Online casinos have certainly become a huge fad online I know so many people who are playing online these days. I haven't given it a whirl yet myself but I'm definitely keen on giving it a shot and trying to play at an online casino soon.

My real question here pertains to what people thing in general when comparing land based casinos to those that can be played online?

I know there are several differences and I've heard from some people and I think even read here on Casino Advisor that online casinos have better payout percentages than land based casinos and are able to do so because the operating expenses aren't nearly as high for those who own and operate online casinos.

I suppose the most obvious for me is that it's way more convenient I live in a state where there really are no casinos or not any that are all that near as far as I know. This is a huge benefit as a flight to Vegas although not too expensive these days is still an expense as is staying in a hotel, etc... I guess the big benefit tough in land based casinos really revolves around the fact that there are shows and lots of great things to do and Vegas is a different world in it's own...

Anyways I'm planning on playing at my first online casino shortly so any advice or info that you guys here on the board can share with me would be greatly appreciated.

The most key benefits you've already mentioned and gone though so it's clear that you understand and know that there is quite a bit about playing online that is more beneficial then playing at a land based casino.

One of the key differences between land based casinos and those online is that it's not very often that you'll find that land based casinos will match your deposits through the kinds of bonuses that online casinos offer. Match bonuses, no deposit bonuses and other forms of bonuses that involve you getting additional credits and money for your deposits are not very often found in land based casinos.

The other thing worth mentioning is that online you have instant access to games and there's really no need to wait on players to leave a slot game so that you can sit down and play yourself.

Well the one thing that online casinos will never be able to replace from that of terrestrial land based casinos is the ambiance and the interaction that you get when playing at a land based casino. This of course isn't all that applicable for those who are primarily slots players but for players who enjoy the interaction with dealers in blackjack or other card games you don't get this when playing online. Some people may like the fact that there isn't this interaction but others don't enjoy the fact that you can't talk to others around you or the dealer. I think this is one of the big drawbacks to online casinos vs. land based ones.

Generally payout percentages are pretty standard on software platforms powered by a specific provider, however there will be differences between the payout percentages from an Realtime Gaming powered online casino to one that's powered by say Vegas Technology software. In general though slots games online payout anywhere from 94 - 97% with the average being around 95% which is still much better then what you'd get in land based casinos so this is definitely a plus.

Also the variety of games as mentioned by others is a big factor in why playing online is definitely of value and beneficial. I know that I get board of playing the same game for too long and really enjoy switching it up and playing other games so having the selection of games goes a long way with me.

Thanks everyone for your replies on my initial post it's all very much appreciated and valued.

I've decided to test out a few online casinos so far and I've been really happy so far even won a few bucks. It's really great playing online but I know that I could easily get sucked into the whole thing. I think I'm just going to be careful and play a bit each day and set some strong limits that I'm going to try to stick to.

Anywhoo... thanks again everyone!

It's easier to start with the advantages of land-based casinos, the gambling venue that people are most familiar with. Nothing beats the excitement of a real, live casino. Everything involved in building a casino is aimed at dazzling a potential gambler and rare is the visitor who can resist the exhilaration of gambling in a huge top-notch casino. Everywhere you turn there are lights and sights that tickle your senses and draw you in and make you stay. It is a mesmerizing experience, one you won't forget any time soon.