The initial factor to consider is the atmosphere. Placing bets in person can be an enjoyable opportunity to socialize with friends and potentially win some money. Numerous casinos offer sportsbooks equipped with multiple TVs, allowing you to easily monitor all of your bets without the need to constantly switch channels or update your score tracking app.
At the moment, Hard Rock Casino Rockford only has its temporary casino open, but plans are in place for the permanent casino to include a Hard Rock Live venue for live music and other entertainment options. Retail casinos also offer live entertainment opportunities.
Another advantage of retail casinos is the rewards provided to regular patrons. Physical casinos offer perks such as complimentary hotel stays, free passes to live shows, complimentary meals at buffets, and assorted gifts for visiting on specific days.
Negatives of retail casinos: it can be an expensive outing
There are drawbacks to choosing to visit physical casinos instead of playing at online casinos.
One limitation of casinos is that guests are restricted to the gaming options available at the establishment. If a specific slot machine or table game is not offered, players are unable to access it. Conversely, online gaming allows individuals to easily create accounts on multiple licensed gaming operator websites in order to access a wide range of games that suit their preferences.
One downside is the expense of visiting a physical casino. When planning a weekend trip to a casino, you must consider the costs of transportation, accommodation, meals, and gambling. All these expenses can add up to make for an enjoyable yet costly weekend getaway.
Positives of online casinos: convenience is second to none
iGaming offers unparalleled convenience compared to traditional casinos. With just an Internet connection and being in a state that allows legal gambling, you can easily place bets on the go using a mobile device from anywhere within that state.
By betting from the comfort of your own home, you can save on expenses such as gas money or transportation costs to a physical casino. Opting for online casinos is a cost-effective way to enjoy gambling.
Mobile casinos provide an extensive range of gaming choices with just a tap of the screen.
The instant payout options provided by online casinos are incredibly convenient. When you win a bet, your winnings will be immediately transferred to your account, eliminating the need to wait in line for a teller to exchange casino chips for cash. Similarly, if you place a winning bet on a future sporting event, you won’t have to make a trip to a retail location to collect your winnings.
Negatives of online casinos: too easy to gamble, some sports options unavailable
Having convenient access to mobile betting can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to gamble responsibly, but it can be challenging when you can easily access numerous table games and sports to bet on through an Illinois sportsbook app on your phone.
If you choose to stay home and gamble online, you are also missing out on the opportunity for socialization and live entertainment that retail casinos provide.
Another disadvantage of online betting in Illinois is the inability to place bets on in-state colleges. Sportsbooks in Illinois are prohibited from accepting wagers on schools like Northwestern or Northern Illinois through online platforms, requiring bettors to visit a physical casino to bet on these schools.
Retail and online casinos are the perfect ying and yang
In conclusion, retail casinos and online casinos work together harmoniously.
If you’re in the mood for a chill evening in, you can easily access an online casino and place bets right from your couch. However, if you’re craving some social interaction, Illinois has numerous brick-and-mortar casinos that are ready to welcome you with open arms.
One of the advantages of the debate between retail casinos and online casinos is that you have the option to use both depending on your mood.
