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Anyone who has ever played slots in a land-based casino and then tried online slots will at some point compare the two. And indeed, there are many differences that arise when comparing the slot machines available in each gaming environment. Besides their most distinguishable difference – physical access, of course.
In this article, we'll take a look at the many differences between land-based slots and online slots at internet casinos. This will give you insights into slot machines and help you make informed decisions about which types of slots you should play. An added bonus is that you’ll also see which slots are best avoided.
With an estimated annual growth rate of 11.8% CAGR, the global online gambling market is expected to grow to around $182.21bn by 2030. With this growth comes the expansion of online slot games – but it is still unclear if that’ll affect land-based slots.
Still, let’s discuss all the differences between the two types of slot machines.
Physical Appearance
The first main difference between the two types of slot machines is the physical aspect.
Simply put, land-based slots, sometimes also called fruit machines, are standing cabinets. They are machines operated by buttons. Older versions of these machines included a lever that would be pulled to start the game, which is why the term one-armed bandit was coined. However, modern iterations feature buttons and touch screens, thanks to newer technology being implemented in the making of these cabinets.
Land slots exist in land-based casinos. Hence, the only way to play a land slot is to visit the casino in person.
On the other hand, online slots are, as their name suggests, online apps that are played via browsers or downloadable content. They exist purely in virtual form, as they are accessed through the internet. Modern online slots are mostly just browser-based, but an increase in mobile apps allow players to play via apps on their portable devices (smartphones, tablets).
Accessibility and Convenience
Thanks to their nature – physical cabinets vs virtual games – the two types of slots are also different when it comes to ease of access too.
Namely, the only way to access land-based slots is to visit the brick-and-mortar gambling facility. On the other hand, you can access online slots anywhere, anytime. The only requirement is a stable internet connection. Players can choose to play the games from wherever they want – from home, on vacation, or even on the go thanks to mobile casino support.
That is why online slot games are more convenient than land-based slots.
However, even though online slots are more convenient and accessible, land-based slot machines are still very popular among the players who prefer the old-school approach. Betting shops, casinos, and similar facilities with gambling games are all popular locations where fruit machines exist.
Playing for Free
Free play is an important step for players looking to explore slot machines. Playing for free means you get to experience what the game has to offer without spending a single cent of real money. That also means you won’t win any real money, but the point is not the profits, but rather the experience.
In online casinos, lots of slots are free to play. Or more specifically, lots of online casinos allow players to play games in demo mode, often even without needing to register beforehand. However, should players decide to play for real money, they will have to register (or log in) and then play with real-money bets.
In land-based facilities, playing for free is not possible, for the most part. So, it’s clear that online slot games are far better than land slots in this regard.
Game Variety and Features
One cabinet equals one slot game, so land-based slot offer is limited by space, while online casinos are not. That is why land-based casinos offer up to 5000 or so slot cabinets, while online casinos can have an unlimited number of games.
Currently the biggest online casino in the world, Videoslots, has over 12,000 casino games, and the number keeps growing with each new addition.
When it comes to variety, land-based slots offer a solid selection of games, all with special themes and features. But that was not always the case. In fact, land slots became known as fruit machines, or fruit slots, because they featured a classic 3×1 setup that featured fruits as game symbols. Classic slots are the first type of slots that appeared in online gaming, too.
Thanks to modern tech, new online slots feature a variety of effects, themes, and bonus rounds. Popular ones are:
- Vegas-style classic slots
- Buy Bonus slots
- Egyptian slots
- Megaways slots
- Progressive jackpots
- Scatter and cluster pay slots
- Christmas and Easter festive slots
- Halloween slots
Providers like Yggdrasil who exclusively produce online slots, are masters of inventing innovative and out-of-the-box slot mechanics. It’s difficult to find that kind of mechanics in land slots.
Bonuses and Promotions
Both land-based casinos and online casinos offer bonuses to their respective players. However, the nature of those promo offers is very different.
Namely, brick-and-mortar casinos mostly offer complementary perks such as drinks, buffets, or similar. And just like at online casinos, the offer depends on the casino in question, as gambling brands like to offer unique perks to their players.
But there is a catch: there are venues that charge an entrance fee, and do not offer any kind of free perks (like casinos in Sweden). So, check the rules of comportment and laws in your jurisdiction before visiting a land-based casino.
On the other hand, internet casinos offer a variety of bonuses: cash deposit match bonuses, reloads, cashback, etc. Free spins, a favorite of slot fans, is a frequent bonus offer at most gaming sites offering online slots. There are also slot tournaments, exclusive slot launch promos, and various other types of slot bonuses.
RTP and Volatility
The RTP in online slots is higher than in land-based slot cabinets.
RTP or Return to Player rate is a rate that explains how much a player can expect (theoretically) in return based on how much they’ve wagered on a game. It takes into count all wagers ever placed on the game since the start, and is expressed in percentages.
Obviously, the higher the rate, the better it is for the players. That is why it’s important to look for slots with high RTP rates, which is anything over 96%.
Older online slots used to have a diverse range of rates, going as low as 80% and up to 99%. However, the industry standard is around 96%, as most new releases have a rate around that number.
Land slots generally have lower rates than that. They generally rarely reach 96%, and only a select few has gotten a rate close to 97%. Volatility is more or less the same, with a diverse offer of both low and high levels of volatility in slots played in person and online.
