Not surprisingly, the Internet has completely revolutionized gambling in the last decade or so. With the increasing and continuous rise of internet gambling, we have witnessed innovations and changes that have shown a more flexible and trouble-free way of making profits. One of the more interesting differences in the gambling world is that of online and land-based slots.
Because of this, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to both playing options. Letâs take a look at how slot machines have changed and improved over the years, while still preserving their primary function of gambling entertainment.
Advantages of Online Slots
There are some clear advantages of staying at home and spinning the reels on online slots or making some extra cash on mobile slot games while being stuck in traffic. However, there are many other advantages that some players might not be aware of that could get them thinking about joining one or two online casinos.
Mobile Gambling
Mobile devices are here to stay, meaning that computer gambling has taken a backseat. Itâs nothing surprising that most players prefer to have all the necessary ingredients for a successful game of slots at the palm of their hand, rather than sit on a computer chair for the most of the day.
The majority of the most popular and commonly played games are available on mobile devices, including the newest slot games. Thus, regardless of your device, whether itâs a smartphone or tablet, you can access high-grade slot games on both iOS and Android devices.
Free Games and Free Money
Many online casinos promote incredible offers, especially for slot games, to attract new players. Slots games are the most popular and sought after online games, meaning that all online casinos include at least one eye-catching offer for slot players.
For example, many slot sites offer free tryout games where you can play for free to try out the game and see how you like it, but still, you canât withdraw any possible winnings. Itâs an excellent way to try out your luck and see which games are worth your real money later on.
Furthermore, many of slot-oriented online casinos offer generous welcome bonus packages that do not require any real-money deposits. These are called no-deposit bonuses and they are available to new players. Other than that, you can deposit money and get a predetermined deposit match bonus that you can use on slot games in the casino. Ultimately, you are receiving free money to play with on slot games â something that land-based casinos have never and probably will never provide.
Progressive Jackpots
Another feature that is unlikely to become an active part of land-based casinos is the bonus of a progressive jackpot. As you might know, every time a player loses on slots, their initial deposit is added to the giant pool of previous deposits that make a collective pool prize. That means that the pool prize increases with each spin.
Thus, you can be one of the lucky players that hit a wealthy prize with one spin and win thousands or even millions of dollars. On top of that, progressive jackpots add to the overall excitement of the game as thereâs always hope of becoming a millionaire
High Payout Percentages
When comparing payout percentages of online and land-based slot machines, there are some clear differences and advantages of online slots. Generally, online slot machines work with higher percentage payouts than land-based casinos. The reason behind that lies in the fact that land-based casinos have higher overheads, meaning that they pass less of the winnings to the actual player. On the other hand, overheads for online casinos are lower, meaning that more winnings go to the player.
Furthermore, with online slot machines, you can easily see the exact number of the RTP percentage as the casino usually promotes the number. Even if it doesnât, you can easily do an internet search of the RTP of a particular slot game.
Now, on to the specific numbers. Typically, land-based slots have an RTP of about 85% while online slots work with an average of 96%. As you can see for yourself, the difference is extremely high. In addition, some online slots can go as high as 99%, meaning that you will get C$99 for every C$100 invested. Not a bad deal at all.
Similarly, if youâre concerned with game fairness, you might want to stick with regulated online slots. Most land-based slots do not have information about the gameâs fairness. On the other hand, all regulated and licensed online slots need to provide information about security checks and audits if they want to keep their stellar reputation. These organizations evaluate and calculate the payout percentages of millions of spins, thus players can see independent evaluations of actual payout percentages.
Plethora of Games and Price Points
Unfortunately, land-based casinos fall behind when it comes to the selection of slot games. As youâre probably aware, slot games are big and tall machines that take up a lot of space, meaning that there are only a couple dozen slot machines in larger casinos. With that in mind, the choices of slot games are lower and itâs more challenging to follow the running trends.
When it comes to online casinos, players can take their pick among hundreds, even thousands, of slot games of various styles, features, etc. The selection is endless, with both classic slot games and new releases.
Furthermore, you can forget about waiting in line for a slot machine that suits your price point. With online slots, you can pick and choose your price point without having to wait on someone to finish. Simply put in your desired bet number and wager as much as you can afford.
Advantages of Land-Based Slots
As much as there are advantages attached to online slot games, itâs difficult to deny advantages that come with land-based slots. If there were no pros, there would be no brick-and-mortar casinos as well.
Instantaneous Payouts
Whether youâre playing the slots or a card game, once you win you can cash your chips in the next few minutes and walk out of the casino with money in your hands. This is something that online casinos lack and cannot change. When you hit a jackpot on slots, you will need to wait a few days, depending on your preferred payment method, to receive the money to your account. This isnât a huge disadvantage of online casinos, but it is more convenient to receive and feel the money in your hands.
Overall Atmosphere
The feeling of putting your hand on the slot handlebar and spinning the reels is impossible to recreate online. The whole atmosphere of being in a land-based casino includes the dealers, other players, holding a cup filled with machine coins, and other little things that create a unique overall atmosphere. If the game selection isnât important to you, you might prefer to spend your money on land-based slot machines as nothing beats the thrill of hearing the winning sound of the machine.
After all, no matter how hard online casinos try to bridge the gap between online casinos and brick-and-mortar casinos, itâs almost impossible to replicate the atmosphere. Ultimately, itâs up to you and your preferences.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, online slot machines are represented as the clear winner of this race. Online slots have many things that go to their advantage, such as higher payout percentages, more extensive selection of games, lower house edge, lucrative bonuses and promotions, and so on. Not to mention that you can enjoy online slot games from the comfort of your home at any time of day or night at any price point that you can afford at that moment. Overall, you will get great value for your money.
On the other hand, if youâre more interested in the overall feel of the slot machines, you might want to stick with the land-based option. You will get to experience the thrill of the game, meet other people, get paid immediately, and get the full experience of a night out in a casino.
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FAQ
Are land-based slot games safer than online slots?
It is a common myth that land-based slots are safer than online slots. However, both online and land-based slots need proper authorization and licences that guarantee playersâ safety and game fairness.
Can I win real money with online slots?
Yes, you can as long as you play in a regulated and licensed online casino. As with land-based slots, if you spin the reels and get a winning combination, you can win money.
Will I win more money playing land-based slot games?
Not necessarily. All slot games have RTP percentages that determine the payout percentage of slot games. Online slots have higher RTPs than land-based slots, meaning that payouts are higher with online slot games.
Can I hit the jackpot playing a land-based slot?
Yes, you can if the land-based casino offers a jackpot bonus on that particular slot game. Unfortunately, not many brick-and-mortar casinos have jackpots, but most online casinos promote their jackpot slot games.
