Can Live Casino Games Transform the Geordie Gambling Market?

It’s no secret that half the North likes to play a few hands every now and then. Thus, it’s not at all surprising that the Toon features three grandiose casinos of its own – Aspers, Genting, and Grosvenor. However, these establishments are just the tip of the iceberg. The majority of Newcastle’s gambling premises involve slot rooms, bingo halls, and other small venues.

Sure, the economic benefit is undeniable, even on a country-wide level. The UK’s gross gaming yield (GGY) may have been a disappointing £5.89 million in 2020, but, somehow, everyone involved in the game is still profiting. This overshadows issues related to problem gambling and the overall presence of luck-based games.

One potential solution comes in digital form, and it’s none other than live casinos. Porting classic games to websites and streaming them is far from new, but experts and players alike are noticing its benefits. Perhaps, the rise of these sites may aid the situation in Newcastle, but some questions still remain.

Away From the Public Eye

The foremost advantage of live casinos, as an alternative to betting shops, is that they only exist in their own domain. Think about it for a second, or better yet – take a stroll around Grainger town and look at how apparent all the gambling adverts are.

Even though the target audience (people of age) warrants a certain way of marketing the brand, there’s no refuting the fact that such advertising teethers on the verge of inappropriateness. Since gambling ads and other forms of targeting are forbidden on social media, live casinos can help with reducing exposure to vulnerable groups, such as minors or problem gamblers.

Nevertheless, there is still the issue of betting shops and small venues being somewhat of a tradition amongst a large number of Geordies. Despite social gatherings having an important place in people’s everyday lives, available data suggests making the switch isn’t an issue. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that ensued (and still persist) helped a large portion of gamblers discover live casino games.

These encouraging trends certainly bode well for the overall presence of gambling in people’s plain view most of the time. When you also consider that the UK Gambling Commission is considering several amendments to its rulebook, it might be even easier for both domestic and foreign operators to obtain licenses. As a result, supply and demand will readjust accordingly, with players benefiting from the conditions. But what exactly are those benefits?

More Realistic Than Ever

From a financial perspective, a night out gambling involves much more than just the money you wager. There are the drinks, the food, and everything else that might involve a trip to the Genting. And to be frank, UK casinos pale in comparison to the atmosphere of those in Vegas or Macau. This isn’t meant to be an insult directed at any of the venues – it’s just that it’s understandably difficult to compete with two cities that are literal gambling Meccas.

However, players are still in search of that iconic casino atmosphere. Live casinos provide just that. The operator rents out or builds a studio, and they decorate it to resemble the most extravagant venues you’ve ever seen.

Or better yet, some online casinos let you play at real-life tables, with the gameplay streamed directly from a land-based casino. That’s the highest level of realism you can reach while avoiding expenses of thousands of pounds.

There’s also the innovation factor, too. Even though gambling venues have somewhat become a part of the Toon, you can’t deny that they’re pretty limited. Sure, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, along with the mandatory slots and a few electric tables, too.

But the problem is that the total is but a fraction of what you can do at live casinos. Developers can turn anything into a game. Take Monopoly Live for example. It’s based on the popular board game by Hasbro, for which Evolution bought the rights. Blending classic game show elements with all the terminology from Monopoly, the game is a perfect example of what live casino games can do in terms of entertainment.

For instance, regular roulette may be fun to play, but the payout odds are always 1:36 for each number on the wheel. Sure, there’s a reason why everyone loves roulette. However, it’s still limited. Live casinos traverse this problem by having developers turn otherwise impossible ideas into reality. Multipliers are one such example.

Whether it’s chasing Monopoly Live Big Wins or boosted bets in another game, it’s clear that there are endless possibilities when it comes to live casino games. And we’ve only started seeing tables incorporating elements of multiple reality. The metaverse should make things fun, too.

A Solution for Everyone

As fun as gambling can be, there’s a time and place for everything. Geordies have generally gotten used to the many adverts and betting shops around the city. Unlike prohibition and stricter restrictions, live casinos are touted as a way to fix this without a risk of worsening the situations. While it’s reasonable to believe Newcastle and similar-sized cities will retain somewhat of a vibrant land-based casino culture, the decline is imminent. Not only are individuals at risk exposed to gambling content, but there are simply better and more convenient ways to play your game.

The entire industry is going digital. If the UKGC makes smart moves and doesn’t hike the taxes too much, it will be a two birds-one stone, kind of situation. Casino games will be advertised to those that actually want to play them, while interested players will still have an easy way to have fun.

And most importantly, there will still be enough funds for projects in the area. Of course, this process is expected to be a bit long, but it’s a remedy that will nevertheless make things easier. Whether or not this is a permanent solution, both for Newcastle and the UK as a whole, nobody knows for sure.