Online gaming has come a long way since the early 2000’s, with igaming now available across seven states across the United States. Rhode Island is the most recent state to legalize online gambling in March 2024.
With the increasing amount of platforms available to US players, we’re starting to see crossovers, mainly, the combination of sports betting and casino games. A number of platforms now offer a one–stop-shop for bettors and gaming enthusiasts. It’s all about an immersive experience that can entertain a bigger audience every day.
Growth of online sports betting
Online sports betting has received a tremendous amount of attention in recent years, with more and more people interested year on year. According to Statista, revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 10.73% between 2024 and 2029. The projected market volume is expected to be $23 billion by 2029.
What has driven this growth? The key is accessibility via online platforms, including mobile. This lets bettors place bets at almost anytime, anywhere, with live betting and real-time outcomes a significant drawcard.
These online platforms also allow bettors to play around with different sports, instead of being forced to bet only on one game type. Bettors can hop between football, basketball and even tennis at the touch of a button. It’s now easier than ever to make betting fun a whole lot more interesting and diverse. Plus, the combination of betting options with casino gaming, means players stick around for longer. It’s a win-win for operators and players.
Online Casino Games Are The Perfect Pairing to Sports Betting
Casino games like slots and poker have become the ideal pairing to online sports betting. For bettors looking to do more online, the games provide a complementary balance. A number of bettors bet, because they enjoy the challenge of picking a winner. This aligns perfectly with those who enjoy the challenge of poker strategy and skill for example. Whereas in a game like slots it is pure luck, and allows bettors to take a mental break from strategy to see quick rounds and where some luck gets them.
Aside from these more specific details, the pairing just offers players more options in a convenient way that makes it more likely that they’ll try out and enjoy betting and playing casino games.
Where did the idea come from?
Land-based pubs and bars that combine slots and betting are not a new phenomenon and are incredibly popular. In countries like Australia, a number of establishments offer the combination of both slot machines, (known as pokies machines in Australia) and betting terminals, mixed into a relaxed pub setting to provide the ultimate social experience. Taking the experience online is an obvious and natural progression. In fact, bettors who discover the thrill of slots/pokies through these platforms can go further and make use of online guides to learn more about the games, like dicedealer.com.
Top Platforms That Provide Betting and Casino Games
So if you’re looking for a platform that combines both options, where can you go for a safe, reliable and entertaining time? Below are the top four platforms that have embraced the combination:
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BetMGM
While BetMGM is a staple in the traditional casino industry, the website offers both betting and casino games. Account holders get access to a host of well-known and well-loved games plus betting across a number of sports including the NBA, NFL, NHL and Formula 1.
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DraftKings
Originally a fantasy sport league only, DraftKings gained a UK Gambling Commision license in 2015 and Malta games license in 2016. Then in 2018 its first legal online sportsbook was launched and they’ve become a combined platform that offers all sorts from slots and table games to betting in New York, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Mississippi.
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Bet365
In operation since 2000, Bet365 offers sports betting, and online casino games like poker and bingo. Bettors can challenge themselves to pick winners in a variety of sports leagues from the BFL and NBA through to soccer and even tennis. Meanwhile, casino game enthusiasts can get immersed in slots, blackjack and roulette.
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FanDuel
From sports betting and fantasy sports to all the popular online casino games, FanDuel offers it all. The site has expanded over the years to meet the demand for multifaceted platforms that offer more than just fantasy sports. Their sportsbooks are available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia, while their casino operations are available in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.