Product
Land-Based Casino
Definition
A physical casino property. Distinct from online gambling, with different licensing, technical, and operational frameworks.
Why it matters
Land-based casinos remain a major share of global gambling activity despite the growth of online gambling. The major US destinations (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, regional markets), Macau, Singapore, Australia, and selected European destinations all anchor substantial land-based revenue. The B2B supplier landscape for land-based (EGM cabinets, table game equipment, casino management systems, surveillance) is distinct from the online B2B landscape, though there is increasing overlap as operators run omnichannel programs.
The strategic relationship between land-based and online is one of the most consequential industry dynamics. Some operators run integrated land-based-and-online businesses with shared loyalty programs, marketing, and brands (BetMGM combining MGM properties with online; Caesars combining Caesars properties with online; the major US tribal operators with both retail and online operations). Others remain primarily online or primarily land-based. The post-COVID period accelerated digital adoption and reshaped some land-based operator strategies toward online expansion.
Frequently asked questions
How big is land-based versus online globally?
Land-based is still substantially larger globally by revenue, though online has been growing faster. The mix varies dramatically by jurisdiction. The US is heavily land-based (online sports betting expanding rapidly post-PASPA but online casino still in a handful of states). The UK and several European markets are more online-skewed.
Do land-based and online compete with each other?
Some, but also complement. Many operators run integrated programs with shared loyalty and cross-channel promotion. The retail visit and the online play are often complementary for the same player rather than substitutes.