How Do Online Casinos Differ From What We See in Films?

A Truer Picture

Hollywood tries to show a very selective view of the casino. Over time, this has changed, and in the age of online casinos, the reality is very different. But is that necessarily a good thing? …

What Is the Hollywood View of the Casino?

To understand how online casinos differ from on-screen ones, we must first define what cinema portrays as the definitive casino experience. This is not easy, as the view of the casino has changed over time.

The definitive casino goer is undoubtedly James Bond. Suave and sophisticated, even from his first movie, Dr No, the view of the exclusive, high-end luxury of casino culture is purveyed. In the most recent Daniel Craig remakes, this is still the way the casino is viewed. It was typical of the sixties, with the casino being a close-guarded, jet-setter pastime.

Yet as time rolled on, casinos in cinema became more reflective of the times. For example, the run of great eighties casino movies like The Colour of Money kept the upmarket themes. However, the truer representations of the people on the casino floor were in the comedies, such as Vegas Vacation. These movies often needed to show the every man worker, juxtaposed against the upmarket high rollers, as a great leveller for comedic effect.

How Do Online Casinos Differ?

Thus, the Hollywood view of the casino changes. It can be a semi-truthful representation of the casino floor, with grandmas on slot machines and everyday people playing poker. Yet it also tries to flaunt the exclusive nature of casinos when it wants to do so.

Online casinos differ from this, but they also have many similarities. The main difference can be found in their versatility. On celluloid, you often find that games are limited to slots, poker, blackjack and roulette. Even James Bond switched from baccarat to poker in the Casino Royale remake to appeal to a wider audience. Yet a quick look through some casino reviews shows that modern casinos offer a lot more variety. From crash gaming to bingo and the selection of side bet tables, you can see the difference.

There is also a convenience to online casinos because you can play from the comfort of your home. Most casinos now have relaxed dress codes, but even they have a limit. You can’t play in your sleepwear or gym clothes like you can at an online casino. Thus, you get more freedom when playing through a device. This is not something often seen in Hollywood, as getting a few spins on the reels while in your pyjamas is not the most interesting of narratives.

How Are Online Casinos Similar?

Online casinos are similar to their screen counterparts due to the nature of exclusivity. While casinos now appeal to a wider audience, there is marketing magic to keeping a section closed off and exclusive. Thus, you find many online casinos do this by providing VIP or high-roller bonuses. The more people deposit, the more they get in terms of credit or even invitations to special tables and games.

The joy of this is that you get to play how you want. You can suit up and hit the big tables in a major city, or lay at home in bed playing on a mobile. Hollywood glamour of stay-at-home chic, the casino is now much more inviting however you decide to tackle it.