Online casino games dominate the UK’s Remote Casino, Betting, and Bingo (RCBB) sector, generating £4 billion in gross gambling yield (GGY). The proliferation of online casinos has transformed the gambling landscape, providing adults with access to a huge range of betting options at home.
There are many differences between online and land-based (or brick-and-mortar) casinos, including the variety of games, social elements, and regulations. But one of the most important factors to consider when comparing gaming options is the odds — are they better at online casinos or land-based venues?
After all, you want to play your favourite games with the best odds possible, whether you’re sitting at a table in a land-based venue or playing at an online site. To answer “do online casinos have better odds?”, we’ll explore how the odds are different at gaming sites and brick-and-mortar casinos below.
We’ll also compare the main advantages of online casinos and land-based casinos, with some tips on improving casino odds.
How are the Odds at Online Casinos and Land-Based Casinos Different?
Two key factors affect the odds at online and land-based casinos: house edge and Return to Player (RTP). If you’re new to the world of gambling, understanding the difference between house edge and RTP can help you make smart choices at both types of casinos.
House Edge
The house edge represents the average profit that a casino typically generates from every game played under its roof or on its website. House edge differs depending on whether you’re playing at an online casino or a land-based casino. And, generally, online casinos have a lower house edge than brick-and-mortar venues.
Why? Land-based casinos have more overheads to consider than gaming sites — staff wages, electricity, gambling equipment, maintenance, and other daily expenses that all add up. But online casinos don’t require the same level of staffing, gaming equipment, and other elements that can be so costly.
That’s why house edges tend to be much lower at online casinos. For example, you may find games with a 0.5% house edge online, while games at brick-and-mortar casinos can have house edges exceeding 5% (e.g. Caribbean Stud Poker).
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP reveals how much of the money wagered on a game is paid out as winnings (as a percentage). Online slot games, for example, have an average RTP of 96%. That means they should theoretically pay out £96.00 for every £100 wagered, on average.
However, land-based casinos typically offer lower RTPs, often dropping far lower than 90%. As with the house edge, a high RTP is more viable for online casinos without the same expenses as brick-and-mortar venues.
Land-based Casino
Land-Based vs Online Casinos: What are the Main Differences?
A land-based casino and a gaming website offer different experiences, each with its own benefits. One may immediately appeal to you more than the other, depending on your general gambling preferences. But understanding the main contrasts between the two options can help you make the right choice for you.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos are widely available across the UK, with more than 140 operating as of 2022. While playing online provides some advantages, many people prefer visiting a brick-and-mortar casino for various reasons.
Instant Prize Payments
At a land-based casino, you have the freedom to claim your winnings straight away. That’s not the case with online casinos: transferring digital payments from a website to your preferred account can take multiple days (depending on the payment method).
Fun Atmosphere
Sitting at a real gaming table in a brick-and-mortar casino, surrounded by other people, offers a more sociable experience than playing online. Laughter, chatter, music, drinks, and food may make visiting a land-based casino more exciting for some.
Casino Players
Social Interaction
A key part of playing at a land-based casino is interacting with fellow players and dealers. While online casinos allow for some interaction, the face-to-face aspect can be considered a more authentic gaming experience.
Online Casinos
With so many gambling sites to choose from, playing casino games online has never been easier. Here are the top advantages of online casinos.
Play for Jackpots at Home
Perhaps the biggest benefit of online casinos is that they enable you to play your favourite games without leaving your home. You can access many games 24 hours a day after verifying your age and identity, with no need to dress up and visit a brick-and-mortar casino.
Access to Varied Games
The best online casinos feature hundreds, even thousands, of games. You can play slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and any number of other games. Classic casino games, such as roulette and baccarat, are available in many variations, too.
Get Bonuses and Incentives
Online casinos tend to provide members with more generous bonuses and incentives than land-based casinos, primarily due to the lower running costs.
You may be able to claim at least one bonus on your first deposit, such as a 100% match to double your starting balance or free spins. VIP programs, reload bonuses, and other incentives are also widely available. Find the best offers out there with Gambling Zone’s guide to the Best Online Casinos Bonuses in the UK.
Recommended Online Casino Sites to Try
Tips to Improve Casino Odds
Whether you prefer to play at online casinos or visit land-based venues, odds can vary wildly. That makes it incredibly difficult to determine whether one option objectively offers better odds than the other.
But there are several things you can do to improve your casino odds wherever you play.
Check the House Edge
Look at the house edge of any game before you start playing. Go for the lowest house edge you can if you want to minimise how much profit a site takes from you.
Consider the RTP
Games with a higher RTP will pay out more than those with a lower RTP, on average. Online slots can offer good RTPs, with an average of around 96%, though some games provide much higher returns. Browse a number of different games and compare their RTPs to find the best odds.
Look into the Volatility
A game’s volatility determines the frequency and size of its payouts. A highly volatile slot, for example, will award prizes less often than a low-volatility game, but they’ll be higher. Less volatile games pay out smaller amounts but more regularly. The lower the volatility, the lower the risk — and the prizes available.
Online Casino Games
Understand the Rules
Take a few minutes to read the rules before you play any game for the first time. Understand how it works, what you need to do to win, and other essential details. That will help you play wisely.
Experiment with Free Demos
There are plenty of free demos available, which makes it easy to practise and develop your understanding of games before you wager real money. It’s a great way to get a feel for how they play, their prizes, and their features (if available) without risk.
Choose Your Games Wisely
Odds and prizes can differ significantly from game to game. That’s why it’s so important to research your options and check for the best odds before you dive in. Certain games can be built primarily for high-rollers wagering big money in the hopes of winning bigger prizes, while others are better suited to more cautious players.
