While the basics of slot machines remain the same both online and offline there are some differences between online slots and the games you play at your local casino. This article covers the main differences and has a look at the pros and cons of both playing online and offline.
Main Differences
- The games are different. Apart from a few IGT slots found at Wagerworks online casinos you will not find the same games online as you play offline.
- No coins or bills. Online you do not have to put money into the machines. You simply open up a game and your casino balance is transferred to the game. This means you have to keep an eye on your balance as you can't just put in one bill like you can at a land-based casino.
- No hand pays. In a land-based casino if you get a big win you will have to wait for an attendant to come and pay you your money. Online your money is added to your casino account balance and you can keep playing.
- No jackpot installments. If you win a big progressive at a Las Vegas casino you will be paid in installments until your jackpots is paid in full. Online you get the whole jackpot in one cash payment. This means if you win big online you get all of the cash at once.
- Online you get automatic comps. All play is easily tracked unlike at offline casinos where you can often forget to put your slot card into the machine to track your play. You also cannot leave your slot card in the machine which we have done on more than one occasion.
- Multiple coin sizes on the games. In a land-based casino you have to select your coin size before you start playing and then move to another machine if you want to change coin sizes. Online you can simply click the change coin size button to either go up or down on the same machine.
Pros and Cons of Playing Online
- Pros
- Easy access from your home
- Lots of choices at various online casinos
- Big linked jackpots are paid in full
- You can play in your pajamas
- You control the atmosphere rather than the casino
- Cons
- You don't have the same buzz as you find at a real casino
- Pay outs take longer as you cannot just walk to the cashier
- You probably won't find your favorite offline games
- Comps are only cash rather than food, rooms or show tickets
- No interaction with other players
Conclusions
Clearly there are pros and cons to playing slots online rather than at a real brick and mortar casino.
While there are quite a few differences it is worth noting that most online slots players play both online and offline. If you live a big distance from a real casino then playing online can be a great way to get in on the slots action in between visits to Las Vegas.
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