You’re in the mood to play, but you’re not sure whether to head to the nearest casino or stay in the comfort of your own home and play online. But is convenience the only factor to consider?
The truth is that there are many differences between land-based and online casinos, from game selection to social aspects. However, the most important factor to consider is the difference in odds between live and online games.
Which offers the best odds? Do online casinos offer better odds than land-based casinos?
We asked the experts at Mr Green to help us answer this question.
The Concepts of House Edge and RTP
We’ve already discussed this a few times, but before moving forward, we need to make sure you understand these basic casino gaming concepts.
If you want to be successful at casino games, you’ll almost certainly need to be aware of the house edge in every game you choose to bet on. It’s quite simple: the casino has an edge in all games. But how much, exactly?
The house edge represents the average profit a casino makes on each game it offers. For example, in American Roulette, the house edge is 5.26%, while in European Roulette it’s 2.7%. And if you read our article on Baccarat strategy, you’ll know that the Tie Bet has a house edge of 14.4%!
These advantages stem from payouts that don’t match the true probabilities of each outcome. For instance, American Roulette has 38 numbers. When betting on a single number, there are 37 ways to lose and only one way to win. If fair, the payout would compensate for the 37 times the player loses. But, in reality, it only pays 35.
But how do these advantages affect the player’s bets?
This is where Return to Player (RTP) comes in. Going back to the American Roulette example, a house edge of 5.26% means that in the long run, for every $100 wagered, the house will make $5.26. In other words, the RTP will be $94.74 for every $100 bet. And this is true, whether you're playing randomly or following a roulette strategy.
Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos: Which One Offers Better Odds?
Using the concepts outlined above, we can say with certainty that, overall, online casinos offer better odds than land-based casinos.
This is largely due to the operational costs of both types of casinos. Land-based casinos need to cover rent and maintenance for a physical space, employ more staff, and pay for utilities and even entertainment. In contrast, online casinos face much lower operating expenses.
This is why online casinos offer better odds for players.
Typically, the house edge is lower online, and the RTP is higher.
Adding in bonuses and promotions, online casinos become even more appealing. It’s common for players to receive sign-up or deposit bonuses, free spins and extra cash from loyalty programmes at online casinos.
Yes, land-based casinos offer similar rewards in the form of accommodation or meals, but it’s hard to compete with the extra cash in players’ pockets.
Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos: Other Differences
Of course, the differences don’t stop at odds, and there are several other factors to consider when deciding whether to play live or online.
Convenience
An online casino is accessible from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This allows players to enjoy their favourite game on any device (mobile or desktop) without having to travel just to play.
In contrast, playing at a land-based casino requires you to be physically present in a particular location, which almost always involves travel and can also incur accommodation and food expenses.
Game Variety
The variety of games available at online casinos is considerably wider, as space is no constraint. It’s possible to play hundreds or even thousands of games at any time, from anywhere.
Land-based casinos offer a more limited selection due to the need to physically house the games. However, the experience is certainly different, with specific aesthetics for certain games.
Social Interaction and Atmosphere
Online casinos tend to lack the live, in-person social experience, although live dealer games such as Live Baccarat attempt to replicate this with real-time interactions. However, for some players, online chat features or virtual communities can’t replace the social thrill.
On the other hand, land-based casinos offer a unique atmosphere, combining live music, dining, shows, and the camaraderie of other players, creating an immersive environment that online casinos can’t fully replicate.
Payouts and Withdrawals
Although online casinos offer various payment methods, some withdrawals may take several days to process.
In contrast, payouts at land-based casinos are immediate, especially for small amounts.
Anonymity and Privacy
The lack of face-to-face interaction in online casinos allows for a level of anonymity many players appreciate.
Naturally, due to surveillance, security, and the public nature of a physical casino, maintaining this level of privacy is impossible, although some high-roller areas do offer a degree of exclusivity.
The Bottom Line
Online casinos often provide better payout rates for players purely focused on the odds, especially on games such as slots and certain table games. However, the choice ultimately comes down to individual preference: online casinos excel at accessibility and game variety, while land-based casinos shine with atmosphere, instant payouts, and the thrill of physical presence.
Whether a player prioritises winning potential or the enjoyment of a live atmosphere, both environments offer unique benefits catering to different aspects of the gambling experience.
Whichever option you choose, we wish you the best of luck!
