Slot machines: Online vs. land-based

If you’re a fan of chance-based games, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of slot machines. Whether the colourful reels have caught your attention from the corner of pubs, or you’re familiar with spinning at an online casino, it’s clear the machines have stood the test of time.

With this in mind, join us as we take a look at the pros and cons of both land-based and online Slots, to end the age-old battle – which is best?

Land-based Slots

The first slot machine to allow automated payouts was created in 1894 by Charles Fey. Based in San Francisco, the device known as the Liberty Bell featured three reels and a single payline.

Without a patent, it was this machine that created the basis for many other land-based slot machines to come – paving the way for technology to create video Slots and even second-screen bonus rounds.

Originally, land-based machines would work by pulling a lever, which would stretch a spring and set the reels in motion. Nowadays, the unpredictable outcome is decided by a trusty Random Number Generator (RNG).

Playing land-based machines can be a great choice, as you’ll get to physically push the button or pull the lever to set the reels in motion. There’s the element of physically inserting your wager as well as listening to the tune of all the other Slots singing around you.

You might find that playing Slots at a land-based venue could become a social experience, with spectators showing an interest in the reels as you spin them.

Slots online

When choosing to play Slots online, you’ll likely find there is a wider variety of games, compared to land-based machines. This is because gaming developers can easily update games and disperse them out to online casino sites, without having to move a great big machine.

Payouts could vary more, as the flexibility of online deposits opens up different wagering amounts, and special features like cascading reels are more likely to be found.

Whilst it can be great to play a land-based machine whilst out and about, being able to spin the reels from the comfort of your own home – or anywhere you have internet access – has never been more convenient.

Online Slots, much like the land-based games, also rely on a RNG to produce the outcome. This not only keeps games fair and fun, but also ensures they remain based purely on chance.

Which is best?

Deciding which is best ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. You might prefer to spin the colourful reels from the social bar or pub, but you might prefer to curl up on the sofa and play one of the many different themed games online.

Online, you never have to queue for the game you want, and you’ll find high-definition graphics alongside new features that you just wouldn’t find on a land-based machine. However, for the retro-feel of arcade-style gaming, spinning the reels at your favourite land-based venue is the way to go.

So, where will you play?