Playing slot games is a great way to get your heart pumping.

But one question remains unanswered: which is better, online slots or real machines?

For convenience: online slots.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of playing online games is the ability to play anywhere, anytime. Avoid the hassle and expense of travelling to an actual casino and instead enjoy easy access to your favourite slots on your laptop, tablet or mobile.

Being able to play slot games on your phone also helps you spend much less than you likely would in a real gambling venue. You can easily stop and log out when you’ve reached your budget, rather than feeling a need to keep on playing simply because you’re stuck inside a casino and the night’s still young.

For gameplay experience: real slots.

Realistic graphics, exciting soundtracks and engaging bonus rounds are just some of the features of online slots designed to capture a player’s attention. Just like book lovers who prefer real pages between their fingertips over e-readers, many argue the tactile feel of playing on an actual slot machine makes for a more immersive gameplay experience. This is further improved by the new technologies available for land-based machines. Take the game Sphinx 3D for instance. It offers a totally 3D experience for an unrivalled level of realism, not to mention a connected multimedia chair to provide convincing sound effects and authentic motions.

For new players: online slots.

Casinos carry an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. It’s almost impossible to create the same kind of thrill and glamour in your own home.

But if you’re a new player looking to find your feet in the slot world, all the ringing bells, flashing lights and hardcore gamblers could prove daunting. Playing online is an easy way to get yourself into the slot scene without being overwhelmed.

What’s more, many sites allow you to play some of their slot games in demo mode for free. This helps you to pick up the basics before risking your own cash.

For game choice: online slots.

Land-based casinos often have new game titles not yet available online. However, space on the casino floor is always going to be limited. Old games are frequently removed to clear space for newer models, meaning your go-to favourites are always at risk of being replaced.

Online casinos are different. Not only are they able to offer a more extensive selection of slots, but they also make it easier for you to browse the games available. There’s no need to walk up and down the casino floor to find your favourite title. Simply type it into a search bar and – hey presto! – you’ve found it.

For winning potential: online slots.

Before your start spinning on any slot game, it’s a good idea to check the Return to Player (RTP). The RTP refers to what you can expect to get back playing the game over time. For example, if you’re spinning on a slot with a 96% RTP, for every £100 in £1 bets you place over a given period, you can expect to get back £96; so, though it’s not an exacting science, you’ll theoretically win more on games with a higher RTP.

The difference between the RTP of online and actual machines is quite substantial. Land-based slots typically offer 70% – 80%, whilst their online counterparts are usually in the region of 93% – 98%.

For bonuses: online slots.

All casinos want to keep you playing.

Real casinos do this by offering membership to returning patrons. This provides you with a few extra perks or bonuses, but it’s little compared to what you can get on the internet.

To stand out in a crowded market, where players can quickly and easily sign up to competitors in just a few clicks, online casinos know they need to provide generous welcome offers, frequent promotions, loyalty rewards and bucket-loads of free spins. This is great news for you, as it means there are always a great selection of generous sites to choose from.

Our verdict

Whilst the occasional night out in a casino is exciting, if you’re a more regular slot player, we’d recommend online slots at bgo over real machines. You’ll benefit from a greater selection of titles, easier access to games and (most probably) better pay-outs.