Online vs. Offline Slot Machines
In 2024, you can play slot machines in a huge number of ways: online, mobile, on social media and at your nearest land-based casino.
But what if your nearest casino is hundreds of miles across South Africa, the social media free play games don't cut it, and all you really want is a big progressive jackpot slot to play on your laptop?
Let's take a look at why online slots might be better than live, and why a trip to your casino can never be beaten by a trip to the sofa with your tablet.
1 - Range of Games
Let's begin with games. If you've been to a casino in South Africa, or ventured further to Europe, you might find 40-50 slot machines - and they won't always be the top titles.
Online casinos, however, boast hundreds of the latest games, from classic, old-school 3-reel titles to 3D movie tie-ins with lots of bonus rounds. And where an online casino has an exclusive deal with a major software developer, you will find the biggest new games exclusive to Internet players.
One of the best things about online slots, though, is that virtually all of them can be tried out for free first. This is great if you want to test a slot's RTP% or the bonus rounds before committing with real cash.
2 - Ditch the Tuxedo
While dressing up to go to that big city casino is nice for a night out, it's not very convenient if you just want a few quick spins.
Luckily, at Internet casinos in South Africa, there is no dress code. Rock up to your online slot machine casino dressed in a dressing gown and slippers; there will be no burly doorman to turn you away.
3 - Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are made up of portions of bets paid into a machine. These are set aside and can be won by hitting a certain payline or bonus round.
A big live casino may have one or two progressive jackpot slot machines that make millionaires and headlines in equal measure.
Online casinos, however, will often have many more games with massive progressive jackpots. Some of the biggest jackpots paid out to players have come in online games (with prizes totalling millions of Rand), and with more players across multiple casinos, those prizes will only get bigger.
4 - Top Welcome Bonuses
The big casino resorts at home may offer you some free meals, discounted rooms, or a show or two, but that's nothing compared to the deals you will find online.
Internet casinos fight your business by offering attractive first deposit bonuses when you join up. If you play enough slots over the month, these bonuses can work out nicely.
Just make a first deposit in ZAR or dollars, play slots like normal, then earn 100% free cash straight from the casino. That's a deal you won't get in a land-based casino.
5 - No Need to Drive
How far is your nearest casino? 10km? 50km? 500km? South Africa is a big country, and making that trip to Sun City can turn a night out into a holiday.
Nothing beats the convenience of turning on the laptop or smartphone at any hour of the day to have a few goes on your favourite online slot.
6 - Use a Variety of Banking Methods
Land-based casinos normally take cash or offer an ATM with high fees so you can withdraw real cash.
The beauty of good online casinos is that they let you deposit and withdraw real money using a range of banking methods.
You're not restricted to just debit and credit cards: great casinos online will let you use an anonymous e-Wallet, a voucher scheme or a straight bank transfer to load up your account.
7 - Avoid the Crowds
What's worse than arriving at a casino and finding a player rooted to a chair for seven hours bashing buttons and stopping you trying out that new progressive machine?
With online slots, there's no waiting - just load up the game and start playing. You'll never have to suffer other players again.
8 - Return to Player % (RTP)
Serious online slots players need to look at the Return to Player percentage (RTP %), which gives a rough indication of how much real money is paid out to players over the long term.
Let's say an online slot has its RTP listed as 95%. That means for every $100 that is wagered on the game, $95 is paid back to players.
Due to Internet casinos' lower operating costs they can normally accommodate more slots with generous RTPs. In a land-based casino, you will normally find slot machines with RTPs of around 80-90%.
9 - Avoid the Other Games
Big land-based casinos are packed with roulette, blackjack and craps tables. And while it's easy to walk past them, casinos are designed to keep you in and help you lose all that lovely slots cash!
Of course, it can be easy to click on a roulette or blackjack game at an Internet casino and deposit a quick $20 but the distractions in a live casino are much greater.
10 - But Where's the Atmosphere...?
So, we've spelled out the plus points of a top online slot machines casino for SA players. But wait? Where are the bright lights, loud music, attractive waitresses and cheering crowds on your PC?
While playing online slot machines on your computer can be fast, convenient and more profitable long-term, for the sheer thrill and atmosphere of a good night out, nothing quite beats visiting a big brick 'n' mortar casino.