What is the difference between VLT and Slot Machines?
By Space Coast Daily // July 1, 2019
VLTs are a lot similar to slot machines. In both, you pull a handle or press a button and reels spin.
The graphics, symbols, and soundtracks could also be similar, leaving many to wonder whether the two types of games are related. In simple words, VLTs and slots have their similarities. But they’re also different. Find out more below.
What are VLTs?
VLTs refer to Video Lottery Terminals. At brick and mortar casinos, VLTs are mostly located in casinos owned by Native Americans. They tend to feature games like bingo, lotto, scratch cards, and pull-tabs mostly because of how they are played.
A typical VLT game involves multiple players competing for the same prize. Like online bingo, players sit in front of their own screens but are linked to the same game. Players compete against one another until someone forms winning symbols or numbers.
Like bingo, winners announce they’ve matched winning symbols and operators verify their claims. Modern VLTs alert players when they win usually accompanied by some great celebratory soundtracks and glittering lights.
If you love casino games that involve playing against other players as opposed to playing against the house, VLTs are a good option. On the flipside, VLTs mainly offer games with low return-to-player rates. The average VLT game has a payout rate of 88%. By comparison, many modern slots machines have payout rates above 95%.
What are Slot Machines?
Slot machines are designed in such a way that each machine is independent of the rest. You play against the house, or the RNG software slots are based on. Sometimes slots are linked, mostly through jackpots. But even then, you won’t be scratching cards or looking for certain numbers like in bingo.
Unless you just want to have fun, you’re better off playing slots. Of course, slots are not created the same. Research a lot of games before settling on several games to try out. Reviews, like this Magical Vegas review, help ease your research work by recommending the best games to play on top casinos.
How to Pick Good Slots
Slots are the most popular online games. And because they pay well, you might want to test your luck playing some of the games. Below are tips to help you pick addictively fun games that also payout generously.
Check RTP Rates
Today’s slots have known payout rates. Often symbolized by RTP percentages, you can easily compare games based on how frequently they pay out. For the uninitiated, RTP shows the percentage of money a casino pays back to players as profits in the long term.
The word long-term is really important. Just because a casino has a 96% RTP doesn’t mean it will pay you 96% of the times you bet. It’s possible to spend hours playing on a high RTP game and not win anything significant.
The reason why you should play high RTP slots is that these are the games where you’re more likely to win. A better way to put it is by picturing lotteries and jackpots. These kinds of games have low RTPs but payout huge sums of money.
Because their RTPs are low, chances of winning jackpot games are always low. By comparison, high RTP games don’t always payout huge sums of money. Instead, the games pay out more frequently albeit in smaller amounts.
Slots Variance
Slots, like most investments, have varying levels of risk. Some games let you risk small sums of cash in return for small wins. On the other hand, there games that allow you to risk a bit more in anticipation of bigger wins.
There are several factors that can influence your decision. If you don’t want to invest a lot of money into casino gaming, you may want to avoid high-risk games. On the other hand, you want moderately high-risk games to ensure any win you get is worthwhile.
Free Spins and Multiplier Features
Experienced slots players look beyond payout rates when it comes to picking good games. They also review games based on how generous they are with giving out free spins. As a player, it happens a lot that you run out of cash before you win something.
Games with free spins help minimize your losses through free spins. You are awarded these gifts when you match certain symbols. Some games are more generous than others, which is why players tend to be selective on which games they choose.
Again, slots also reward players by multiplying their wins. The best slots can multiply your betting amount by 1000 times when you match the right symbols.
Software Developers
Generally, it’s a good idea to play games supplied by top tier developers. Big names like Microgaming, Netent, Playtech and Authentic Gaming are industry veterans. They’re audited by independent auditors multiple times. They also have the support of authoritative gambling commissions from Malta, the UK, Sweden, and Australia.
Playtech casinos is one of the leading game developers in the gambling industry. As a result, the company is on everyone’s lips, and many casinos would see it as a privilege to install its software on their online platforms.
Unlike upcoming developers, games from established providers tend to be safe. You can play a game knowing it’s not rigged against you. They also tend to be better at gameplay, graphics, soundtracks and everything else that make slots interactive.
The best games are found on top casino sites. But in a similar way to picking games, it’s important to do your research before joining casino sites. Research about security systems used, bonuses offered, quality of customer support and games offered.
To Conclude
Video Lottery Terminals are mostly found in the US and rarely operate online. VLTs are particularly popular in Indian casinos where players compete for prizes. Slots, on the other hand, are ubiquitous. Nearly every licensed casino features slot machines.
When it comes to paying out players, slots pay out more. And because they’re also more popular, these are the games you’ll likely find at your favorite gambling platforms. Find good games and you’ll not only be thrilled by gameplay but also by wins.
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