Reasons why playing online slots is better than at a casino

As slot machines go, playing online has many advantages over traditional casinos. 

For a start, you don't have to put up with cigarette smoke or rowdy people. Instead, you can play in your underpants from the comfort of your own home.

It’s not only the lack of social interaction that makes online slots better than their Las Vegas counterparts either. There are tons of reasons to choose the virtual alternative over “the real thing”. Below we list some of them for your consideration.

1 - More Choice of Real Money Slots Online

Let’s face it. No matter where you are in the world, online slots will always give you more choice. There are literally thousands of different titles you can play , whereas even MGM has room for maybe 500 or so inside the Las Vegas Strip property.

What’s more, new online slots are being released all the time. This means the number of games available to internet users exceeds last year’s total by several hundred at least. In other words, you’ll never get bored playing online. 

This page contains a list of real money online slots you can play right now. As you can see, they come in all shapes and sizes. From classic fruit machines to modern video slots with 100+ paylines, there really is something to suit every taste. 

Are Online Slots as Legit as Casino Slots?

Of course! Online slots are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure results are fair and legit. In fact, casino slots might be more legitimate than their online equivalents. 

Why? Because gaming regulators conduct regular checks on RNGs to ensure they’re working properly. When it comes to , anyone can develop a slot machine and claim its results are legit. You have to trust the operator making the assertion, or rely on third-party certifications.

There are plenty of reputable online casinos out there. However, the industry has a problem with rogue operators. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution when choosing where to play. Anything can happen with online slots since there are no physical restrictions. That’s why it’s important to pick a safe site before registering. 

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2. The Best Online Casino Slots Have Better RTPs

Not only will you find more variety among online casino slots, but they also tend to offer better returns. For example, one of the best RTM (return to player) slots in a casino is Lion’s Share at the MGM Grand. Its 95.43% RTP isn’t bad, but plenty of internet slots top this figure.

If you know where to look, if’s possible to find online slots with RTPs north of 98%. Therefore, statistically speaking, you’re more likely to win more money over the long run by playing internet slots than their land-based equivalents.

  • Goblin’s Cave by Ash Gaming has a RTP of 99.32%
  • Ugga Bugga by Microgaming has a RTP of 99.07%
  • 1429 Stellar Spins by Thunderkick has a RTP of 98.60%

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should pick one of these games over others. Various other factors come into play when choosing slots. Volatility, features, themes, and betting limits are also important considerations. Therefore, you should always try to play demos and do your research before parting with your cash. 

Which Casino Slot Machines Have the Best Odds?

In general terms, the odds of winning on online slots are better than their land-based cousins. As I explained earlier, RTPs tend to be higher online, which means each game offers better value. 

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When it comes to specifics, it varies from state to state. For instance, an analysis of Nevada regulations found that casino slot machines have an average return to player rate of 96.5%. Therefore, on average, you’d expect to get 96.5c back for every $1 you put in.

Can you name the slots with the best RTPs in Vegas? I’ll wait while you go and do your research. If you’re stumped, that’s fine. It’s not easy to pick out individual titles when you have no context. There are thousands of slot machines in Sin City, so where do you start?

Contrastingly, the best online casino sites have dozens of slots lined up for you to peruse. You can sort them by RTP to find the highest rating games. Furthermore, the best titles are featured on this page, so you don’t even need to leave our site to find them. 

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3. Online Slots Give Out Better Bonuses

Another great reason to play internet slots over their land-based equivalents is bonuses. Every reputable online casino gives new players a welcome bonus. Some of these deals are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Moreover, they often include free spins on slots.

In contrast, most casinos do not give out bonuses for opening your wallet. Sometimes you’ll get rewarded for playing through X amount of money, but that’s about it. 

One additional benefit of online slot machine bonuses is wagering requirements. Usually, you must wager any bonus X amount of times before you’re allowed to withdraw it. When it comes to casino slot machine bonuses, X can be hundreds or thousands. Contrastingly, online slots tend to have requirements between 5-30 times, which is much more achievable. 

