For many avid gamers, playing classic fruit machines in pubs and casinos is still a popular pastime. In the modern-day, there are also many Slots online available for you to play on any device, anywhere you have access to the internet, so it really is no wonder that many ponder the question – how do online Slots compare to land-based ones?
Join us as we take a look at some of the different factors involved in playing the games both online and at brick-and-mortar establishments, comparing each aspect, so that you can decide which is best for you.
Read on to find out more.
Accessibility
- Online Slots:
Arguably, one of the biggest positives of playing Slots online is how accessible the games have become. If you have a stable internet connection, computer, laptop, tablet or even a smartphone, you can spin the reels at any time you fancy, wherever you are. This saves any time or effort that you might have spent travelling to a land-based venue.
- Land-based Slots:
Land-based Slots make up roughly 70% of a casinos gaming floor, and you’ll usually find the colourful machines singing very close to the entrance of the venue. Whilst you may not be able to play at any time of day, it’s not far off, as you can find some slot machines at service stations and bars, so these games become more accessible and sociable when you’re out and about.
Variety
- Online Slots:
Online Slots offer a large variety of games, with new additions being made available all the time. from your favourite franchise, to games you’ve never heard of before, you’ll be able to play games that have some incredible bonus features unlike any you’d get anywhere else.
- Land-based Slots:
There generally isn’t as much variety available when raiding the land-based machines, and payouts don’t always soar as high as they can online, but you’re likely to find some of the classic games standing proudly in casino venues with sound-effects and graphics waiting for you to try.
Promotions and offers
- Online Slots:
Many online casino sites offer a variety of promotions and offers, with welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses and loyalty bonuses sometimes offering rewards such as free spins and an additional percentage of their deposit to play with. You can redeem these on certain online Slots, and are a great way to attempt to enhance your gameplay.
- Land-based Slots:
Some land-based casinos do offer rewards and loyalty programmes, but these aren’t always as beneficial as the ones you might find at online sites.
Queues
- Online Slots:
Another huge positive to paying Slots online is that you never have to wait in a queue to spin your favourite reels! The games are always available, no matter how many people might also be playing. In fact, on Slots with network jackpots, the more people who have played or are playing – the better the prize pot!
- Land-based Slots:
Queues can be a downside to playing a real-life slot machine, but might also encourage you to look around and try some of the other games on offer. You never know – you might find another favourite you wouldn’t have considered trying otherwise!
Atmosphere
- Online Slots:
The unique graphics, mechanics and bright animations do a great job in providing you with an authentic casino experience when playing online, but, of course, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere created in an actual casino.
- Land-based Slots:
As previously mentioned, land-based Slots are more sociable, giving you the opportunity to experience the history of the venue you’re in, as well as enjoying the company of other players who will likely be rooting for you. The casino atmosphere truly is unbeatable; with Roulette wheels spinning in the background and other Slots chiming their tune all around you.
Which is best?
The question remains: how do online Slots compare to land-based machines? Well, ultimately, it depends on your personal gameplay style. If you prefer the real-life casino atmosphere, with the ability to socialise and soak up some history, then land-based Slots are for you. However, if it’s the unique mechanics, on-demand gameplay and variety of games you’re after, then you’ll want to log into your favourite online casino site and get spinning those reels!