Gambling in Las Vegas versus the Online Experience

Gambling in Las VegasGambling in Las Vegas is a dream held by many a player.  About ten years ago, when the Dr-Casino team first assembled, only one member of the group had been fortunate enough to have actually played there.  We’d already been gambling for a few years, but at the time, most of us couldn’t afford to make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas.  Up to that point, our only experience had been the casual games we played at the office, and the early days of online gambling.  When we got word that the entire team would be heading to Sin City, well, you can just imagine the excitement.  We’d always wondered what gambling in Las Vegas would really be like.  How would it compare to our gambling experiences up to this point?  There were many such questions flying around the office and we couldn’t wait to get some answers.

The Hidden Costs of Gambling in Las Vegas

Gambling in Las Vegas is no easy feat, especially when you live thousands of miles away, and you have limited funds.  This is something that hit home with us right away.  When playing online we knew exactly how much to budget for with every online gambling session.  Whatever funds we had set aside for the day was exactly how much was spent.  However, as we started making our plans for gambling in Las Vegas, money management was a challenge from the very beginning.  We knew there’d be flight and hotel costs, but we were also young and naïve back in the day.  We hadn’t considered things like taxes and the cost of taxis to and from the airport, tips, and all those other seemingly minor expenses that can add up quickly.  We weren’t complete idiots, we knew that one of the key benefits of playing online is that you save on all the costs of travelling to a brick-and-mortar casino, we simply hadn’t realized just how much of a savings there is to be had by gambling online.   But gambling in Las Vegas would be worth it, right?  That’s what we’d always read about; how nothing compares to actually gambling in Las Vegas.  We were finally about to find out for ourselves.

The Key Benefits of Gambling in Las Vegas

When all was said and done, our eleven member team spent five full days of non-stop gambling in Las Vegas.  After arriving back home, and catching up on a lot of missed sleep, we gathered in the office to discuss our experience.  Here are the three main observations that we’d compiled:

1.  There really is nothing like gambling in Las Vegas.  It’s true.  There is no way to replicate the experience at home; it’s unique.  The excitement generated around a Las Vegas craps table, or getting lost in a maze of buzzing slot machines is second-to-none.
2.  Gambling in Las Vegas is really, really expensive.  Even when you think you’re going to manage your finances carefully, chances are, you will end up spending more than you’d planned.  You get a group of young people and free drinks together and good judgment quickly flies out the window.  You forget the drinks might be free, but tips are expected.  At some point you’ll get hungry too.  Are you going to go back to the hotel and make a sandwich?  Probably not.  You’ll stick close to the casino because that’s what you’re supposed to do.
3.  When gambling in Las Vegas, everything is designed to keep you in the casino.  They really do pump in oxygen to keep you awake.  The lights are dim so you can never tell if it’s day or night.  And the casino floors are vast and filled to capacity with tables and machines so just trying to find an exit can be a serious undertaking.

A Summary of Gambling in Las Vegas

Given the choice all those years ago whether to save up the money to go gambling in Las Vegas or stay at home and play online, I would have definitely chosen Las Vegas.  However, the innovations made by the online casinos of today would make that a far more difficult decision.  Now that we’re all a bit older and have families to support, would we feel as comfortable spending all that money just to gamble in Vegas?  No, not when there are amazing online games that we can access whenever are wherever we want.  The incredible advances made in terms of the quality of software being offered at today’s online casinos, combined with the comfort and saving they provide, gambling in Las Vegas just doesn’t hold up.  That being said, everyone needs to get away once in a while and when you do, especially if you’re a player, gambling in Las Vegas will always be a great option!

US Online Gambling – 3 Reasons why it’s Safer

US Online GamblingUS online gambling has existed since the early days of the internet.  And, while the number internet gambling sites has been consistently on the rise since the mid-90s, recent headlines give the perception that it’s a relatively new industry within the United States.  For almost twenty years politicians and enforcement agencies have battled with casinos over whether or not US online gambling is a legal and moral form of entertainment.

