Being easy to play and understand, slots are a great form of entertainment both on the casino floor and in online casino lobbies. They may not offer the same opportunities for skillful play as poker and blackjack do, nor do they have the classic casino appeal of roulette and craps. Even though slots usually offer the worst odds compared to other games, they are still considered the king of casino gambling.
But which type of slots offers the best gaming experience: the online version or the physical, land-based machines? While the answer probably comes down to personal preference, both online slots and land-based slot machines have their advantages and disadvantages. This article does not aim to sway anyone’s opinion; it simply breaks down the differences between the two types of play so that novices know what to expect from each.
Slot Machines in Land-Based Casinos
In the past few decades, slots have become synonymous with casino gambling. They cover most of the casino floor and attract the most patrons with their fast-paced gameplay, bright lights, and the promise of effortless, lighthearted fun. Usually, profits from slot machines account for at least 60 percent of every casino’s gambling revenue.
Watch Video About Online vs Land Based Casinos
Gameplay
The Social Factor
Slot Machine Hold
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, modern video slot machines do not differ much from online slots. Once you choose a game, you insert a bill or a coin into the money slot and press a button to spin the reels. The outcome is determined by a computer program and does not depend on any physical properties of the machine, unless you encounter a rare vintage game. Most machine makers use specialized software that guarantees the odds of every spin remain the same and that each outcome is random.
The Social Factor
For many people, playing slots and enjoying free drinks with friends at the nearest casino makes for a fantastic night out. Many players would rather spend a few hours at the casino than in a nightclub. This way, they can gamble, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and find good company. Moreover, large casino resorts provide additional entertainment such as concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and more. So if you want to socialize while playing your favorite games, the brick-and-mortar casino is your best option.
Slot Machine Hold
Although slots are the preferred game for many recreational players and regular casino goers, they also offer an almost certain way to lose your entire bankroll within hours. The “one-armed bandits,” as these machines were once called because of their uncanny ability to take your money, provide poor odds and low returns compared with other casino games. When played skillfully, blackjack and poker can be positive-expectation games, while roulette carries a house edge of 2.70% to 5.26%, depending on whether you play the single- or double-zero version.
The house edge on slot machines found on casino floors tends to be around 10% or even higher. Often, the approximate hold percentage is set by law and therefore varies significantly among countries and even among states in the United States. The hold is the expected amount of each wager that the slot machine “holds” over time. In some jurisdictions, casino operators must guarantee their patrons returns of at least 90% (the hold, or house edge, would be 10%), while in others, there are no such requirements at all. Furthermore, the long-term returns of land-based slot machines are usually much worse than those of their virtual counterparts available online.
Benefits of Playing Online Slots
Convenience
Variety of Games
Payback Percentage
Fairness
Free Play Slots
Casino Bonuses
Convenience
The advantages of playing slots online are plentiful, especially for people who have no land-based casinos nearby. They can play a wide range of slots from their computers, tablets, or phones without needing to travel, spend money on food and accommodations, or worry about casino dress codes and etiquette. In addition, online casinos operate around the clock, and the games are always available, so there is no chance your favorite slot will be occupied. As you can see, when it comes to convenience, online slots are the clear winner.
Variety of Games
Many casino players prefer to play online because the Internet offers a much greater selection of games. While brick-and-mortar casinos must limit the number and variety of slots because of space constraints, web-based operators can easily host hundreds, even thousands, of games.
Players can enjoy classic 3-reel slots, modern video and 3D slots, games with bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. The styles and genres are practically countless, as the titles are produced by dozens of online slot makers. To find a game that fits their tastes and needs, players can explore multiple casino websites instead of sticking to a single venue with a limited lineup.
Payback Percentage
As mentioned above, online slots usually return a higher percentage of the total wager to players than land-based slot machines. Although this is not always the case, it holds true for most slots and casinos. In many states and countries, casinos must guarantee their patrons long-term returns of 70% or 80%, while in others, this percentage may reach 90%.
By comparison, online game developers follow international industry standards and create slots with returns of at least 90% or 92%. Many online titles have a theoretical Return to Player above 95%; some of the best games return 97% of players’ wagers or more. It is also worth noting that, unlike land-based casinos, the majority of online casinos and software providers publish the RTP percentages of the slots they offer.
Fairness
Online slots are created with a built-in Random Number Generator (RNG) that guarantees the fairness of the games. This specialized software is subjected to strict security testing and is regularly audited by independent agencies. The RNG is used in virtually all modern video and virtual games that require a random element. In online slots, it ensures that the outcome of each spin is random and independent of previous or future results.
Most physical slot machines also use an RNG. However, depending on the jurisdiction, some games may rely on different mechanics, and not all of them incorporate RNG software. This has raised concerns among some players, who worry that such games can be manipulated by casinos. Modern online slots from respected developers are audited frequently to confirm their fairness.
Free Play Slots
Another advantage of playing online instead of on land-based slots is the option to play for free. The vast majority of online casinos offer a demo mode in which, rather than wagering real money, players bet with virtual credits. If they run out of credits, the balance is restored instantly by restarting the game. Except for certain progressive jackpot slots, virtually all online slots can be played for free, making this feature a great way to explore new games and test their bonus rounds.
Casino Bonuses
Both online and brick-and-mortar casinos offer some type of loyalty or reward program. One advantage of playing online, however, is that web-based casinos track patrons’ rewards and comp points automatically. Players do not need to carry a rewards card at all times, because the points they earn are recorded by the casino management software. In addition, players can instantly check their VIP status, how many points they have accumulated, and what rewards they can redeem.
Along with these loyalty programs, online casinos also offer various bonuses. Often, these bonuses match the amount of the player’s first deposit, but there are also reload bonuses, free spins on specific slots, cashback offers, free casino chips, and more. Bonuses are awarded under certain conditions, so before claiming any offer, players should review all terms and requirements.