Stakes and Payouts
When it comes to stakes and payouts, online slots tend to offer more variety for both. For instance, There is a slew of online casino slots for low rollers. These games feature stakes that are minimal, which is perfect for players who enjoy placing smaller bets, are not looking for big profits and instead just want to enjoy the games. Slots with lower stakes also have low volatility, and lower payouts.
On the other side are high roller games, or high limit slots with bigger betting ranges. They also have significantly higher payouts, which appeal to high rollers or deep-pocketed punters like VIP players. So, the online slot offer is a diapason covering a multitude of game variations, with a little something for everybody.
A similar thing happens at land slots, but with a considerably lower scope. You are not very likely to encounter a high limit slot in brick-and-mortar casinos, except if you hit one of the big ones in Las Vegas. If you want variety, online slots are the solution.
Visuals, Graphics, Technology
Modern tech has advanced a great deal, so the gap between the two types of slot machines has slightly been bridged.
That is why it’s better to consider tech, graphics, and visuals in online and land based slots as offering two very different things, for two different kinds of players.
Namely, the digital games feature state-of-the-art tech to deliver crisp, incredibly detailed graphics. New studios, trying to establish themselves in the industry, tend to offer fresh and visually very captivating games that are beyond eye-pleasing. Soundtracks are also important.
On the other hand, land-based slots have implemented many changes with new tech in almost all hardware aspects, including chairs, sound systems, and screens with touch technology. Expanded screens for the cabinets, as well as chairs that vibrate are just some of the elements of land-based games that boost gameplay. The graphics are similar to online slots.
However, online games can be played on mobile devices and tablets. This is important for a growing number of tech-savvy players who enjoy playing casino games on mobile.
Social Interaction
When it comes to the social aspect, nothing can beat land-based slots. Simply put, the games are placed inside actual casinos. All other players who are busy playing other table games like blackjack or roulette are right there beside you. You can see them, hear them, and even interact with them, if you want.
On the other hand, slots online are a solitary thing. You play solo, without the possibility to see or encounter other players ever. You play from the comfort of your home, surrounded by things you love and enjoy, without pesky players that might disrupt your gameplay with their noise.
And like with most other factors on this list, the choice between land and online slots depends on the players’ preferences. If you dislike playing in crowds and would like to avoid seeing other players altogether, then playing online sounds like a perfect solution.
On the other hand, if you want to be surrounded by fellow gamblers and see how they play, you are better suited for land-based gambling.
Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming is a crucial part of all gamblers’ experiences. It refers not only to the players but also to anyone working or in any other way related to the industry.
For players, being in control of one’s activity is paramount, as gambling is very addictive. Because of its addictive nature, gambling can easily grow into an issue, gravely endangering both the players and their loved ones.
If you play online, having that much content constantly at your disposal can be triggering. Punters who lack self-control or are not aware of their gambling habits in full can easily slip into problem gambling. That is why gambling authorities are working so hard on enforcing strict rules for licensed casinos. Players online casino use anti-gambling software and self-exclusion tools as preventive measures. Casinos also monitor player activity preventively.
The situation is a little bit different at online casinos, as they can more easily monitor your activity and approach you with exclusion or temporary breaks. Moreover, you must physically visit the casino to play, which limits the access to games.
Immersive Experience
Many experts try to compare online and land-based slots in terms of immersion, saying that either online or fruit machines are better in providing immersive experiences.
We would have to disagree. Internet casinos offer a completely different type of experience than brick-and-mortar venues.
Land-based casinos are actual casinos, with an authentic feel. It’s the real deal, and nothing beats visiting an old-school gaming floor in Vegas to experience that gambling buzz.
So, if you want that genuine vibe, you should play on a cabinet inside a gaming hall.
If you are more tech-savvy or prefer the visuals, the technology behind video games, you are probably going to love online slots more. They are known for the stunning cutting-edge special effects that only keep getting better and better each year.
So, there’s really no competition between the two as they offer two very different things – not just for immersion, but overall.
Online vs Land Slots: Summary
Here’s a breakdown of all the listed differences between online and land-based slot machines.
| ONLINE SLOTS | LAND-BASED SLOTS |
| Virtual games on the internet | Physical cabinets in real casinos |
| Virtually available anytime, anywhere | Played only in-person |
| Freeplay often available | Played for real-money only |
| Free Spins often included in promos | Free drinks and buffets may be offered |
| RTP rates range from 80% to 99% | RTP range is from 75% to 96% |
| Betting range for players from all walks of life | Penny slots more than high-stakes |
| More suitable for players who love solo play | Casino buzz great for interaction |
| Instant access adds risk of problem gambling | Better gambling activity monitoring |
| Stunning visuals with hi-tech graphics | State-of-the-art audio and visuals |
| Very immersive games thanks to special effects | Authentic immersive casino experience |
Conclusion
Online gaming is expanding and growing in different directions, often taking new shapes that are not easy to predict. At the moment, online slots are gaining more popularity because of their many advantages over land slots.
Still, players who visit land slots are not the same ones that go for online games – mostly because there’s a certain charm in playing at an actual casino instead of playing from home or other locations. Hence, even though digital slot games beat their land-based counterparts, both types are certainly keep attracting huge crowds of players interested in playing fruit games.
