Slot machines have been a crowd favorite among games of chance ever since they appeared. Gambling enthusiasts have always been drawn to them because of a variety of factors—the relative ease of play with no skill required, combined with the possibility of hitting the proverbial jackpot and raking in the winnings. Regardless of all the features and rates, you can never predict the outcome.
The game itself is over one hundred years old. It appeared on the scene in the late 19th century as a gambling machine similar to the contemporary slots. Ever since then, it has gained global popularity, and subsequently diverse names. Some of them are regionalisms or slang terms, whereas others indicate the game’s earliest design and form.
For instance, if you go out looking for slots to play in the U.K, you will most likely come across fruit machines. In Scotland, the locals refer to the game as puggies, while in the Land Down Under, it is known as pokies. Moreover, the term one-armed bandit has been a popular name for slots due to the appearance the machines had in the past: they featured a lever that needed to be pulled for the reels to start spinning.
When technology took over the gambling industry several decades ago, it changed slot games significantly. Nowadays, you can choose between the online and the traditional version of the game. The former was modeled after the latter, so it is natural that they resemble each other. However, the two forms differ in more ways than meets the eye. Technology has not only modified slots, but it has also improved them. Therefore, when it comes to choosing between virtual slots and land-based ones, there are several aspects you ought to take into account.
Convenience and Availability
Not all slots aficionados have the luxury to enter a brick-and-mortar casino whenever they are in the mood for spinning the reels. Many people cannot afford to visit a traditional gambling venue, as the experience requires more than just a ride. Of course, the atmosphere of Las Vegas is unique and irreplaceable. However, the majority of gamblers can only travel there once or twice on a yearly basis. What about the other 363 or 364 days?
Online slots, on the other hand, are available all year long. Provided that the laws of your state of legal residence allow it, you are now able to access a broad selection of virtual casinos without even stepping foot outside. You need a solid internet connection and time to research the website that interests you. Note that the virtual gambling market is full of rogue casinos, so be careful. Never engage in real-money gambling if you are not certain about the casino’s reliability.
Game Selection
When you visit a land-based venue, you can play any slot game it holds. If the casino you have entered is reputable, it will undoubtedly offer a broad selection of games. However, as great as the number of machines may seem, it is after all limited. Unless you wish to travel a long distance again in order to find another casino, you will have to choose among the available games.
The situation with online gambling, on the other hand, is entirely different. If you manage to find a reputable virtual casino, you will have a wide range of both regular and progressive slots at your disposal. You will get to choose according to your preferences, and even get to play penny slots online. The most prominent advantage online gambling has over the traditional form of the activity is precisely the game selection. Once you become dissatisfied with one casino, you can switch to another one, as long as it is reliable. The operation takes minutes, unlike long drives from one land-based venue to another.
Features and RTP
The distinction regarding features and RTP is based on the fact that online casinos prevail over their traditional counterparts in terms of availability. They are more numerous and easier to get access to, which reflected on the cited characteristics.
Online slot games offer a greater number of features in comparison to the land-based ones. The free spins bonus feature is one example. Depending on the provider, the selection can be far broader and more lucrative. Furthermore, since the network of online slots players is quite extensive, a progressive jackpot, provided that the game features it, can deliver an outstanding amount of money.
When it comes to your chances, the RTP (Return to Player) rate of virtual slot games is significantly higher than the one brick-and-mortar casinos offer. That does not come as a surprise, given that the latter can set their own conditions, since players do not have much choice. They cannot simply turn from one game and play another one. Instead, they would have to search for an alternative elsewhere.
The online gambling market has been thriving over the past several decades. Its expansion created competition for the operators of gambling websites, who are aware of the fact that their customers have a plentiful of options at their disposal. That is why they have raised the RTP rate and set their conditions so that they would favor players.
Put a Game to the Test
Technology has influenced one more aspect of slots by enabling you to trial a game before playing it for real money. The choices seem infinite — you can choose based on the theme, the software provider, the features, etc. It is only natural to be indecisive. That is why the majority of online casinos offer a trial period — you can play their games for free, see how you like them, and then decide whether you wish to place a wager. Moreover, they often offer no-deposit bonuses in the form of free cash and free spins.
Play on the Go
Finally, since the modern way of living requires people to be mobile, they expect the same thing from their favorite pastime. Nowadays, numerous online casinos are accessible via computer and mobile devices alike. Some of them offer apps you can purchase at the Google Play Store or iOS Apple Store. There you have it — more favorable conditions and your favorite games available on your phone, wherever you are.
Closing Thoughts
Based on everything I’ve stated, the conclusion is clear — online slot games prevail over their land-based counterparts. Not only can you get access to them more easily, but they also offer better chances of winning. Their RTP rates are higher by default, and a progressive jackpot you may trigger can prove to be large. Furthermore, the selection of online slots is rather extensive, which gives you the opportunity to find a game that suits you best. Thanks to the advancement of technology, you can have fun and profit from it without even having to leave your home.
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