Slot games began gracing casinos in the 1970s in Las Vegas, and have since grown in popularity exponentially.
They have gone from being convenient and easy to enjoy in physical casinos, to being all over the internet. Since then, both online and physical slots, often referred to as real slots, have become some favourite casino games amongst their players.
So, naturally, you may want to know which is better. Of course, that ultimately depends on personal preference, but some key differences and pros and cons between the two may influence your decision.
So, in this article, we will take a deep dive into online vs real slots and see how they compare with each other.
Online Slots Pros & Cons
Online slots are a popular form of gambling that allows you to spin the reels and potentially win real money from the comfort of your own home. But what are the pros and cons of playing online slots?
Here is a breakdown of some of the main advantages and disadvantages to this type of slot gaming:
Pros
- Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of online slots is the convenience factor. You can access a wide range of games from any device with a stable internet connection. This can be particularly useful if you don't live near a physical casino, or don't have the time to visit one.
- Game selection: Online slots can offer a much more comprehensive selection of games than physical casinos. You can choose from hundreds of different games, each with its own unique theme and features. That may give you the opportunity to try out a variety of games and find the ones that you enjoy the most.
- Bonuses and promotions: If you play online slots, you may come across casinos that offer bonuses and promotions that may attract new players and keep existing ones coming back. These could include welcome bonuses, potential free spins, and other possible rewards.
Cons
- Safety concerns: One of the main concerns that some players have about online slots is security. While reputable online casinos use advanced encryption technologies to protect players' personal and financial information, there can be concerns around the potential risk of fraud or identity theft. As such, you should make sure to only play at reputable pay by mobile casinos and take steps to protect your personal information.
- No socialising: Another possible disadvantage of online slots is the lack of social interaction. While some players may prefer to play solo, others may miss the social aspect of gambling in physical slots.
- Disruption: Online slots rely on technology, and there is always a risk of potential technical problems or glitches.
Real Slots Pros & Cons
Real slots are also known as physical slots, and, like online slots, they also have their own sets of pros and cons you may need to consider before choosing to play them.
We have listed a few below to give you an idea:
Pros
- Authentic casino experience: Real slots offer an authentic casino experience that cannot be replicated online. Players can feel the excitement of being in a physical casino and enjoy the atmosphere and ambience.
- Bonuses and perks: Physical casinos often offer bonuses and comps to players in the form of potential meals and hotel rooms. These perks can significantly enhance your overall casino experience.
- Social aspect: One of the most significant advantages of real slots is the social aspect. Players can interact with each other and the casino staff, which can make the experience more enjoyable.
Cons
- Limited accessibility: Real slots are only available at physical casinos, which may not be accessible to everyone. If you live far from a casino or are unable to travel, you may not be able to experience the entertainment of real slots.
- Limited game selection: Physical casinos are limited by the amount of space available, so they can only offer a small fraction of the games that are available online. That means that you may have fewer options to choose from when playing real slots.
- Higher costs: In addition to the cost of playing real slots, you may also need to consider the cost of transportation, accommodation, and any other expenses that come with visiting a physical casino.
Overall, both online slots and real slots have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
It's up to the individual player to decide which type of slot is better for them based on their personal preferences.
Do Online Slots Have Better Odds?
There is no reliable or legit way of figuring out whether or not online slots offer better odds than real slots. The short answer is that the overall odds of winning at both types of slots are similar, but there are a few factors you can consider.
In online and real slots, a Random Number Generator (RNG) determines the odds of potentially winning. The RNG is a computer program that generates random numbers and determines each spin's outcome.
The use of a RNG ensures that the outcome of each spin is entirely random and unbiased. That means that you have the same chance of winning on each spin, regardless of any past potential wins or losses.
However, you can look at other factors, regardless of whether or not you are playing online or in real slots. These include the game's RTP and the presence of bonus features.
Return to Player (RTP): The Return To Player (RTP) is a theoretical measure of the percentage of money that may be returned to players over a long period of time. However, it’s important to remember that nothing can ever be guaranteed, as slots are random games.
In general, online slots have a slightly higher RTP than real traditional slots, which means you may have a better chance of finding slots with higher RTP rates when playing online.
However, the RTP can vary significantly from game to game, so you can check the RTP of the specific slot before you play.
Bonus features: Many online slots come with a range of bonus features, such as potential free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds, which is not usually found in traditional classic slots.
These features can add an extra layer of entertainment to the game. Real slots may also offer bonus features, but they are generally less prevalent than online slots.
In conclusion, the onus is on you to decide whether to play online or real slots. Both kinds of slot games have their pros and cons. You have to choose one that works for you. But the pros and cons may help you make a more informed decision.
Or better yet, you can play both and get the best of both worlds. You can view our extensive selection of slot games or find our table games, if you prefer, from our games library. Something you like might catch your eye.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time.