1. Home
  2. Online vs Land Based Casinos

Online vs Land Based Casinos

There is a battle in constant motion between the fans of online vs land based casinos and it is one that seems to have no clear winner. While the advocates for online casinos say that their physical counterparts are outdated, the more traditional who prefer to make their wagers in person say that South African online casinos offer so much, that they cannot perfect their art. Who is right? Well, for many people, choosing between the two is a simple matter of taste, and both options have advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these is key to choosing whether to play at one, the other or both.

Written by

Ashley Bekker
Ashley Bekker

Is There a Place for Land Based Casinos in The Modern Age?

With the majority of human interactions moving online, there seems to be little place these days for physical casinos. The thought in many people’s heads is, “Why get up, get dressed, drive, draw cash and walk for ages just to play my favourite games, when I can do it all online?” There is certainly some logic to this thought, but as you may know, there is case to be built for land based casinos too.

One of the predominant reasons that people visit land based casinos is the experience. When it comes to making a choice of online vs. land based casinos, there is no competition as far as experience is concerned. A great night out could be made even greater by getting dressed up to the nines and huddling around the blackjack table with friends. A supremely social activity, visiting a physical casino is a wonderful way to laugh with friends and wager with the key objective being to have a great time out. Online casinos accepting rand (ZAR) certainly offer fun, but they lack that social aspect.

The Casino for And Against Online vs. Land Based Casinos

Choosing to play at an online casino is first and foremost an issue of convenience. For many people who choose to go online over visiting a land based casino, the opportunity to have fun without having to leave the house has huge appeal. If you choose to play online, you can do so in your pyjamas with spot cream on every inch of your face, and not have to worry about feeling like a social pariah. Comfort is key when it comes to playing, and when choosing to go entirely online, your physical comfort is guaranteed because you decide where and when you will play. On that note, availability certainly factors into playing online too and whether it is night or day, you can play at any time.

Security is one concern that many people have when it comes to financial matters online. From using your mobile banking app to paying for a new phone cover with your credit card on a website, there is always a fear that you will fall prey to a phishing scam. Believe it or not, online casinos are actually more secure than their physical counterparts and the number of online checks and fraud barriers that a reputable online casino puts into place are impressive. It is absolutely tantamount to online casinos that they are able to keep their patrons’ financial details safe.

Finally, consider the variety. Playing online gives you access to just about any game you can think of where visiting a physical casino requires you to go hunting for the machines and tables you want to use. Some of the smaller casinos may not even have the games you prefer to play, especially if the games are of the more obscure variety such as keno or progressive bonus video slots. When you play online, you can literally go from game to game within a minute, and if the casino you’re playing at doesn’t have the game you want to play, you don’t have to get into your car and drive to visit another casino.

What Factors Should Influence Your Choice?

As mentioned, choosing to play in online vs. land based casinos is a matter of personal preference. If you find yourself having to make a decision between the two, consider a number of factors to help you determine which is right for you.

Firstly, consider your objective. Are you playing for the social fun or to hit the jackpot? If it is the former, consider a physical casino but if you’re only focused on the payouts, it makes more sense to just play online. Similarly, consider how much money and time you have available. If you want to spend a night playing every game time in the car, driving. Playing online allows you to maximise the time you spend.

Finally, remember that emotional state of mind counts too. Sometimes, you’ll find that you’re just not in the mood to play at a physical casino. This is where online vs. land based casinos come in handy.

Meet Ashley Bekker, an accomplished online casino writer known for her engaging articles on the latest games, promotions, and bonuses. Her passion for online gambling started after studying at Stellenbosch University and has led her to become a respected voice in the industry. With a love for blackjack and a dedication to her work and family, Ashley manages multiple responsibilities with ease. She brings a diverse skill set and commitment to excellence to her role at Free Casinos, making her a valuable asset to both the company and the online casino community.

Gambling aware notice
Phone Icon

Our main objective at Free-Casinos.co.za is to provide reliable and accurate information about the top online casinos and sportsbooks that cater to South African players. Our aim is to offer comprehensive reviews and articles, although it's essential to note that they should not be considered legal advice. Before registering, we strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with the local regulatory requirements.


While we make every effort to keep the information up-to-date, please be aware that promotions and terms may change without prior notice. If you happen to come across an alternative offer, please feel free to contact our team.


Please note that Free-Casinos.co.za includes sponsored links to our partners, and we may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.


© Free-Casinos.co.za. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2009-2024

  • 18+
DMCA.com Protection Status

Please note that on our website we use cookes necessary for the functioning of our website, cookes that optimize the performance. Kindly read our Cookie Policy