It was only in late 2013 that Congress allowed the first steps towards the regulation of this highly lucrative industry.  Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada have now been officially sanctioned to offer online gambling services within their borders.  These online casinos offer the same games you would find in a brick-and-mortar establishment.  Online gambling revenues in New Jersey alone are expected to exceed $2.5M in 2014.

The path to regulation hasn’t exactly been smooth and while there are still many who are opposed to it, other states are keeping a watchful eye with a view to joining in on the action.  Opponents claim that US online gaming sites encourage addictive behavior by making it too accessible to players.  Ironically, one of the most outspoken opponents is none other than Sheldon Adelson.  This is a man who amassed a huge fortune as owner and operator of land-based casinos.  Despite their claims to the contrary, there are many reasons why US online gambling is safer than frequenting a local casino.  Below you’ll find the top three reasons why this is so.

US Online Gambling is Safer

Studies have shown a big increase in violent crimes, car theft, and larceny in communities that play host to land-based casinos.  Casino patrons are an easy mark for criminals.  They often have cash on hand, and may have had too much to drink at the tables.  Tourists are particularly vulnerable due to the fact that they are likely unfamiliar with their environment.  These issues are not a factor when it comes to US online gambling.  There won’t be any waitresses trying to ply you with free drinks.  When you play at a US online gambling website you have complete control over your environment and your money is always safe and secure.

US Online Gambling Makes it Easier to Walk Away

Land-based casinos make more money by keeping players at the tables.  Every element of the casino is designed to achieve this goal.  Fresh air is pumped into the rooms to keep players alert.  There are no windows and lights are dimmed so you can easily lose track of time.  You also have to walk through a maze of walkways to find an exit and these walkways are lined with flashing slot machines that serve as a last-minute temptation.

When playing at home games can be stopped with a simple click of the mouse.  Of course there will always be those who struggle with personal willpower.  For this reason every licensed US online gambling site provides valuable information for anyone who may have difficulty knowing when to walk away.  There’s no question, however, that it’s far easier to close a browser than it is to find your way out of a brick-and-mortar casino whose main objective is to keep you at the tables.

US Online Gambling Keeps You in Control

The atmosphere at a land-based casino is intoxicating.  It’s almost impossible not to be seduced by the flashing lights and sounds of the slot machines.  It’s also hard to refuse the complimentary drinks brought right to your seat.  The excitement of the crowds is contagious and it’s extremely difficult not to get swept away.  When you play at home you control your environment.  If you have any concerns about losing track of time and playing too long you can set an alarm to limit your play.  At any time you can get up and talk a walk, get a snack, or just take a break.  You’re far less likely to get caught up in the fantasy when playing from home.  And, should you miss the social aspect of traditional casino gambling you can always try live dealer or multiplayer games to enhance your US online gambling experience.

Online Gambling Tour de Force – Paypal and Ladbrokes

Online GamblingRenowned UK online gambling destination, Ladbrokes, has joined forces with Paypal, the premier online payment system.  Paypal will be integrated into the bookmaker’s mobile platform.  This marks the first time that online gamblers will have the opportunity to use Paypal to fund their accounts.  These funds can be used to wager on sports and casino games such as blackjack and poker.

Paypal Option Will Attract More Players

Sports betting is a huge attraction right now thanks to the widespread popularity of the World Cup.  But this spike in activity is seasonal.  A more long-term increase is expected thanks to this new partnership between Paypal and Ladbrokes.  The fact that Paypal is so widely used and trusted means that players are sure to flock to the online gambling establishments that offer this payment solution.  Paypal has a long history and previous partnerships with huge online entities like eBay lend even more credibility to the brand.  Online gamblers appreciate the convenience payment solutions like Paypal provide.  They also appreciate the anonymity.  When you use Paypal, no personal financial information is provided to the online gambling establishment.

