Slot machines are still a well-loved option for casino patrons. They are easy to play, can get you some free merchandise and spins, and there is, of course, that rush of endorphins and dopamine that one experiences after a win. The highest payout was made to an anonymous 25-year-old software engineer who pocketed $39,710,826.36 and many players still try, hoping to get at least a fraction of that life-changing amount of money. Their hope is what keeps slot machines a highly preferred option for casino gambling.
Further advances in technology have brought virtualization to practically everything; video games, the military training and health industries, and now slot machines. You must have tried the online or virtual slot machine and compared it with the physical one, and found that the gameplay is not the same. Here is a closer look at the differences between physical slot machines and virtual slot machines, and the advantages of each platform.
Physical Slot Machines
These are machines that will allow you to interact with them physically and are typically found in hotel lobbies, airports, and casinos. The only virtual thing about them is their reels, and they have been in existence since the late 1800s. They offer their players a more traditional experience, and there are about ten different types of physical slot machines for varied gameplay:
- Multi-line
- Video Poker
- Buy-a-pays and hidden buy-a-pays
- Progressives
- Straight multipliers
- Bonus multipliers
- Combination slots
- 3D slots
- Progressives
The physical slot machine is the foundation on which online and virtual slot machines are built. They are also the lifeblood of most gambling hubs like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Macau, accounting for over 70% of every casino’s income. As a result, there’s no shortage of innovation with these gaming machines. The latest slots seen at ICE London are mind-blowing.
Virtual Slot Machines
Virtual slot machines are the most recent invention, with their designers hoping to give you that gambling excitement without having to leave your home. You can access these machines through a virtual casino website or download the right app from the Google Play Store or Apple‘s iOS App Store.
Some virtual slots, like many other favorite video games, utilize virtual reality technology to help you deeply immerse yourself in the game. VR is an immersive reality simulated by computers to make it possible for you to interact with the game environment using artificial senses. You simply have to wear VR helmets or headphones that are already available in the market. These wearables are built with LED screens and inbuilt sound systems that make them impervious to external light and sound. The most notable producers of these gizmos are SEGA 20, Sony, OSVR, and HTC.
Casinos are now leveraging VR technology to attract and retain young gamblers looking for that extraordinary experience, as 3-D graphics and live games do not seem to cut it anymore. Millennials are now looking for a superior, convenient, and enjoyable, yet offline gambling experience; and now VR slot machines might end up being even better than the real thing.
Virtual slot machines still offer the same gaming experience (3 and 5-reel slots, progressive slots, mega spin, multi-pay line, and multipliers), only that you get to play on your PC, smartphone or tablet.
Advantages Of Physical Slot Machines
- They increase traffic to your casino: If you are a casino owner, having an extensive collection of slot machines at the entrance with some players winning may help to entice other customers to try their luck.
- The exciting atmosphere: very gambler will agree that watching the blinking machine, and the sounds of the bells and other sounds make the experience far more worth it. However much the virtual experience tries to mimic the real thing, this is something that the physical machine will always hold to a virtual one.
- Easy access to winnings: In live casinos, you get your winnings immediately
Disadvantages Of Physical Slot Machines:
- Higher taxes levied on winnings
- Lower bonuses and payout ratios
- Extra time spent and expenditure on travel
Advantages Of A Virtual Slot Machine
- Payout ratios and bonuses: Online slot machines have a far better payout ratio than their physical counterparts as the former have reduced overheads. Some virtual machines may pay out almost 95% of every dollar you bet, while even the best physical machines payout even less than 90%. In addition to high payouts, you can also benefit from the regular promotions like cash rewards and loyalty, and you can get casino free spins and many site exact bonuses designed to bring in new customers.
- You get to play on the go: Many gamblers prefer virtual slots for the ability to access their favorite slots anywhere at any time. You get to log in to your favorite casino through the website or app and access your machine through any device. This is far more convenient, compared to the physical machine where you have to set a specific date then line up for your turn.
- Ease of payments: Most virtual machines have payment solutions that are cost-effective and suit your bankrolls, such as e-wallets, mobile wallets, credit, and debit cards.
- More game options: Online slots give you access to a wider variety of video slots and games depending on your betting limit, themes, rewards, and features. Again, you can readily access games with the most modern, appealing features to boost your gameplay.
Disadvantages Of Virtual Slot Machines:
- Withdrawal of wins can take days to process, and often problems may crop up as you try to transfer funds to your account
- Progressive slots on virtual machines do not pay as much; the highest jackpots have actually been paid out in brick-and-mortar casinos.
And The Winner Is…
As you can see above, the convenience and high payouts offered by a virtual machine are probably are some of the main reasons why more gamblers are opting for the virtual experience. In the future, as VR and other technologies continue to develop, you can only expect virtual slot machines to garner more users than their physical counterparts. Though the physical machines will still have a loyal audience seeking the rich experience and exciting atmosphere of a live casino.
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