Sports betting is a time-honored tradition among sports fans. Since the ancient world, people have been wagering on athletic competitions. Whether it be the Olympics, chariot races, or even gladiatorial combat, betting has endured throughout the years.
At the tail end of the 20th century, digital technology and the internet reached a new height. And it has only improved since. These improvements have made it possible for people to place bets without leaving their home. The online sports betting industry in 2023 is thriving, generating billions.
However, some people still prefer face-to-face, sports betting shops. In this article, we would like to explore the similarities and differences between placing wagers online, and doing so in land-based establishments.
The Similarities
The online sports betting industry, in the eyes of many, is the natural evolution of land-based wagering. So, naturally, there are quite a few similarities between the two. For example, both land-based betting shops and online bookies tend to cover a wide variety of sports. Most of the time, they will focus on the most watched and most popular sports around the world, such as:
- Football
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Motorsports
Another similarity between the two is the betting options you might find. Most sportsbooks online offer a wide variety of bet types, from match bets, to accumulators, and more. And the same variety exists within land-based betting shops.
The Differences
Of course, there are some notable differences between betting online and going to a sports shop. The most notable difference is that you can bet online no matter where you are. All you need is an electronic device and a Wi Fi connection. The rest is simply a matter of finding the right website.
Another difference is that many sports betting sites might double as casinos. So, bettors can place a couple of wagers on their favorite sports, and then spend an hour-or-so playing at the casino. So, online sportsbooks have a lot of variety, and appeal to broader audience.
We’ve discussed the similarities and the differences between the two options. So, now we would like to delve a little deeper and discuss the advantages that each of the two provide. We will start with online bookies and move on to betting shops.
Advantages of Online Sportsbooks
It is undeniable that online sportsbooks offer a couple of advantages. One of the most obvious ones we already discussed. You can access these sites from anywhere. Whether you are taking a football tour of Europe or relaxing home in your pajamas, you can place bets to your heart’s content. However, that is not the only benefit of wagering online. So, let us take a look at a few more advantages that online bookies provide.
- More transaction options
One of the biggest advantages is that online sportsbooks come with multiple deposit options. In most land-based bookies, you can only use a card or cash. However, in online sportsbooks you can make payments using credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency.
Recently, cryptocurrency especially has become quite a popular option, as the crypto market has grown in popularity. The most popular cryptocurrencies to bet with are Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Ripple.
- More Bonus Offers
One of the most enticing things about online wagering is that bookies frequently offer promotions for new and existing players. A welcome bonus is an industry standard when it comes to online sports betting. As you can probably guess, a welcome bonus is some kind of reward that a new bettor gets when joining a website.
Existing players tend to be eligible for loyalty bonuses, or seasonal bonuses. Those who’ve joined VIP clubs might even get extra promotions throughout the year. Bonuses make wagering a whole lot easier, so it is no surprise that many punters prefer using websites over land-based sportsbooks.
Advantages of Land-based Bookies
Sportsbook websites come with quite a few advantages, as we can see. However, that doesn’t mean that land-based bookies are entirely left behind. Brick-and-mortar betting shops have quite a few benefits themselves. So, in this section, let us discuss the pros of betting in a land-based sportsbook.
- Legality
Online gambling and sports betting has become a lot more widespread and popular. However, there are still many countries that outlaw wagering online. If we take a look at laws in different countries, we can find that land-based sports betting tends to be legal in many more countries.
It is worth noting that, even in countries where it is illegal to own and operate an online casino, people can get away with betting legally at offshore websites. As long as these websites have a license, you should have no problem gambling safely.
- Interactions
To some people, betting is just a means to an end. For many others, however, sports betting is a way to meet new people, build up friendships, and get some face-to-face time with old friends. For anyone who views sports betting as a way to build a relationship, online sportsbooks just won’t do.
When visiting land-based bookshops you get some face-to-face time with the bookies or other bettors. To some, this is an integral part of sports betting. So, if camaraderie is what you are looking for, perhaps land-based sports betting shops are the better option.
Are Online Sportsbooks the Future?
Online sports betting is certainly growing in popularity, and will likely continue to do so. They offer the same service as brick-and-mortar shops, but make the whole process a lot easier, simple, and more accessible. So, it is no surprise that they’ve become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Which prompts many people to ask the question: will online sportsbooks replace betting shops?
Most analysts do not believe that sportsbook websites will supplant their land-based predecessors. At least not in the near future. For as long as there is a demand for land-based sports betting, betting shops will endure. As we said, some people enjoy the atmosphere and company that these websites provide. Others simply prefer land-based interaction over online betting.
So, while it is certain that the online sports betting industry will continue to grow, it is highly unlikely that they will completely replace their land-based predecessors.
