Over the last decade, American players have seen an explosion in the number and variety of gambling destinations available to them. Once home to some of the tightest gambling laws in the world, recent years have seen major changes, with regulated iGaming markets and thriving sports betting scenes emerging right across the country. And, while online gaming continues to grow at an impressive pace, traditional land-based venues from Las Vegas and Atlantic City to the abundance of Tribal Casinos that dot the map, have too continued to attract impressive numbers to their gaming floors.
With such a wealth of exciting casino options to choose from, we thought it best to talk to someone in the know. Max Brimmer, an iGaming expert with over a decade in the gambling industry, sat down with us to provide their insights into the modern gambling scene and how players can find the experience that suits them best.
Before we get into the details of today’s gaming landscape, I wondered if you could provide some context regarding its evolution over the last few decades?
There’s no two ways about it, the gambling industry has transformed significantly as we have moved through the start of the 21st century. While there was of course the online poker boom of the early 2000s, it’s easy to forget that as recently as 2015, land-based casinos still dominated the American market, with only a handful of states regulating the online space we see these days. One of the biggest changes has been the introduction of sports betting following the 2018 PASPA repeal. This has had a major impact, allowing sports betting to become one of the fastest growing markets in gambling today and outlining the blueprint for other forms of iGaming to emerge.
Considering this emergence of the online space, have digital platforms replaced traditional brick and mortar venues?
I wouldn’t say so no. While it may appear that online casinos have become a direct competitor to their land-based counterparts, in reality, they each serve different purposes. The best online slots for example, offer accessible, convenient and high-quality gameplay at the touch of a button. This is great for casual gaming where you can play from the comfort of your couch. On the other hand, there still isn’t anything quite like the experience of entering one of the iconic gaming floors on the Las Vegas Strip. The glitz and glamour of the casino is hard to replicate virtually, and so there is still an important place for land-based venues in this regard.
And what about the financial side of things, who dominates the modern market?
Well, when comparing the two, traditional gaming still generates more revenue than iGaming, bringing in $4 billion in February this year, compared to $976 million for online venues. Looking more closely, however, we see iGaming growing at a much faster rate of 25% compared to the 3.9% growth of traditional gaming. You have to also then consider that iGaming is still only legal in a few states, and this obviously limits its ability to scale up revenue. With several states looking to introduce their own iGaming regulations in the coming years, we could soon see these revenues start to rise and truly rival the traditional sector.
What would you recommend for players out there undecided between online platforms and traditional venues?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but there are a few factors to consider when choosing your gaming destination. Brick and mortar venues provide that certain atmosphere and experience that is difficult to find online, and the social aspect of traditional gaming is an element that many people enjoy. But not everybody lives close to a respectable and trustworthy venue. With iGaming, because everything is accessed through your smartphone, you have an abundance of choice. This means you can avoid low quality platforms and find gaming destinations that suit how you like to play. This ability to personalize your play is a definite advantage that iGaming has over land-based gaming.
Do you think iGaming platforms will ever be able to replicate that unique gaming floor feeling?
That is difficult to predict, but innovators in the sector are certainly trying. Using the latest entertainment technologies like VR and AR, there are several impressive virtual casinos now on the market, which attempt to mimic the classic casino experience. More generally, the social side of online gaming has exploded in recent years, with most platforms introducing elevated social features such as chatrooms, player v player gaming, and live dealers. And, with our relationship with the online environment only set to grow stronger, traditional venues may soon have to adapt in order to survive.
Thanks for talking with us today Max, one last question before you go. Whether it's at a land-based venue or online, what are your top tips for getting the most out of your gaming?
You’re very welcome, it’s been a pleasure. I would say my best tip that can be used across all formats of gaming, is to always play with your head, not your heart. It’s so easy to let emotions take hold when playing games, especially when you’re on top, but always having a strategic approach is the best way to maximize your experience in the long term. Whether that means taking a step back from the table when needed, or utilizing free online bonuses as best you can, playing smart is always the best way.
