The decline of land-based casinos stimulates growth for online casinos

by Jerry S. Jerry Stark is a professional writer and publisher

The initial coronavirus shutdown significantly reduced gambling availability as numerous casinos were closed amid rising fears of COVID-19 case counts. Statewide closures of non-essential businesses were mandated and stay-at-home orders made it impossible to access land-based gambling avenues. The question now is: What is the actual impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on gambling behavior? Well, venue closures have forced people to switch to playing online. Some casinos have reopened, but there are strict limitations to allow social distancing. The total number of people in and out of gaming areas of a facility mustn’t surpass 25, not including the employees. But there are other rules too, about things like increased sanitation. This reopening has brought about a great deal of criticism, needless to say.

Just like in every part of the world, the Dutch gambling sector has been severely affected. All slot machine halls closed their doors and casino operators are experiencing declining revenues. Holland Casino venues will remain closed until at least February 9. In this particular context, there’s a certain weakening of the position of brick and mortar casinos compared to their remote counterparts. Online casinos take an important share of the gambling market at present. Take a close look at the list of online casinos at NederlandseGokkasten.com and you’ll quickly understand why they remain a competitive option. The vast majority of players have increased their online gambling frequency, online casinos witnessing growth while land-based casinos suffered a decline in revenues. The situation in the Netherlands reflects the general trend. To be more precise, the online segment is growing at an alarming rate while land-based businesses are left behind.

Post-COVID-19, the demand for online casinos will remain strong

Online gambling, which has always played an important role in the industry, is the fastest-growing segment during the global pandemic. Online casinos have their own charm. People can experience a different kind of atmosphere and enjoy a wider assortment of games. Various promotions and tournaments offer players opportunities to win cash. Some casinos go so far as to offer no deposit bonuses that people can take advantage of immediately after signing up. Online venues can be accessed from any location; all you have to do is select an online platform and start playing games. The vast majority of web-based gambling establishments make available safe payment options, allowing Bitcoin transactions, which are processed at a faster rate. The inclusion of SSL encryption technology protects information from prying eyes. It’s clear that there are some advantages that brick and mortar casinos don’t match up to.

Beginning with 2010, online casinos started improving their offerings, so more players took to the Internet rather than paying a visit to their favorite land-based casinos. In the Netherlands, we can find a well-regulated gambling market. It’s legal for Dutch residents to play casino games online, but there’s a catch. They can only play on websites that are hosted in the Netherlands. Web-based gambling establishments evolve in parallel with technology, the result being that players can now enjoy an immersive experience thanks to virtual and augmented reality, which are widely deployed as the world struggles to adjust to the new normal. From dice rolling and playing cards to casinos with live dealers, it goes without saying that technology has brought about significant changes in the way people play.

People who enjoy playing games such as slots or blackjack are fortunate because there are many options to choose from on the Internet in terms of casinos. Names are added to the database every day, so there won’t be a shortage of places to play any time soon. The newest online casinos are running as part of an already established brand, protecting their players by means of reliable and transparent security measures. The future of the casino industry is quite uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the online gambling growth will be significantly greater in the years to come. Even if some of the COVID-19 measures will be eased, people will be too scared to go out, which doesn’t come as a surprise taking into consideration the unprecedented times we’re living.

Land-based casinos need to adapt and, most importantly, change practices

Land-based casinos that ignore the trends in their strategies are destined to fail before their time. Rather than accounting for the ever-increasing number of digital product users and services, they oppose innovation and, ultimately, get left behind. It’s paramount for brick and mortar casinos to make changes – in other words, to offer the best of both worlds. The online environment is highly lucrative and anyone can get a slice of the pie. Gone are the days of traditional slot machines. With people staying at home and self-isolating for longer periods of time, casino operators should be launching websites to help customers seek entertainment. Many of them are targeting new markets in an effort to survive these troubling times.

Making the transition from a land-based gambling establishment to an online casino is hard, but hard doesn’t mean impossible. There are several points to consider in this sense. Not all jurisdictions provide the same licenses for offline and online gambling, so it’s necessary to consult with a legal professional. Additionally, there are differences in terms of financial planning, the scheme being more complicated. People appreciate the anonymity ensured by online casinos, but that doesn’t mean that they take pleasure in wandering through the complicated world of registration forms and bonus offerings. It’s essential to provide assistance in real-time so that players can resume gaming on the spot. In this respect, chatbots turn out to be really helpful because they ensure live communication.

All in all, land-based casinos have no choice but to modify their business models, as competition has become even fiercer. The only hindrance is that not all of them are convinced it’s necessary to make the move. Perhaps they’re scared about doing business on the Internet or they think that setting up an online presence is too complicated. Anyway, if the present restrictions remain in place, it’s safe to assume that more and more people will switch to playing online. Being on the Internet opens the door to a world of opportunities.