Types of Gambling Establishment Options

The gambling industry is big business. In fact, it’s estimated the industry contributes over $150B annually in the United States alone.

People seemingly can’t get enough of their favorite pastime.


Where do these hordes of cash-carrying gamblers assemble for their action?

Well, that depends.

On a few factors, but primarily 2. Those being where you live and your game of choice.

Let’s look at a few of the different types of gambling establishments.

Casinos

Since long before most of you were born, Las Vegas has been synonymous with one thing.

Casinos.

There is no disputing that Vegas is the capital for casino gambling in the United States, and possibly the world. It’s shed the stigma left by the mobsters of the early days and rebranded itself as a posh family-friendly desert oasis.

For nearly 40 years, Las Vegas stood as the only option for gamblers in the United States. That is certainly not the case today.

Casinos have popped up in one form or another from the west coast to the eastern seaboard and all points in between. From the mega-casinos of Vegas and Atlantic City to the Riverboat Casinos of middle America and the Tribal Casinos of the Great Plains, casino gambling dominates.

In fact, in the United States, gamblers made over 320 million trips to one of the many casinos. That’s more visitors than are crowding the bustling stadiums of MLB, NBA, or NFL teams. Maybe the saying should go, “As American as gambling and apple pie.” Not even the large arena concerts from the biggest stars drew larger numbers.

Casinos draw patrons from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lawyer from Boston or dig holes in Oklahoma, the casinos welcome you with open arms. As a matter of fact, nearly 20% of those that frequent the casinos are retired.

Online Casinos

Online casinos have soared in popularity over the last decade. You’ll find all of the casino classics you love in these virtual gaming sites. Sometimes, online casinos will offer even better odds than their brick and mortar counterparts.

Probably my favorite thing about these particular gambling establishments is the ability to quickly and securely enjoy my favorite games right from the comfort of my own home.

While most of these online casinos use strictly software to facilitate their games, there are online casinos that feature live dealers for the action.

Of course, if you’re considering jumping into the world of real money online casinos, there are some things you should know.

As I mentioned above, these casinos rely on software to operate. This software relies on random number generators to create random outcomes — the same randomness you would find in brick and mortar casinos.

If you are a fan of slot machines, then you may never step foot in a land-based casino again. The software used to run your favorite slot machines is nearly identical to those you may find at online casinos. They both use the same random number generators.

So, when it comes to slots, you’ll find basically the same product both online as in casinos.

If you are more of a blackjack or craps player, you’ll notice some differences in the product immediately. However, the legitimate online casinos go to great lengths to closely match the random number generators’ results to the real thing.

You likely won’t notice any difference at all in the randomness of the results for any table game.

If you are still having doubts, then you should take a look at the live dealer versions.

The online casinos with live dealers implement not only an actual human to run the action, but also employ authentic casino equipment to play the games.

Everything from shuffling the cards to spinning a roulette wheel is done by the dealer, which you view via webcam.

While there are quite a few players that prefer this type of gameplay, there remain some who don’t seem to care either way.

The software developers that fuel these online games are continually fighting to stay on the verge of the latest cutting edge technologies. This means that you’ll get a pleasant aesthetic with some great graphics.

Almost all of the online casinos are going to provide you with a fair game at or near the odds you’ll find in any land-based casino. You should still do your research before settling on what casino you’ll play.

Online casinos, by some experts’ predictions, are the way of the future, and it’s hard to dispute that. They offer a convenient and secure way to enjoy all your beloved casino action without ever leaving your house.

Internet Casino Cafes

Internet casino cafes are businesses that offer customers the opportunity to buy their product for a chance at winning a prize.

Often, the product is along the lines of prepaid phone or internet service, which is how the businesses make their money.

These sweepstakes cafes first appeared in the United States around the year 2000.

In exchange for purchasing service from the casino cafe, you are awarded some form of entries. These entries are redeemed on machines similar to a slot machine or video poker game.

These games then payout in the form of prizes. I stopped by a local gas station earlier today and noticed some of these machines. Obviously, my curiosity drew me closer. The particular machines had signs on each one stating they were paying out store credit.

Some people may be more comfortable buying a service than flat out gambling. The reality is that this provides an avenue to skirt laws that prohibit gambling.

After all, you won’t find any of these buyer/seller relationships in Las Vegas. Nope, the casinos provide an upfront transaction.


Regardless, this template of customers continually purchasing additional services provides a slippery slope.

Players can fall into a cycle that looks a lot like a gambling addiction, but it isn’t precisely gambling.


Sure it is.

Along with their booming growth has come the wary eye of local, state, and federal employees. Several states have passed specific legislation to put these internet casino cafes out of business. Yet, they seem to continue popping up in many areas.

If you are in a region that doesn’t have legalized gambling, these internet cafes may be your only option for scratching the gambling itch.

Bingo Halls

The connection between bingo and gambling is slightly complicated and may vary depending on how state and federal laws come into play.

Some exemptions allow for something called “social gambling.” So, even if gambling hasn’t been legalized in your state, you are likely permitted to B18 to your heart’s content.

Bingo is widely accepted as a legal gambling practice. Most states allow some form of bingo for at least individual sections of the population.

In many instances, these bingo halls operate under the condition of donating any proceeds directly to the charity.

So, it’s really a great deal for everyone. Gamblers have a place to play a game of chance with the opportunity to win some serious money. While the profits don’t go to the uber-wealthy corporations that own the casinos, but rather to a needy charitable organization.

Underground Casinos

Ahh, the underground casino. Just the mention can conjure up some pretty imaginative images of society’s underbelly.

But not every underground casino will land you in prison — at least not a federal prison.

Did you know that according to federal law, a group of no more than 4 may offer games for cash?

Of course, your individual state’s laws may vary.

You are best served to consult an attorney familiar with gaming laws in your state before participating in any form of underground gambling. You can then make your own choices from there.

If you’re a college student that runs a game for a weekend or two and take in under $2000, you aren’t facing any federal prosecution. I have played in many regular home games over the years, and we were never raided by the FBI.

However, I personally know people that have faced prison time for running large poker rooms. As a player, even if you were to be caught in an underground casino, it’s likely to be more of an inconvenience than anything.

Still, you need to ask yourself if it would be worth it. I personally have nothing to hide from any law enforcement or the IRS. However, I do not want them coming to my door.

If you can relate to that, it’s probably in your best interest to find a more legitimate gambling establishment.

Conclusion

So, if you started the day thinking to yourself, “What are the different types of gambling establishments?” you now have some insight.

There are some definite similarities between the different types of establishments. Yet, the differences definitely demonstrate how much variety there is available for gamblers around the world.

Wherever you decide to do your gambling, you should keep in mind that gambling, first and foremost, is entertainment. So, get out there and have a blast.