The casino world has changed a lot in the past twenty or so years, especially in the UK. Once upon a time, to hit the blackjack table, you’d need to head out for a night at the casino, which meant dressing up, travelling to the nearest city centre… maybe Deansgate or the Northern Quarter, and then spending the evening at the tables or slot machines.
But now, more and more people are staying in and logging on instead of heading out. Whether you’re a fan of spinning slots UK or you prefer live dealer tables, online casinos are taking over in a big way… and it’s not hard to see why.
Particularly in a busy and hectic city like Manchester, the thought of staying home after a long week of work… with the rain pouring down outside – and a cup of tea (or something stronger) by your side, is a whole lot more tempting for many than heading out to a brick-and-mortar casino. Add to that the massive range of games available online… and suddenly, land-based facilities start to lose some of their shine.
But it’s not all just about comfort and convenience. You get better bonuses, endless game choices and the most innovative tech – and it’s changed the way we play forever.
So, let’s take a look at precisely why more and more Mancunians (and UK players in general) are ditching the casino for the couch!
Convenience
One of the main reasons is convenience. You don’t need to worry about a dress code, opening hours, or waiting for a seat at your favourite blackjack table. Online casinos are open 24/7, and you can play for 5 minutes or 5 hours… whatever fits your schedule.
And while Manchester is a city that never sleeps, when you’ve had a long day, sometimes the idea of having to navigate the traffic yourself or book a taxi to get to the casino just isn’t appealing. With an online casino, your casino experience is seconds away.
Game Variety That Beats Land-Based Casinos
At a standard land-based casino, no matter how stylish it looks, it can never match up to an online casino’s library. Online sites can have literally thousands of games… classic table games like roulette and blackjack, live dealer rooms, themed games, and slots to suit every taste.
While a local Manchester casino might have a few dozen slot machines, an online casino could offer thousands of them, from classic fruit slots to movie games, Megaways and progressive jackpots with life-changing payouts.
Bonuses and Promotions
Moreover, in the world of land-based casinos, promotions are generally limited to the odd free drink or loyalty card. Online casinos, on the other hand, love a good promo – welcome offers, free spins, cashback and all sorts to keep you coming back for more.
And for lots of people, these bonuses are a game-changer. They can give you more playing time and more chances to hit that big win. For a savvy player, this can make a huge difference in his or her whole experience.
Technological Innovation
And another, often overlooked, advantage of online casinos is the constant use of updated technology, which means the whole experience gets better year after year. The use of high-definition graphics, live dealer streams, AR and VR technologies, and mobile-first designs means that you can play in ways that feel better than ever.
While land-based casinos will always have an atmosphere that can’t be replicated on the worldwide web, online casinos have a different advantage. You can enjoy the atmosphere of live dealers and social features while you’re chilling at home. Lots of sites offer live chat, which means that you can even interact with dealers and other players just like you would at an actual physical table – and you don’t even have to worry about finding a parking spot!
Will Land-Based Casinos Disappear?
No, that’s highly unlikely. There’s something about that buzz of a casino floor, the sound of the chips, and the social side of just having a night out with your mates that can’t be replicated online.
But the reality is undeniable… for more and more people in Manchester and across the UK, online casinos tick more boxes – convenience, choice, and comfort.