It used to be that sports betting required you to be at the races or the stadium, while card games and slot machines were only available at plush casinos. Today, things have changed considerably.
These two very different gambling pastimes seem to have converged in the last few years. Online casino games and online sports betting have succumbed to the inevitable gamification that came with internet innovation. Online gambling companies have managed to blur the lines between these two age-old gambling institutions.
Let’s see how gambling has evolved over the years and how sports betting and online casinos compare in the online world.
Online Casinos
Online casinos have come a long way since they first popped up on the internet in the late 2000s. Back then, they were pretty basic, offering simple games on plain websites trying to mimic land-based casinos.
Now, online casinos have become really complex and exciting, offering far more than land-based casinos. The graphics and animations are top-notch, making the games more immersive than ever. You can even play on your phone or tablet, thanks to mobile compatibility.
And with live dealer games, it’s like you’re sitting in a real casino but with all the extras of the online gaming experience. They’ve also added cool features like achievements and leaderboards to make it more fun. Plus, the introduction of cryptocurrencies in some online casinos keeps things safe and private.
Sports Betting
Sports betting used to be all about going to the local bookie or sportsbook, but since it went digital, it’s taken on a whole new dimension. With online sports betting, you can place your bets anytime, anywhere, right from your computer or even your phone.
The options have exploded, too. It’s not just about the big leagues anymore; you can bet on all kinds of sports and events, from the outcomes right down to specific events within games.
Live betting even lets you place wagers while the game is happening. Plus, you can make smarter bets with all the data and analytics available.
Blurred Lines
The common denominator between the two gambling options is, of course, the internet. It didn’t take long for online gaming companies to jump on the opportunity to bring both under the same roof (so to speak.) Here are some of the ways they’ve converged.
All-in-One Platforms
Online casinos have smartly integrated sports betting platforms into their websites or apps and vice versa. That means you can easily switch between casino games and sports betting using just one account and wallet.
Live Betting Thrills
Both sports betting and online casinos now have live betting. You can place bets while the game is happening, adding an extra dose of excitement. It’s like being in the action, whether you’re into casino games or sports.
Promotions Galore
Online casinos often promote their sports betting sections by offering special bonuses, free bets or other cool deals. This way, they entice players to explore both options and keep the fun going across the entire platform.
Money Matters
Shared payment systems have made life easier. Now, you can deposit and withdraw funds using the same methods for both casino games and sports betting — no more hassle managing separate accounts.
Gamification Fun
Online casinos have made sports betting more engaging by adding gamification elements. Think leaderboards, achievements, loyalty programs and interactive features that make the experience even more exciting.
Mobile Magic
Both sports betting and online casinos have gone mobile-friendly. You can download dedicated apps or access their websites on your phone or tablet. That means you can enjoy sports betting and casino games on the go, blurring the lines between the two forms of gambling.
Which Is Better?
The truth is that with multiple features converging into these all-in-one platforms, you don’t have to choose. It really comes down to preference. Here are some facts about each to help you decide.
Sports Betting
Betting Options
Sports betting stands out due to its vast range of options. From various sports events to numerous markets within each event, you can bet on almost anything — points, goals, penalties, fouls, cards, goalscorers and more. This wide range increases your chances of winning, as the multitude of choices decreases the likelihood of making incorrect selections.
More Chance of Winning
Sports betting allows fans to showcase their sports knowledge by predicting specific outcomes and placing wagers accordingly. While predicting the future is not foolproof, with game knowledge and by studying players or teams, the chances of making correct predictions are higher. This is why sports betting is often seen as a potential source of stable earnings. Of course, casino games are probably a bit more attractive if you’re not a sports enthusiast.
Online Casinos
Instant Gratification
Unlike with sports betting, you don’t have to wait for the games to be played before betting. Most casino table games, as well as games of chance like online slots, bingo and roulette, provide instant feedback on wins and pay out immediately.
More Chance Than Skill
Most online casino games are beginner-friendly and don’t require special skills or knowledge. For example, with slots, you just hit a few buttons to set the reels in motion and find out in seconds if you’ve won. Of course, you might need to remind yourself of the odds and be careful to avoid getting addicted to the rush. Card games have a different approach, but they’re still manageable without extensive expertise, with one key exception, poker online.
Poker is one of those live dealer casino games that is a bit like sports betting, where some of the best online poker sites will let you play online poker for real money. Skill and patience are definitely required when you’re playing online poker tournaments.
Best of Both Worlds With Borgata Online
Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em online, spinning the reels at online slots or betting on international soccer games, motorsport and football, Borgata Online is the place for you. Register at Borgata Online, where you can play poker online games or predict when the next touchdown will happen. The choice is yours.