It’s fair to say that the internet has been one of the most life-changing inventions in human history. People all over Sault Ste. Marie, for example, uses it constantly in their daily life and wouldn’t be able to manage it without it. Whether it’s logging on at work or streaming hit TV shows at home, it’s hard to underestimate how vital this technology is to residents.
The internet has not just had an impact on how people across Canada or the US live and work, though. It has transformed how many sectors operate and the very culture they demonstrate. The casino industry is a classic example of this and has seen its culture greatly changed through the internet’s influence.
But what are some of the best examples of this?
Rise of online casinos
It’s estimated that the global online casino market in 2024 was worth just over $300 billion. This shows how vibrant iGaming is right now and reflects its stunning rise over the last few years. The emergence of online casinos is also one of the best examples of how the internet has changed casino culture.
Before the internet was widely available and online casinos were a thing, land-based casinos ruled the roost. If people wanted to try out slots, blackjack, or any other classic game, they had to head down in person to their local casino.
Since the internet has made online casinos possible, though, the culture within the industry has changed and people have started to prefer playing online. This is down to digital casinos being more accessible, open to play 24/7, and offering better games and bonuses.
This shift towards online casinos, prompted by the ease of access via the internet, has had a major impact on casino culture and how people engage with it.
Popular casino games
Another example of the impact the internet has had on casino culture is the games we like to play. The rise of online casinos has helped to make certain games more popular and has seen them become a more central part of the overall culture.
It’s of course worth mentioning that classics such as poker, roulette, slots, and blackjack remain as loved now as they were pre-internet. There are, however, other games that seem to have got a real boost from internet-based play.
Many gamers now seek out the best online craps games at casinos that offer them, like Videoslots or Casumo. While bingo and Slingo might have been minor parts of casino culture previously, they have taken on much greater importance since internet gaming has taken off. Examples like this show the impact the internet has had on casino culture and the games people like to try.
New audiences and demographics
It’s fair to say that a more diversified audience demographic is one impact the internet has had on casino culture. In the days before it existed, playing casino games was mainly something men enjoyed and would normally involve an older demographic. This was mostly down to the atmosphere at old-school land-based casinos appealing to a very narrow audience base.
Since the internet has enabled online casinos to emerge, though, it has had a major effect on the type of players the sector attracts. People from younger demographics (like Gen Z), who appreciate the convenience of online casinos, are more likely to engage with it now. This brings fresh life into casino culture and new perspectives from a different audience.
The more relaxed and inclusive nature of internet-based casinos has also prompted more women to get involved. This has led to a growing number of female players engaging in casino games, and the whole culture feels more diverse as a result.
Online casino play is more accepted in pop culture
Although playing casino games was popular well before the internet existed, it suffered from something of an image problem back then. Many people thought of land-based casinos as being shady, smoke-filled dens of iniquity!
The rise of the internet and the growth of online casinos has changed how casino culture is seen by the public. It has helped casino gaming to be viewed much more positively in popular culture globally.
Logging on to play casino games via the internet is now something we see as normal and acceptable. It’s no longer something people feel the need to look down at or avoid. This is easy to see when we think of how often it makes the local news in places like Sault Ste. Marie.
But what is behind this shift? The internet is naturally one reason, as it has allowed online casinos to flourish, which people find more acceptable to use. The accessibility of online casinos has also allowed people who were wary of these games to see there is nothing to worry about.
Internet and culture of safer gambling
Although safer gambling has always been part of casino culture, it seems to have really taken center stage in recent years at online casinos. This has seen it become something that the industry is keen to promote and equally keen to get right.
Due to this, it’s fair to say that the culture around responsible gambling in casinos has been given a positive boost by the Internet. All of the best online gaming sites now have masses of information to help players gamble more sensibly, and a range of useful tools available to use for this. Advertising around online casinos is now heavily focused on protecting players and telling them about safer gambling.
All of these efforts seem to have come into play since internet-based casinos have taken off, and show how the internet has changed this part of the culture.
Casino culture and the internet
As the above shows, it’s true to say that the internet has had a noticeable impact on casino culture. This is mainly seen in the rise of online gaming sites and the changes they have delivered to our gambling habits. As time moves on, it will be interesting to see where casino culture heads next and the impact the internet continues to have on it.