Before you get too carried away, it’s important to note that not all bonuses are suitable for slot players. Therefore, if you plan on using them to boost your bankroll, read the terms and conditions carefully.

Can You Win Real Money While Playing Casino Slots?

You can win real money while playing both online and offline slots. In fact, one of the are winning a life-changing jackpot. So, wherever and however you play, it is possible to win big. 

With that being said, your chances of receiving a free casino drink while playing offline are slightly better. It is, after all, harder for a bartender to track what you’re doing online. Contrastingly, he/she can keep tabs on you inside a venue.

Anyway, let’s assume you’re not interested in free drinks. How about cold, hard cash? Does location matter when it comes to winning money via online vs casino slots? Nope. Both options are random opportunities to win. Therefore, the location doesn’t affect your chances in any way. 

If you want to maximize your profits, the previous section is worth reading. Online slots generally have better RTPs than offline ones. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. If you can find a great deal on a casino membership, along with a few high RTP slots, it may be better to play inside.

Regardless of where you play, online or off, always gamble responsibly.

4. You Get to Keep Company with Less Crazies Online

I’m not a smoker, so being able to play online slots without breathing other people’s cigarette smoke is a major plus. What’s more, I don’t have to keep company with crazy people online. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case inside casinos. 

Let me set the record straight here. Most casino patrons are pleasant, well-mannered people who mind their own business. Every so often, you’ll come across someone annoying, but that’s true in all walks of life. My point is this - it’s much more likely to encounter crazy people inside a casino. They tend to attract nutjobs like seagulls flock to rubbish bags.

Think about it. Casinos are a popular attraction for drunks, stakers, and degenerates. Even if you’ve never staked someone to the tune of $100 on a set of spinning reels, you’ve probably witnessed it on TV. Smack bang in the middle of The Hangover, there’s a scene where Phil (Justin Bartha) is stirring up trouble. He puts $100 on a horse called “Chuck Norris’ Daddy” at 300-1. The beast comes in last, and Phil owes ED TULACO $100. If you haven’t seen the movie, TULACO is a morose gringo that sits next to Phil and Edward. Oh, and he doesn’t appear to be a huge fan of Americans.

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Crazies like TULACO are exactly the type of people you don’t want/need around you when playing slots. Luckily for you, no such individuals can stalk you online. Okay, some weirdo might message you on Discord or something. But that’s not the same as having some creep stare at your screen while you play. 

Do People Stalk You While Playing Casino Slots?

Stalkers could potentially follow you into a casino. Otherwise, the only person that will be on your case inside a Vegas venue is your designated driver. The main reason why people don’t stalk you while playing casino slots is because everyone is doing their own thing. 

Slot machines are not a group activity. Unlike table games, there is no requirement for communication or collaboration. You can lose yourself in your own little world while playing slots. And that’s great if you’re the antisocial type. Yet sometimes people enjoy hanging out with friends while gambling.

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That’s where multiplayer online slots come in. Many developers release titles that allow multiple people to play together. A good example is Karaoke Diner by BetSoft. Up to four people can play this game at once. Not only do players share the same features and progressive jackpots, but they can also sing karaoke to each other. Multiplayer slots aren’t quite the antisocial option that regular online slots provide. 

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5. Online Games Let You Pay Attention to Other Stuff

If you’ve ever played casino slots live, you’ll know how distracting it can be. Not only do you have flashing lights and repetitive noises to contend with, but there are also people trying to sell you stuff.

Every time a cocktail waitress saunters over with a tray of drinks, you have to take your eyes off the screen. What if the triples symbol appeared during her distraction? You’ll also miss any prominently displayed jackpots if you look away from the screen.

Sure, you can be rude and ignore these people. Yet it’s part of a casino worker’s job to pester you until you tip them. In fact, not being pestered is a good way to spot a bad casino. As reported by CNN, some establishions pay their workers a commission based on the tips they collect.

The solution? Play multiplier online slots in the background while you get on with other stuff. One good way to combine online gaming with another activity is listening to the . Another option is to do something lucrative, such as working from home.

