Land-Based Versus Online Slots: Ultimate Comparison
Are online slots or land-based casino slots better? It is a question that will no doubt go on for many years to come and one that essentially comes down to personal preferences. However, we will take a closer look into this much-talked-about question and pick out some of the major talking points, just in case you happen to be sitting on the fence about the two options. Perhaps you need some expert advice on which one is suited to you, or perhaps you are intrigued and want to know a little more about the debate. Well, read on as we outline the main features and discover the winner of the never-ending land-based versus online slots battle.
Convenience
Sitting back on your sofa or lying on your bed whilst spinning the reels of your favorite slot machine online real money is a huge incentive for many players. Online casinos bring all of the entertainment into the comfort of your own home, and through the modern technology of mobile gaming, you can now take your casino with you everywhere you go as well. The convenience that the online real money slot machines bring is a huge factor, and it takes away the need to travel to your nearest casino, which may be miles away, and there are all the travel costs to think of, too. Sure, sometimes the lively atmosphere of real casinos is something that cannot be replicated online. But when it comes to pure convenience and being able to live play slots wherever you are, then online slots are the obvious winner.
Winner? Online Slots.
Variety
The big brick-and-mortar casinos have rows and rows of real slot games available to play, and these come with all manner of themes and prizes, which are designed to suit all tastes and budgets, so you can usually find enough variety when you walk into a casino. However, compare that to the online slots and the variety on offer, and there really is no comparison. Managing a collection of slot machines online is a lot easier and cheaper than your average real casino. There are many overheads to take into consideration, such as electric bills and engineering costs when casino slots machines need fixing.
Online casino lobbies have no limits in terms of the number of games, and this provides an almost unlimited sense of variety for players to enjoy. As long as the online slot casino keeps updating its lobby with new titles, then its community of players will have quick and easy access to new games each week or month or however often they can release new games. By the way, you can find our online slot reviews here on GoodLuckMate, where we will walk you through every aspect of the specific casino game.
Winner? Online Slots.
Technology & Features
Bonus games and slot features have now become one of the main focus points for slot games, and there is just so much more room for game developers to work with when they are designing real online slots. Some land-based slots do come with digital screens, so there are bonus rounds to be enjoyed, but the possibilities are broader when it comes to online games. However, this is not a simple win for online slots here because technology only goes so far in the online world. New land-based slot games have taken full advantage of special effects with motion seats, 3D imagery, and surround sound speakers that help to bring an immersive experience that is simply not possible when you play via your laptop or mobile device.
Winner? Land-Based Slots.
Promotions & Bonuses
The beauty of online casinos is that they have minimal overheads in relation to land-based casinos, and as we have seen already, this factor gave online slots real money games the edge when talking about variety, but there is another benefit to this, and that is the world of promotions and bonuses. All those savings from running an online casino can be pumped back into promotions and bonuses to keep you engaged and loyal to a casino brand. Welcome bonuses can be hugely rewarding, and this is something that land-based casinos cannot match. The same goes for ongoing promotions with things like reload bonuses, free spins, and cashback offers.
Sure, you can find some bonuses in the land-based casino, but these are mainly tangible gifts such as free drinks, free food, or perhaps a free upgrade to your room. Sometimes you may even receive free chips to use on various games, but the sheer volume of bonus money and free spins that you can claim online goes to show that you can find more value for money when gambling online slots. Moreover, many casinos offer a demo version of their slots. So, you can try online slot machines for free to see if you like the game.
Winner? Online Slots.
Transparency
It’s important to note that land-based slots aren’t that focused on RTP rates and keeping players informed. In the iGaming world, by contrast, being transparent has become the norm. So, it’s much easier for users to discover the payout rates and volatility of the slot machines they wish to play.
Moreover, land-based casinos will rarely provide information on game developers, certificates, etc. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have such approvals; it’s just that nobody cares about them when they feel the casino floor thrill. Again, online casinos often post every license and certificate they have to prove the games’ fairness and trustworthiness.
Winner? Online Slots.
Are Online Slots the Same as Real Slots?
Yes, online slots function pretty much the same way as land-based slots. The main difference here is that if you’re playing at online slot casinos, you can do so from anywhere. With regular slot machines, you’re obviously obligated to travel to a real casino.
Which Type of Slot Machine Is Best?
Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to what type of slot machine is better. It’s always going to be ultimately up to the player to decide which version of the game they prefer. Many punters will appreciate the convenience online slots bring, while other casino aficionados might miss the atmosphere that you can only find land-based locations.
Is It Worth It to Play Online Slots?
Yes, playing online slots for real money can pay off in large winnings. Online slot players get better odds compared to the land-based casino slots RTP, which is drastically lower. For context, most slot machines in land-based casinos have an RTP that ranges in the mid-80 %. The RTP that comes with online slots, however, ranges between 94% and 98%, on average.
Final Thoughts on Land-Based Versus Online Slots
We have taken you through the major factors of playing both online and land-based slot machines, however, some of these factors may or may not be important to you. Perhaps you enjoy playing classic slots, so the fancy bonus rounds and features are not relevant to you. Or perhaps you prefer the real-life atmosphere of sitting in a casino over sitting at home on your own? As we mentioned at the start, the ongoing debate about land-based slots versus online slots will ultimately come down to personal preference, and even though we gave online slots the crown, the answer for you will depend on the overall experience that you are looking for.
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