There are few places that encapsulate the glitz and glamour of the rich and famous in quite the same way as a high-end casino. Legendary offering such as Monaco’s Casino de Monte Carlo and of course, the Bellagio and the Flamingo of Las Vegas, attract a high-rolling crowd who are there to spend big and win big. At places like these, people have money they can afford to lose – and it’s as much about playing as it is scoring the jackpot.
Although land-based casinos have seen competition from online slot site offerings in recent years, there is still a certain allure about them that you just can’t find sitting at home in front of a screen – and, with many of them embracing advanced technology now than ever before, there’s every reason for the modern player to keep visiting to soak up the unique and attractive atmosphere only bricks-and-mortar locations can offer.
Whilst it may be true that some well-known establishments have been forced to close their doors, other brands are continuing to flourish – and new casinos continue to be built across the UK and around the world – proof, should you need it, that there is still a certain demand for land-based offerings. Those that have moved with the times are continuing to reap the benefits of total success, and with classic games given a modern and more entertaining spin and premises more luxurious than ever, it’s little wonder they have managed to continue attracting the right crowd.
Changing times
In the UK, it is widely believed that the first ever casino was established in 1961 in Port Talbot, South Wales – making it just 58 years since it opened its doors. The Casino Club was set up by George Alfred James – a respected name in the industry, and a man who went on to mastermind many more.
It wasn’t long before some of the biggest and most recognisable names of today began to hit the high-streets – particularly in London’s upmarket Mayfair – and for over 30 years, these exciting new venues enjoyed incredible popularity amongst the wealthy, and those who were only too happy to splash the cash.
Despite the arrival of the internet in the 1990s, things continued to tick along in much the same way – but in the mid-2000s, when online gambling brands began to take full advantage of the digital landscape, things slowly began to change.
It was around 2005 that online gaming really took off in the UK, with a large proportion of people now possessing mobile phones. For the wealthy, it became an enjoyable pastime and an easy way to get a good dose of the action whilst on the go. With daily lifestyles busier than ever, especially amongst the jet-setting elite, it was simpler than ever to indulge in a quick game of roulette.
Over the years, online casinos have been able to provide increasingly fast and efficient services – and, with technology on their sides, they have long been ahead of the game. Gone are the days when restricted bandwidth meant limited options and infuriating loading times – in 2019, you can get playing at just the touch of a button, making online casinos a quick and convenient option. And, with more choice and thousands more games in one place than bricks-and-mortar establishments could ever offer, plus the ability to connect live online with other players, it is little wonder they have become such a popular choice. The dealers are real, the equipment is real – in fact, it’s an immersive experience that is just as exciting as the real thing.
How land-based casinos are catching on
Despite the obvious advantages of running a casino online, many of the most successful land-based brands are embracing modern technology, too. Not only does this ensure a more cutting-edge service, but a more secure one, too.
Casino crime is big business, wherever you happen to be playing, and facial recognition technology is one way that physical casinos are maintaining their edge. Technology has been used for many years to tackle cheaters and identify fraudsters, and this latest method ensures players can enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Non-Obvious Relationship Analysis, or NORA for short, is also disrupting the industry, using ground-breaking technology to detect links between those scouring the internet for data that would otherwise be hidden. Used to identify suspicious relationships and flag them to an operator, this cutting-edge addition to land-based casinos ensures they stay one step ahead of the game – and is so effective that it is now used by online casinos and even the US Department of Homeland Security.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is another modern technique which automatically tracks labels attached to casino chips. This means that land-based casinos know the whereabouts of each of their chips at all times, deterring theft and detecting it should it occur.
The takeaway
There’s no denying that the rise of online casinos such as Slotsino has transformed the gambling industry – but nonetheless, the appeal of luxurious bricks-and-mortar casinos remains strong. From dressing up to the nines to rubbing shoulders with some of society’s finest, it offers an experience you just wouldn’t get at home – and, thanks to their savvy adoption of modern technology, they are managing to keep up.
Even so, online casinos are certainly not without their charm – and with the freedom to log on any time, anywhere to get your adrenaline fix, they certainly won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Image credit at the very top of the article: Netfalls/Bigstock.com
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