iGaming is, perhaps, the most successful digital entertainment industry today. It allows gamblers, experienced and new, to test their luck against other, like-minded players from all over the world. One of the games that attracts the most players, both at online and land-based casinos, is roulette.
Many people like to discuss the differences between online and land-based roulette. Some argue that the experience is too similar to matter. Others claim that it is basically a different game. In this article, we’d like to explore that question.
Is online roulette so different from its land-based counterpart, or are there certain similarities that make the game more or less exciting? Those are the questions we are looking to answer, so that we can give new gamblers an idea of what the online roulette might be like.
Live Roulette is Closer Than You Think
Livestreaming has truly been a revolutionary force in entertainment. It has changed the way that many engage with games, film, television, and even gambling. Online casinos have integrated streaming services to enhance the online roulette experience further than one could have ever imagined. Live roulette involves real, living croupiers broadcasting themselves in real time, playing with a group of gamblers that participate from a live chat.
In terms of similarities, live roulette is basically like any other game of roulette you’ve ever played. There are real people, who make bets in real time. The croupier interacts with the players, and might even share some anecdotes, as they would in a brick-and-mortar casino. The only difference is the matter of convenience. You can access live roulette from anywhere, including your home, or while on the go. It is no wonder then that many prefer this option over the land-based game.
Digital Roulette vs. Land-based Roulette
Of course, live roulette is not the only option. There is the old-school version of online roulette, which involves playing a digital variant of the game. For many, the digital roulette option is not as captivating as live or land-based roulette. The primary reason is that digital roulette operates on the basis of a random number generator. Meaning, there is no human element, which puts off many gamblers. That being said, there are plenty of people who don’t mind.
Though vastly different, slots also operate on an RNG base. Of course, most people are used to this aspect of slot machines, as it is the same in land-based casinos as it is online. If players can move past the need for a human element, many might find that online roulette can be just as engaging. However, we are social animals, and part of the joy of visiting a casino is socialization and human interaction. So, it is also understandable that many prefer live roulette or the brick-and-mortar casinos, over digital.
Final Thoughts
While we wouldn’t say that online roulette is vastly different from its land-based counterpart, we also would argue that it would appeal to different players. Of course, online casinos do their best to bridge the gap. That is their goal with the introduction of live roulette. Of course, game developers are integrating VR in gambling, so we might see a future where the gap is more narrow than ever.