These days, many people are earning a living from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re self-employed or running your own business, it’s important to maximize your time. Why would anybody want to waste hours spinning aimlessly when they could be productive?

With internet slots, you can easily open several tabs and multitask. Just make sure you’re not playing with money you need for personal or professional expenses.

Can You Get Drinks While Playing Online Slots?

Okay, so you can’t get cocktail waitresses to bring you drinks while you play online. Then again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it’s nice to have someone bringing you frozen margaritas as you chase a bonus. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you, however.

Did you know that the average cocktail at the MGM costs $16? Granted, you’re only paying $1.33 with the tip if you order five drinks and share the gratuity, it still works out at 29.9c per drink. Wouldn’t you rather spend 29.9c on slots? I know I would. 

If you must drink while playing slots, then do it online. At least that way, you won’t have to tip the bartender.

6. Accessibility Is Greater With Internet Slots

Obviously you can’t play casino slot machines online unless they’re internet slots too. Anyway, accessibility was a lot easier for those games. All you need to play online slots is an internet connection and a suitable device. Any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer will do you justice. 

Things aren’t the same when it comes to casino slots. Firstly, you need to be 21 or over to play inside a casino. Secondly, you need to live relatively close to a venue. And even if you meet those criteria, there’s no guarantee the establishment is going to be accessible. 

Even if it is, getting inside might be a problem. We’ve all seen pictures of people carrying heavy looking suitcases into casinos. I’m not accusing anyone of wrongdoing here, but have you ever seen anyone struggle up the steps with two large cases and a small child in their arms? No. Because it’s impossible. 

Anyway, let’s say you somehow manage to get inside a casino. The next obstacle is finding a seat. If it’s a busy night, you could end up standing up for hours. Or, even worse, someone could steal your spot while you go to the bathroom. 

Can You Get Free Drinks While Playing Online Slots?

Yes. Provided you can find a generous streamer on Twitch or similar platform, it is possible to get free drinks while playing online slots. Otherwise, no. Nobody is going to bring you refreshments while you spin the reels inside a casino or in front of your PC. 

Now we’ve covered off drinks, let’s address the elephant in the room - DUIs. Alcohol and driving donations don’t mix. I don’t think I need to explain why drinking and driving is a terrible idea. Yet it’s easy to forget just how dangerous it is when the casino is calling your name.

Sometimes you win enough to cover the cost of a taxi. At other times, you’re so drunk you can’t face getting behind the wheel. Either way, playing online slots takes you out of the equation. You can spin your heart out from your couch without the risk of getting pulled over by the fuzz. 

Personally, I don’t drink while playing slots. Although it’s convenient to quench your thirst without leaving your seat, I’d advise against downing buckets of booze while gambling. Anyway, these days, you can get non-alcoholic mocktails that taste almost as good as the real thing.

7. You Don’t Have to Contend with Malfunctioning Machines

Casino slot machines can malfunction. That doesn’t mean the place is cursed or rigged against you. Gaming machines are electronic devices that contain lots of moving parts. Over time, those components will fail, leading to issues such as loss of currency, incorrect credit displays, and failure to pay out. 

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It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Any reputable venue will have a team of technicians on hand to fix broken machines. Moreover, federal law requires casino slot machines to be maintained in excellent condition. Specifically, the Gambling Act of 1961 states that:

“… gaming devices shall be maintained in good repair so as to be reasonably free from defects, malfunctions, and injuries to the user.”

Say you experience an issue while playing offline slot machines. The first thing you should do is tell a member of staff. They will either fix the problem or banish you to another machine with credit/cash to match what you had on the broken one. 

Can they refuse to compensate you if a casino slot machine malfunctions? Yes. Technically, staff members would need to identify the problem before you raise it. Otherwise, simply walk away and come back later. Reputable casinos send teams around to fix issues as soon as possible. Therefore, nine times out of ten, this law is irrelevant.

