In Runner Runner, Justin Timberlake’s character cracks an online poker game only to go bust later. He then arranges a face to face with the man who he thinks had swindled him. But in truth, online gambling is highly regulated, and in a legal and well-supervised market, it protects against fraud which could also end up increasing revenue.

With the advent of more online casinos popping up, it may seem that land based casino revenues will likely be hurt.  Like all businesses that plan to or already have an online presence, the worry of cannibalizing the other is a valid one. While general assumption assumes a more positive outlook, we discuss 3 points below:

1. Online gaming could reduce patron visits

While this may be a notable point, the real benefit to extending to an online presence is casting a larger net for potential customers as well as creating repeat customers. It can be said that the demographic for online customers won’t quite be interested in the entertainment value a physical presence can offer.

There are many other attractions too in land based casinos, and its entertainment value cannot be overlooked. Live performances, refreshments and other services create a different kind of experience for physical patrons.

2. Fewer repeat customers

Nothing beats being in the moment because the energy in a crowd can be quite contagious. However, the convenience of being able to play online will offer what physical locations can’t: time savings.  You can check out some Atlantic City online casino recommendations here if you plan to skip trying your luck out physically.

But instead of reducing the number of repeat customers, there’s an important distinction between a physical customer and an online customer. Opening up new revenue streams mean that there is a new customer base, new market, new demographic to reach out to.

3. Online gaming will actually compliment land-based revenue

A majority of experts believe and agree that online gaming would help grow land-based revenues. There’s even a quantitative research study by Philander and Fiedler concerning this suggesting that physical gaming shouldn’t be too concerned with the proliferation of many online spots.

In conclusion, it boils down to the sort of positioning an online gaming presence has to offer. This will also require physical places to beef up their offerings and attractions to remain competitive.