Virtual Slots vs. Live Slot Machines

Virtual Slots vs. Live Slot Machines

Slot machines have always given casinos their signature energy: the feeling of levers turning mechanical or electronic reels, the spinning and anticipation, and of course the exciting sounds of payouts across the aisles. They are so popular and profitable that they make up the vast majority of the gaming space in all of New Jersey’s land-based and online casinos.

The thousands of varied machines available to play in person now have virtual counterparts that you can find in the booming online gambling industry in New Jersey, which services millions of gamblers daily. This guide is a comparison between live slot machines and their virtual equivalents, including a brief history of the machines and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

A Brief History of Slot Machines

The original mechanical slot machines began appearing in saloons, brothels, and barbershops in the late 1800s. Originally, there was no mechanism capable of awarding prizes, and the operator simply gave out rewards — either drinks, cigars, or other edible prizes — by hand.

Of course, it wasn’t long before the system of money exchange accelerated and the slot machine became a staple gambling device of many stores and restaurants. Some slots became electronically operated in the 1970s with the addition of screens and more interactive components, leaving the old mechanical levers to remain nostalgic vestiges of another time, rather than essential components of the machine.

This virtualization increased with the advent of touchscreen technology and computer animation effects, creating a steadily more modernized interactive experience when gamblers sat down to play slots.

The creation of the first online casinos in the 1990s naturally led to the popularization of virtual slot machines, since these were by far the easiest to program compared to poker or roulette. As they increased in number and profitability, progressive jackpots became a pillar of online gaming that defined the virtual slot machine experience from then on.

Progressive jackpots increase incrementally with each bid, giving players who bet the maximum wager a chance to win a huge global jackpot interlinked between the machines played by gamblers on online casino sites the world over. These jackpots can now number in the millions of dollars.

Just because these virtual machines exist doesn’t mean that the live ones have become outmoded. Here is a guided comparison to the two mediums so you can decide which experience is right for you.

Location

The most obvious advantage of virtual slot machines is that you don’t have to travel anywhere to play. Now you can enjoy high-stakes gambling from the comfort of your own home, curled up with your laptop, smartphone, or tablet since many online casinos now offer virtual slot games in mobile formats. However, this advantage may not be as advantageous for some people as it first appears.

In the first place, though it may be a relief to not have to get plane tickets or taxi rides to casinos, many gamblers may feel that this is an important part of the gambling experience. Those who enjoy casinos may not simply want to throw their money at an algorithm — they want to get dressed, meet people, enjoy the sounds and smells, and live the nightlife of Atlantic City.

When you lose money in a live casino, you can still say that you paid for the experience of a night out and a thrilling time. When you lose in your armchair at home, it’s just a loss.

The location also factors into availability. With online slot machines, you have them in your pocket or on your desk whenever you want them. This, again, could be good or bad depending on your preferences.

Some people probably love this convenience. Others may feel themselves becoming addicted since the easy availability of the games has normalized gambling in their lives. Always exercise caution when you go all in with online gambling.

The Games

With online slots, you can always play your favorite machines and they’re always available to you. For those who are particular about their gambling experience, this could give online casinos a leg up on their digital equivalents.

Instead of having to wait to play your game of choice or worry that the casino might rotate it off the floor, you can always be sure that your game will be available with an online casino. The only exception is when you play the mobile versions of the online casino apps, which sometimes don’t contain as many games.

Trending Technologies

Despite advances in computer technology, the sophistication of in-person hardware is still vastly superior. The screen quality and the complexity of the graphics on the in-person slots are often much more enthralling than the online versions, incorporating touchscreens, 3D imaging, and (soon) virtual reality technology into your favorite games.

This is only accentuated by the fact that the latest games debut at live casinos. If you’re one of those gamblers itching to be on the cutting edge of the new games and among the first to try them, you can’t get that experience online.

More people play in live casinos in the United States than ever, so the manufacturers of slot machines typically want to debut their creations in person. Only later after the machines have been play-tested and are no longer new will they receive virtual equivalents on the casino’s online platform.

The Takeaway

Whether you play slot machines live and in person or online, they define the thrill of the average gambler’s casino experience. Online casinos have come a long way since their creation to offer varied and exciting experiences in virtual gaming that replicate in-person slot machines in the comfort of your own home.

The experience of playing slots in person, however, is still unique. Since advanced technologies are currently invested in the live hardware first, in-person gamblers will still get to try out the latest machines and get all the benefits they imply, including the experience of the casino itself.

The fact that you have to get out of bed and travel may be a deal-breaker for some players who want to gamble from their armchairs. But that might be exactly what some others are looking for. By considering your priorities and comparing them to this guide, you can figure out the ideal slot machine experience for you.