Gamers often wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. Although the US has hundreds of venues, gaming halls, and card rooms, one can’t help but wonder how these local establishments compare to those in other countries.
US venues are synonymous with the lights of Las Vegas and the entertainment in Atlantic City, while European venues are associated with old-world charm and history. Further afield, in Asia and Latin America, the experience is also vastly different from that found in the US. So, how do US venues compare to those found around the world?
Gaming In The US: An Overview
Gaming in the US is fairly complicated, as the country has taken a state-by-state approach, meaning each state can decide how, and if, it wishes to regulate the industry. That also means the type of gaming that is allowed varies by state.
The online market is on the rise, with a growing number of states starting to regulate the sector. The US online gaming list is constantly expanding, with iGaming now legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
The US leads the world in total revenue, with an estimated revenue exceeding $60 billion. This is significantly more than the UK ($15-18 billion), Japan ($30-40 billion), China ($20-25 billion), Canada ($12-15 billion), and South Korea ($8-10 billion).
Other Regions In The World
Comparing the US to the entire world is rather broad, and it is important to know which other regions have strong industries.
- Europe: Most of the 26 countries in the EU have regulated venues, either in-person or online. However, most countries only allow local operators and game developers to offer games in the country.
- Asia: Although there are some gaming capitals in the region, like Macau (China), South Korea, and Singapore, several countries have an outright ban on all activities.
- Africa: Countries in Africa have opened their doors to foreign operators. Gaming is fully legal in many African nations, including South Africa, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Angola.
- Oceania: Gaming and sports betting are legal in Australia and New Zealand.
- Latin America: Each of the countries in the region has taken a different approach to activities. It is legal to gamble in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia, while there are still legal grey areas in Chile and Costa Rica.
The US Vs. The Rest Of The World
Comparing venues in the US to the rest of the world is no easy task, as establishments and regulations differ so vastly across countries. The easiest way to make this comparison is to assess US venues and broadly consider what venues in other countries are like.
Accessibility
US venues are highly accessible, with thousands of establishments found in the country. The largest hubs are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and there are also tribal venues in many states. Although reaching a brick-and-mortar venue may mean you have to travel, you are sure to find one within a few hours of your home.
In many other countries, gaming is more centralized. Venues are mainly located within the capital city of a country, and nowhere else. Some countries have a limited number of licenses that can be issued, restricting accessibility for those living in rural areas.
Atmosphere
US establishments are all about glitz, glamor, and world-class entertainment. These venues have restaurants, live concert venues, nightclubs, musical fountains, and elaborate themes.
Compared to European venues, the US is in your face. European establishments can be found in historic buildings with old-world architecture. In other countries, venues take a much more sophisticated and demure approach to gaming.
Game Choice
Game choice is pretty similar across the world, with gaming machines, table games, bingo, and live dealer card rooms found at almost all establishments.
One significant difference is that the poker variation found in the US is mainly Texas Hold’Em, and American roulette is the main version of roulette tables. Elsewhere, European roulette is the game of choice.
Gaming machines tend to dominate the floorspace in the US, and although gaming machines are present, table games are more common in European and Asian establishments.
Customer Experience
When you step through the doors of a US venue, you will be greeted with such warmth that you will feel the entire setup was created just for you. American venues make their customers feel valued through lucrative loyalty programs, top-tier service, and complimentary drinks on the game floor.
In other countries, the focus is more on the gaming itself, and not the patrons. Although many large venues offer reward programs for loyal customers, free drinks and other perks are restricted to VIP members. The main aim is gaming, and not additional entertainment.
Final Thoughts
If you love flashing lights, playing through the night, and an immersive entertainment experience, then you can’t go wrong with American venues. There is a spark in the air once you step through the doors that no other nation has been able to replicate. But if you want a more peaceful and sophisticated gaming session, then perhaps you should look abroad to Europe or Asia, as venues here have a more refined atmosphere.
