Online vs. Offline: Varieties of Slot Machines

Slot machines are easily the most played games in physical and online casinos. They are easy to learn and play, offer varying jackpot and stake options, and are perfect for casino lovers and casual players. Here are all the different types of slots and the differences between land-based and online slots.

Traditional Slots

Most think of traditional casinos when you hear the word “slots.” Typically played on a “one-armed bandit,” they have three wheels, and you simply have to line up the different icons to win a prize. They offer players a more old-school feel, and while there are tons of jackpot slots in the traditional style, other versions are typically preferred nowadays.

Hot Gambling911.com Tip: Do play at a high trafficked slot machine. One where folks routinely pass by.  Our Aunt Ida has won thousands of dollars on these hot slots.  Casinos want customers to see winners.

Video Slots

Video slots are the new norm in slot machines, as you can find them everywhere, from airports to restaurants. As the name implies, they are digital, with players using a button to get their spins. Video slots vary greatly but usually have three or five wheels with one pay line. Video slots also offer bonuses in the form of free spins and multipliers, which turn small bets into very big wins.

Check This Out: Last month at the Las Vegas Airport, a player turned $2.50 bet into nearly $350K playing slots.  He likely missed his flight as big wins like this usually require a little extra legwork in getting the payout as there aren't cashier cages sitting right at the gate area.  Hey, the guy could just fly home in a private jet.

Multi-Line Slots

Multi-line slots are machines with more than one pay line, compared to the single one you find in the machines listed above. Players can bet on multiple lines, with payouts multiplying depending on how many line wins you get. Multi-line slots are prevalent as they offer far higher rewards than other machines. They also have the usual bonuses attached, such as free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds.

Interactive Slots

Interactive slots have increased in popularity due to having regular slot play and mini-games that allow you to win minor jackpots or improve on what you have already won. These mini-games are also usually more skill-based and have less RNG, unlike slots. In many cases, interactive slot machines are also far more fun as you aren’t just pushing a button and hoping for the best; you have more control over the outcome and what you win.

Progressive Slots

Progressive slots are prevalent due to the nature of the jackpots. Instead of winning a set amount of money, the jackpots grow as more and more people play. This means that banks can get into the multi-millions, which all goes to one player. Progressive slots are sometimes more expensive to play than other types, but once you see the jackpots you can win, the cost is worth the chance.

What's the largest jackpot slot ever won you may be asking?  That honor goes to a software engineer from LA.  He won a whopping $39.2 million playing slots at the Escalibur in Las Vegas. 

Online vs. In-Person Slots

There are several similarities between online and in-person slots, but there are also a few differences to be aware of before you start playing.

Convenience

Online slots are substantially more convenient than in-person slots, especially for those who don’t live near a casino. You can play online slots on your phone, tablet, or computer, meaning you can play whenever and wherever you like.

Variety

There is no comparison when it comes to variety, either. When you are in a casino, you are limited to the slot machines they own, whereas online, you will have so much choice you won’t know where to start.

Stake Options

While there are multiple stake options for in-person and online slot machines, the difference lies in which games you play for your chosen stake. For example, you can typically play every online slot, betting $1 or $100. On the other hand, you are limited to the slots you can play in person depending on your budget; the smaller your budget, the fewer options you have.

Bonuses

When it comes to bonuses, online slots are king. This is simply due to your rewards for playing on an online casino: welcome bonuses, stake matching, regular free spins, etc. While some of these bonuses exist in physical casinos, they can’t compare to online slots regarding the amount and variety of prizes available.

Demo Versions

Another helpful advantage to using online slots is that you can usually try out games for free. These so-called “demo versions” allow you to try a game out, see how it plays, and decide if it is for you or not. This slight difference saves you much time and money when finding a slot machine you like.

Payouts

There is a common myth that some land-based slot machines have a superior win rate or payout jackpots more often. This isn’t true for online or land-based slots, as both rely on some form of RNG (random number generation) to make games as random as possible, with apparent streaks being nothing more than a coincidence.

Slots Galore

There is a wide variety of slot machines, each with its pros and cons. On top of that, online slots are the way to go, thanks to their impressive range of games, better bonuses, and immense convenience: happy spinning.

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com