Ladbrokes 2.0

The integration of Paypal into Ladbroke’s mobile platform is one of many recent upgrades that have been made to the bookmakers’ site.  Ladbrokes has implemented a number of changes in an effort to upgrade the online gambling user experience.  One of these new features is a faster loading speed.  This enhancement is particularly timely given the urgent need to support World Cup wagering and results.

Why Paypal  and Online Gambling Will Succeed in the UK

Research indicates that at least one third of UK residents use Paypal exclusively when conducting online purchases.  These studies also suggest that these users rely on Paypal heavily.

Mobile applications represent big business in the United Kingdom due in large part to the widespread availability of 3G and Wifi access.  Paypal’s interest in the partnership with an online gambling mobile application is indicative of the growing popularity and rapid adoption of such applications by the general public.

Online Gambling Made Safe and Easy

Paypal will be a very appealing option for online gamblers in the UK.  These players will no longer have to make a special trip to their local bookie in order to wager.  This not only saves precious time, but also serves to protect the player’s privacy.  With Paypal, players are never required to expose their valued financial information to an unknown third party.

Paypal features built-in security that ensure all members have a safe environment in which they can deposit and transfer their funds electronically.  Paypal’s long history of providing safe and secure transactions has made them the undisputed leader when it comes to online transactions.  In many cases, players choose online gambling over land-based casino gambling because of the level of convenience it provides.  Consequently, the partnership between Ladbrokes and Paypal makes perfect sense.  Through this partnership, online gambling enthusiasts can enjoy the safety and security as well as the comfort and convenience of mobile gaming.

 

Online Gaming – Mississippi Commissions Task Force Study

Online GamingUntil recently the state of Mississippi has generally avoided the topic of online gaming.  However, due to a downward trend in the brick and mortar casino market, the state now appears willing to study the online gaming industry.  Reports indicate that revenues have been steadily declining in several regions.  Since last month’s closure of Harrah’s casino in Tunica the state casinos are bringing in less money and has created a cloud over the industry as a whole.  Prior to closing Harrah’s was a very popular gambling destination that attracted many players to the area.   Unfortunately an increase in competition from two of Arkansas’ racetracks have also had a negative impact on the market so that alone was not enough for them to be able to keep their doors open.  The casino’s closure cost the state gaming revenue and resulted in the loss of many jobs.

Last month, the Mississippi Gaming Commission published numbers demonstrating that in 22 of the past 24 months, state casinos have generated less gaming revenue when compared to the previous year. When comparing May 2014 to May 2013 there was a 10.6% drop in revenue statewide.

Mississippi Considers Online Gaming

Based on the early results of online gaming revenues being generated in New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, Mississippi is turning an eye to online gaming.  The state has commissioned a task force to conduct a study to show if and how online gaming could aid their struggling casino industry.  The task force has been sanctioned by Richard Bennett, the Mississippi House Gaming Committee chairman.  The team he’s assembled will be comprised of eight individual.  They will be examining online gaming in the United States and evaluating the pros and cons of the current iGaming providers.

Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Allen Godfrey, has been assigned the role of chairman of this task force.  State representative, Bobby Moak, has made efforts to introduce online gaming legislation in Mississippi for the past three years.  But each time the bill is brought before the committee it is defeated.  The piece of legislation proposed each year by Moak was the same.  It involved regulating and licensing online gaming and taxing revenues generated.  Licenses for online gaming would be awarded to companies that already hold state sanctioned gaming licenses for land-based casino operations.

The Future of Online Gaming in Mississippi

Moak believes that the legislation of online gaming will allow Mississippi’s land-based gaming industry to take control of their future and give the state the opportunity to regulate a facet of the industry that already existed, albeit illegally.  With all of the current issues facing brick and mortar casinos Mississippi can’t afford to be left behind when it comes to online gaming.  Only time will tell what will come of the study and whether or not it will provide the necessary motivation for state legislators to make a move and finally try to take their share of the United States online gambling market.