CasinoManual.co.uk is not going to tell you to play at online casinos rather than land-based casinos or that they are any better. Nothing can beat the atmosphere and excitement a player gets from playing at world renowned casinos in Las Vegas for example. However, online casinos present you with quite a few advantages that actual land-based casinos can’t offer you.
Available 24/7 with no dress code
Gambling online has become increasingly popular since the internet began and many players play online for a whole host of reasons. Firstly, it’s easy and convenient. All you need is a connection to the internet. The online casinos are open 24/7 and every single day of the year (including Christmas Day) – you don’t need to dress up as there is no need to leave your favourite armchair. There was even quite a famous story of a multi-million pound jackpot winner who won over £1.8 million whilst on the toilet.
Feel at ease
Secondly, a huge advantage is the lack of pressure on you. Many new casino players may not feel particularly confident sitting at a blackjack table in person but on the computer, they can take the time to learn how to play the games properly without being scrutinized by the croupiers or other players.
Therefore, you can dramatically improve your skills and can play at a level that is comfortable for you to play at. There are free play options at the online casinos represented on CasinoManual.co.uk which will allow you to practice till your heart is content – check out our extensive Play Slots section to be a wide selection of slot games for free. If you look at online poker, there are many tournaments taking place live on TV and you will see lots of young poker players that are under the age of 21! These young but skillful players have undoubtedly learned their trade online by simply playing for free or for real money.
More casino games to choose from
Another huge advantage to playing online casino games is the fact that you have a massive variety of games to choose from. The reputable software providers these days provide an abundance of games. All your favourite casino games are offered and there are more versions to choose from.
Online casinos offer many more video slot variations and can develop them quicker than producing full-blown slot machines. Also, you don’t have to wait to play at your favourite slot machine – you can play online at any time without fail. Finally, you will have a much larger range of betting limits on your favourite games by clicking a button.
Better chances of winning
Saying all this, the chances of winning are higher as the percentage payout is definitely higher online than at land-based equivalents. This is particularly relevant for video slot machines and this is due to lower operating costs and fierce competition.
Expect an online video slot to be have a 93%+ RTP (return to player) whilst video slots in pubs or bookies will have a 70-75% RTP. Let’s look at the numbers with a nice round £100:
- Online – in theory, you would win back 93%+ meaning you’d win £93 or more (on average)
- Land-Based – in theory, you would win back 70-75% meaning you’d win £70 to £75 (on average)
- That’s a huge difference of between £18 and £23 per £100 you are staking
More promotions and offers
Finally, playing at online casinos is more appealing from a player point of view when it comes to promotions. All online casinos offer deposit bonuses to entice you to deposit and play. This is technically extra money to play with. The bonuses have to be wagered a certain amount of times though but it does increase your chances of winning.
To keep you playing, online casino will continue throwing bonuses and incentives your way – this won’t happen at any Las Vegas casino unless you are a high roller. Online casinos now offer you free spins (and various variations of this such as cash spins, bonus spins etc), tournaments, holidays, the latest gadgets and so much more to keep their customers happy. Online casinos such as Mr Green Casino and bgo Casino have constant promotions which are fairly easily to get involved with.
Tip
I recommend you check out the Exclusive Offers section where you will find unique offers only available to CasinoManual.co.uk readers.
You can’t beat the atmosphere of a land-based casino though
Whilst playing online is great and convenient, it is important to mention there are drawbacks naturally. Despite being able to play online any time you like and wearing what you like, the atmosphere of being in a real casino can’t be beat. The thrill of sitting at a blackjack table and looking into the croupier’s eyes can’t be replicated.
In a Las Vegas casino, if you win, you can walk up to the cashier and withdraw your winning instantly. This doesn’t happen at online casinos unfortunately as they have to process your withdrawals via your chosen payment method. The better casinos will process your withdrawals/winnings within 24 hours and CasinoManual.co.uk highlights the cashout times for each online casino.
Cashing out takes longer
These online casinos on CasinoManual.co.uk are UK licensed (by the UK Gambling Commission), reputable and will certainly pay their players but the processes just take a little longer than at a land-based casino. This is due to security checks and fraud purposes mainly. We cover this in other articles.
Finally, whilst online casinos are licensed and regulated by various organizations in certain jurisdictions, there is no guarantee that they won’t cheat you. It wouldn’t be advisable for them to do this as many companies have too much at stake to lose. Saying that, if you stick to UKGC-licensed online casinos (the ones found at CasinoManual.co.uk), you will be fine.
Conclusion – online is better
On the whole, playing at online casinos is highly recommended. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks and if you choose reputable UK-licensed online casinos, you won’t have any problems. Casino Manual recommends that you read our other articles such as our next article Are Online Casinos Safe and Fair to Play at?