Since their inception in the 1990s, online casinos have significantly grown in popularity, becoming one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. With the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two year, people were forced to stay inside and comply with lockdowns, quarantines, and social distancing measures, and traditional land-based gambling facilities, including iconic Las Vegas venues, were forced to shut down physical operations. Therefore, bettors had to turn to online casinos to keep the action going.

Some of the reasons why online casino games are so popular include the convenience and safety of playing at home, as well as the different incentives and promotions offered by online operators. Given that many traditional brick-and-mortar venues are still gradually reopening across the country, iGaming has emerged as a viable alternative for individuals looking for new entertainment options. As a result, the sector has grown significantly, with the iGaming industry generating tremendous profits in 2020 and 2021, and online casinos accounting for more than 60% of the market.

Following the widespread adoption of the Internet in the 1990s, online casinos were introduced and quickly became a popular attraction, with games and platforms developed by companies such as Microgaming and Playtech. However, due to technological limitations at the time, the game selection was still limited, and slots were usually the only games available.

As technology advanced and computers became more sophisticated, software companies began focusing on table games and other casino games, resulting in improved gameplay, graphics, and sound effects, finally offering online punters a genuine experience.

Today, iGaming operators have been able to provide authentic gaming experiences to bettors playing from the comfort of their homes, and with the emergence of live dealer games and virtual reality casinos, online casinos have become a perfect emulation of the real deal – you can feel as if you were on the floor of one of the renowned Las Vegas Strip casinos, interact with dealers and other players, and ultimately enjoy the thrill of playing classics like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

It’s undeniable that visiting Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind experience, and nothing will ever match the thrill of walking down the Strip and playing in one of those iconic venues. However, with all the tech advancements and innovations introduced by the iGaming industry, online casinos have never been so close to matching all the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.

New gaming trends

The emergence of live streaming technologies in the late 2000s allowed iGaming software providers and operators to come up with one of the hottest trends in the industry today: live dealer games.

Unlike conventional online casino games which rely on random number generators to provide an outcome, live dealer games are managed and operated by professional croupiers in real time, and streamed to players from land-based casinos and broadcast studios. Apart from being able to witness the whole gaming process, players can also interact with the dealers and other players, just as if they were at a real casino. Live dealer games are featured at almost every reputable online casino, such as FanDuel – of which you can read more here, in this FanDuel online casino review.

However, in the past couple of years, a new trend emerged that promises to take things even further: virtual reality casinos. As VR devices and headset became more affordable, developers and operators began focusing on this technology to provide immersive environments to players. 

Virtual reality casinos are virtual counterparts to regular casinos. Unlike traditional online casinos, where players just click and play games, VR casinos provide a completely immersive experience that includes interactive slot machines, realistic roulette and card game tables, other users strolling about in their VR avatars, and even cocktail bars. The majority of classic casino games, such as slots, blackjack, poker, and roulette, are available in virtual reality casinos.

Online casinos vs. Las Vegas

Although it is hard to predict Las Vegas’ long-term future, we can be certain that it will not disappear anytime soon. For starters, Vegas is still a major tourist destination, and it’s reasonable to assume that people whose overseas travel has been restricted will be eager to visit.

Furthermore, as enjoyable as the online casino experience is, nothing compares to the adrenaline of being in a room filled with hundreds of machines, all of which are playing music and ringing out whenever someone wins. It’s meant to get your heart racing, and it succeeds admirably. Many Las Vegas casinos also provide conveniences and other perks that you won’t get at home. It’s a unique experience that virtual gaming can’t quite match. It’s also worth noting that, aside from casinos, Las Vegas provides a vacation full of options to let you enjoy yourself. Whether you want to go shopping, watch a concert, eat at one of their fantastic restaurants, or simply relax in your luxurious hotel and enjoy the warm weather, Las Vegas has it all. So, will Las Vegas be replaced by internet casinos? Most likely not, and certainly not in the near future.