These days, gambling and gaming enthusiasts are spoiled for choice like never before. Whereas they used to have to visit a brick-and-mortar building in order to flirt with Lady Luck, there are now a wealth of online casino slots and table games offering a wide variety of different ways in which to strike it lucky.
From innovative and fun slot games based on a plethora of different themes to classic table games like poker, baccarat and roulette, the options are virtually endless. But which type of gambling pastime is better? Slots or tables? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each below.
The case for slots
Slots are an incredibly popular choice among gamblers across the world. That’s especially true in the USA, where 48% of all gamblers favouring slot machines according to Statista. What is it about these games that people find so irresistible?
Well, first of all, slots are generally very easy to understand. Players win prizes by landing pay lines across the different reels. Games can vary between a three-reel and a five-reel set-up, while the exact nature of the pay lines themselves can also differ. But in general, once you understand the basics of how they work, they’re easy and fun to play.
What’s more, the minimum bet for slots is generally far lower than for table games. That means that players can spend longer enjoying themselves for the same amount of money as they might if they were to try their hand at poker or blackjack instead (no pun intended).
Finally, slots are colourful and fun, with their theme often based upon popular culture references. For example, there are games based around movies, television series, musical acts and even video games. This gives players a sense of connection to the gameplay that is often missing from table games.
The case for table games
By contrast, table games are generally more expensive than slots per bet – but they often offer better returns in terms of something called the “house edge”. This term basically refers to the inherent advantage that the casino has when a player decides to play the game.
Despite the name, the house edge is not actually set by the house at all, meaning individual casinos do not offer different house edges. Instead, the house edge is dictated by the rules of the game – and the player’s familiarity with those rules. That means that a player who understands the ins and outs of a game better than another can gain a more favourable house edge. That’s something that’s especially true with table games as opposed to slots.
The fact that some table games involve more skill than slots is also attractive to many. While there is definitely an element of luck involved in any gambling game, it’s certainly more prominent in slots than it is in certain table games, like poker or blackjack. Then again, others such as roulette and craps are more luck-based, but at least table games give you the opportunity to decide which you’d rather play.
Finally, table games permit the player to ask questions of the dealer. In fact, casinos have a vested interest in ensuring that players can understand the rules of their games as quickly and as easily as possible, since this will make them more confident about winning and therefore more likely to continue playing.
The choice is yours
The simple truth is that both slots and table games each have their own merits and that whichever you prefer will come down to a matter of personal preference. But with searches for online casinos currently at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to lay your bets and take your chances in the world of virtual gambling.
