6 Ways Online Gambling is Different to Traditional Gambling

Virtual Gaming: 6 Ways Online Gambling is Different to Traditional Gambling

Since the Internet took the world by storm in the 1990s, online gaming and gambling has become increasingly popular. So much so, in fact, that it has actually become a major source of revenue for many businesses all around the world.

But how exactly do online gambling and traditional (in-person) gambling differ from each other? Aside from the obvious fact, of course, that one is done via the Internet and the other is a face-to-face activity.

Well, there are many things that are different, including factors that influence player experience, as well as slightly more serious issues such as regulations and privacy concerns.

So, we’re going to have a look at 6 ways in which online gambling differs from traditional gambling.

1. Payment Methods

Online gaming allows for a plethora of different safe and secure payment options (pretty anything you could dream of), while traditional gambling tends to be limited to cash, credit/debit cards and chips.

2. Social Interaction

Traditional gambling, as we’ve put it, can take many different forms, depending on the games being played and the settings in which it’s happening. But more often than not, it involves at least a little bit of socializing.

Whether you’re in a casino or joining a poker table at a private venue, you have to be out, about and mixing with other people, making it quite a social affair.

Online gambling, however, is quite insular. If you like, you could be sitting at home behind your computer, gambling all on your own. And there’s nothing wrong with that – in fact, some people prefer it! For some, the thought of having to make small talk at a casino is awful, so the prospect of being able to gamble without having to do that is wonderful.

3. Regulatory Concerns

Although it differs from one place to the next, in some senses, regulations are tighter when it comes to online gambling as opposed to traditional gambling. Either way, however, they tend to be different, so make sure to check them out before you start.

4. Anonymity and Privacy

Gambling online, surprisingly, offers players a level of privacy and anonymity that traditional gambling simply cannot – by its very nature. If you want to, you could gamble online completely anonymously.

5. Game Variety

When you’re gambling online, there’s pretty much no limit to the online pokies and other games you can play. Conversely, at a casino or somewhere similar, you tend to be limited to the machines they have available.

6. Convenience and Accessibility

First and foremost, online gambling is far more easily accessible than traditional, in-person gambling – just about anyone (over the legal age) can gamble on the Internet from absolutely anywhere in the world. Whereas in the past, you needed to go to an actual casino – or another establishment that facilitated any other type of gambling (perhaps slot machines or private poker games). This was far more difficult to gain access to, and for many people, it meant they needed to travel far in order to be able to gamble.