Though the experience differs for every punter out there, most people will rely on a digital app to place at least some of their bets. Alongside betting kiosks and counters, online and mobile sportsbooks have staked their claim on the industry.
But there’s one unique element to virtual sportsbooks—many now include casino partners. This means that players can register once with a casino or a sportsbook, and then gain access to the other virtually. While sports betting and casino gaming have been found together under the larger iGaming umbrella for a while, there hasn’t been an overwhelming union of punters and gamers.
After all, wagering on an over/under for an upcoming Premier League match isn’t quite the same as playing a game of roulette. The appeal of each game is distinct for players—or, at least, that’s how it seems from the outside looking in. Let’s explore the benefits of having access to a virtual casino, along with why this surprising combination works so well.
Exploring New Interests
Gamers are able to explore tons of different games from a single virtual location when they sign up for online casinos. This covers popular staples like blackjack and roulette, along with exciting new formats such as live dealer games or game show-style titles. But when it comes to the world of slots, in particular, there are hundreds of titles for players to choose from, including high RTP slots and new releases from brands like NetEnt and Play’n Go.
But how do interests around betting on the Premier League and spinning a virtual reel align? In short, they align solely as recreational activities—but there’s a great crossover appeal. Let’s stick with the example of online slots. There are dozens of sports titles to choose from (more on this below), which offer the perfect opportunity for sports fans to step into the exciting world of casino gaming.
A Better Welcome Bonus
There’s another reason why casinos heighten the excitement when attached to a sportsbook—and it’s all about a welcome bonus. A welcome bonus is designed to attract new players and introduce them to a variety of games. For example, free spins are a common welcome offer. If a casino knows that it has sports fans signing up, then the platform might offer free spins for certain sports-based slots.
Some of the most popular sports-based slots in the world are Maradona, Slingooooal, Football Star, and Rugby Star. Not only do these welcome bonuses offer a high value to newcomers, but they also introduce gamers to titles that suit their needs. Once again, this can go a long way in encouraging users to try something new, as there’s little risk involved when there’s a bonus offer on the table.
Crossover Hits
Let’s move into one of the coolest elements of registering with a connected casino partner. Legally, sportsbooks and casinos are regulated slightly differently. This usually means that deposits and withdrawals are separate for the casino and its sportsbook. However, some brands offer unique tournaments and contests that let users earn tokens to use in their casino.
But what does this look like? Imagine winning a bet, and then earning tokens rather than dollars. These tokens can be used at the adjoining casino for certain gaming opportunities. Similar to a welcome bonus, these types of offers can help users transition into the casino lobby and start trying out games that interest them. These types of offers tend to be less restrictive than welcome bonuses, meaning that players can use them for more games beyond slots, including blackjack and/or roulette.
Ease of Use—Mobile & Desktop
Lastly, gaming at a bundled casino offers an extremely straightforward and rewarding virtual experience. This is true on both desktop and mobile devices. That’s because casino gaming has been around for so long. In fact, some of the very first international gaming rooms were hosted by casinos back in the 1990s. Fast forward three decades and casino providers have nailed the virtual experience for players.
Thanks to this experience and industry power, casinos tend to offer fantastic mobile apps. These mobile counterparts make it even easier for users to transition to the casino lobby with just a few clicks. From there, they can start spinning the roulette wheel or playing football-themed slots.