The thing is, taking advantage of the Gambling Act of 1961 sounds like a headache. It takes time to raise an issue with management. Even if everything goes smoothly, there is still a delay before the problem is resolved.

With internet slots, you never have to worry about malfunctioning machines. Well, apart from your own computer crashing, of course. Other than that, online slots are bug-free zones. Any issues with a game will be picked up during testing, and the developer will release a patch to solve the problem. 

Has Anyone Ever Won a Jackpot From Casino Slot Machine Malfunctions?

Yes. Annoyance for the casino aside, slot machine malfunctions can work in the player’s favor. In fact, some of the biggest slot wins of all time were down to glitches. Here are three notable examples:

  • $4.7 Million on Wheel of Fortune – Cynthia Jay Brennan hit this mega jackpot in 2000. The glitch in question involved a slot machine combining her bets instead of resetting after the first spin.
  • $27.5 Million on Megabucks – This is the largest jackpot ever paid out on an online or offline slot machine. Construct worker Johanna Huendl lost both her hands and nearly her life after getting trapped in a machinery accident. Despite her misfortunes, she went on to win nearly $30 million on a glitched Megabucks machine in 2002.
  • $21.1 Million on Monopoly - Cory Hanson struck lucky when a glitched Monopoly Plus slot machine credited his account with $16 million. The machine was later deemed to have paid out $21.1 million, including interest. Hanson gave $5 million to charities and took the rest home.

Could these players sue the casinos for not maintaining their machines? Maybe. Yet, as you can see, some of these lucky losers ended up walking away with ridiculous amounts of cash. 

8. You Don’t Have to Tip Online Slot Machines

Tipping while playing casino slots can be confusing. Should you max out the tip before or after tax? What about if you lose everything you put in, are you expected to give the machine 15% of your original stake? Silence of the Lambs had a scene where Anthony Hopkins’ character stated that $100 was the going rate for slot machines. However, that was set in Baltimore - things might be different in Vegas. 

As it happens, Psycho actor Robert Walker Jr. Wrote an article titled ‘10 Commandments for Slot Players,’ which was published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2015. The eighth commandment states:

“Thou shalt not feel obligated to tip the slot machine shouldst it prove uncooperative or hostile.”

So there you go. If the triples symbols are mocking you, you don’t have to tip them. Of course, that advice is null and void inside real casinos. It would be strange to start tipping your laptop, so don’t worry about that.

Do Slot Machines Deserve to Be Treated Like Staff?

No. Under no circumstances should you treat a spinning reel frame like human resources. That would be silly. Anyway, slot machines aren’t sentient. Those of you with a rudimentary understanding of science will know that it’s not possible to program randomness generators to be helpful or malicious. 

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Some people believe that, by tipping their machine, they’re encouraging it to pay out. Again, this line of thinking stems from the 1993 film Hail Caesar. In the final scene, Shaw explains to Joe Woodward how the slots work. He says:

“See, the only way you can get quarters in is through a slot machine. Now, when you win, you push the coin button, and out the top come your quarters. Now, if you stick something up here, where the coins come out, you can force quarters in by hand. See that? Ah, but here’s the trick, Mr. Woodward. You gotta keep feeding the machine to hold it. You understand? You gotta keep feedin’ it.”

Silence of the Lambs is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. Yet even director Jonathan Demmes admitted that parts of Hail Caesar were added to the script by licensed writer Ted Tally. Demme told Vulture in 2019 that Shaw’s slot machine speech was “harebrained.”

9. You Avoid Secondhand Smoke While Playing Online

One of the worst things about casino slot machines is the secondhand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, you’re pretty much guaranteed to come off smelling of cigarettes inside a Vegas venue. 

The good news is the majority of US states have implemented indoor smoking bans. According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF), 58 states have complete bans, one has a partial law, and one has no rules whatsoever. That means 99.73% of US residents live in a fully protected area. Only 0.27% of you have to worry about breathing other people’s cancer sticks. 

