The slot machine has evolved dramatically over the last few decades. Where once fruit machines could be found exclusively in land-based casinos or the corners of bars, they can now be enjoyed online and on mobile thanks to the widespread proliferation and popularity of immersive video slots.
But what are the differences between the traditional fruit machine and the hundreds of online slots you can find at slot sites today?
What Are Fruit Machines?
Fruit machines are the most traditional and widely known type of slot, usually featuring three reels and recognisable symbols such as lemons, cherries and oranges.
They generally only have one winning pay line, with the various symbols paying out various sums. In terms of features, they may not boast wilds or scatters that are more associated with online video slots although you can nudge and hold the reels.
What Are Online Slots?
Online slots are much more complex. They are all-singing, all-dancing slots with a range of pay lines and tons of bonus rounds and features that offer increased winnings or Free spins.
That’s due to the fact they use video technology, which allows the slot to switch from the reels on screen to bonus games, adding a welcome extra dimension to gameplay.
Online slots themes come in all shapes and sizes, with everything from sports themes to movie-themed titles available; you’ll even find that some online slots take inspiration from traditional fruit machines.
The market for online video slots is huge and new variations are constantly being created. Sites such as Leo Vegas and Casumo have hundreds of slots game to choose from and they attract thousands of players daily who are enticed by the prospect of huge slot jackpot winnings.
The Key Differences Between Fruit Machines & Online Slots
Although traditional fruit machines and video slots both remain popular with casino fans, there are some key differences you should keep in mind, particularly if you’re new to the realm of online slots. Owing to advances in technology, some of the biggest differences include:
- More Bonus Rounds Online: Online slots have a much larger range of bonus rounds and free spins available to win.
- Paylines: Fruit machines have just one payline, whilst online slots can feature hundreds.
- Return to Player %: The RTP of online slots is generally much higher than fruit machines. The RTP of fruit machines is generally around 70-75% compared to online slots which are often 95% and above.
- Themes: Online slots have a much wider range of themes compared to fruit machines, with many inspired by various aspects of our popular culture.
- Jackpots: The jackpots at online slots can be much larger than fruit machines, with some online slots paying out millions in the form of progressive jackpots!
- Availability: Of course, the biggest difference between online slots and fruit machines is that there are many more online slots titles available to play.
- Bonuses: Online slots offer a much bigger range of bonuses and welcome offers.
Which Should You Play?
While fruit machines are a lot of fun, and can also be played online at some slot sites, if you’re looking for more regular wins and bigger payouts, then online video slots are certainly for you and can be found at all 2020 Casino Sites!
With so many online slots to choose from you can search around to find a slot that has the best RTP, bonus rounds and theme that suits you.
For new players, fruit machines with one payline could be the perfect place to start, but as skills and understanding develop, more complex and immersive titles should be sampled.