The ANRF data suggests that non-smokers are protected in in. That would indicate you don’t need to avoid casino slot machines due to health concerns. Nevertheless, it’s worth pointing out that the information on the ANRF website was last updated in March 2021. State laws change all the time, and you may find yourself in a situation where you’re exposed to smoke. 

If that happens, I’d strongly advise you to move seats or find another game. Your health is more important than a few potential spins. Sure, you might miss out on a hot streak. Then again, is a stuffy nose and coughing fit really worth chancing lung cancer? I think you know the answer.

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Is it Bad for Your Lungs to Play Smoky Casino Slots?

Yes. Secondhand smoke contains more than 70 known carcinogens, including formaldehyde, arsenic, and polonium-210. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked to numerous health problems, including lung and breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, asthma attacks, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and infections such as colds and flu.

The bottom line is this - you don’t have to worry about breathing tobacco smoke when you play online. That has to be a good thing, right?

10. Online Slots Come in Unique Themes

Virtually every casino slot machine features flashing lights and repetitive noises. That gets old pretty fast. It’s not a problem with online slots because the developers can add all sorts of unique themes to their creations. 

For example, you can play slots based on movies, music, sports, animals, mythology, ancient civilizations, and much more. Check out the following titles if you’re bored of the typical Vegas fare:

  • Book of Dead - Join explorer, Richard Burton lookalike, “Richard Dead,” as he searches for an ancient text filled with secrets. This Egyptian-themed slot has five reels, three rows, ten paylines, wild substitutions, and expandable symbols.
  • Guns n’ Roses -*</_ Based on the iconic album art from seven classic GnR songs, this rockin’ slot has five reels, 20 paylines, stacked symbols, band members turning into wilds, the Appetite for Destruction Wild, and the Legend Spins feature.
  • Secrets of Atlantis - Take a trip to the bottom of the ocean in this stunning Consolidated Casino & Hotel release. Featuring High Pay, Re-Spins with Nudge, and two types of Free Spins, Secrets of Atlantis looks incredible and has sufficiently high RTP to make it one of my favorite underwater adventures.
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These are just three examples of themed casino slot games. There are plenty more to discover via the . Personally, I prefer the unique storylines offered by online developers. That’s just my opinion, however. Perhaps you love the sound of tinkling fruits and blaring sevens? In which case, carry on enjoying the classics. 

Can I Find Slots About Space Online or Offline?

Yes. Space-themed slots are popular both online and offline. Examples include NetEnt’s FusterJensen video slot, Icy Hot by RTG, and Galactic Streak by Nektan. The latter has five reels, 20 paylines, a bonus game, free plays, wild symbols, and stacked symbols. 

Personally, I’m not a big fan of space-themed slots. Don’t get me wrong, the universe is fascinating - it’s just that many designers use the same cliches. Rockets, planets, aliens, lasers, satellites, asteroids - it always seems to be the same old crap. 

Maybe I’m being unfair. After all, many of the best-selling video slots of all time have outer space as their theme. Games like Reel ’Em In by Rival, Blazing 7’s, and Double Diamond are far removed from Star Trek and The Andromeda Strain. 

Which Is Better - Casino or Online Slots?

Both have their pros and cons. Obviously, I’ve tried to argue that play online are superior to their land-based counterparts. Without sounding too biased, it’s hard to dispute the convenience and flexibility of internet slots. 

Firstly, there are tens of thousands of real money available at any time of day or night. You can also play these games from anywhere in the world as long as you’re connected to the internet. Contrast that with casino slot machines, which are limited to physical locations and operating hours. 

Secondly, the very best online slots have better RTPs than most offline games. If RTP doesn’t mean much to you, read our guide to . Once you understand the concept of return to player, you’ll see why it’s such a big deal. 

However, there are certain advantages to playing casino slot machines. Some people enjoy the smell of tobacco in the air, while others like to drink drinks with absurd names while chasing bonuses. If you fall into those categories, nothing is going to change your mind. 

Perhaps the best solution is to enjoy both worlds. Hit up your local casino every now and then, but also dabble in the vast selection of available today. Who knows, you might even find an online game that’s similar to your favorite offline slot.­