While live casino games are starting to make their mark, when it comes to casino games, the two main categories have always been slots and table games. This has carried over into the digital age with UK online slot games in their thousands, but equally a vast array of popular and recognisable table games, nestled alongside niche variants from around the globe. While it may seem that only slots are easy casino games for beginners, there are also plenty of easy casino games found under the table game category.
With this in mind, join us in today’s article as we compare slots and table games, and answer questions such as ‘why slots are beginner-friendly’ and ‘what’s so special about table games’, so you can make an informed decision on the right online casino game for you.
Simplicity vs. Strategy
Slots are often considered to be the beginner-friendly and ‘mass market’ option because of their simplicity. Despite having thousands of iterations across hundreds of themes, the core gameplay mechanic remains untouched in 99% of games; simply enter your wager, spin the reels, and hope for a winning outcome. The changes made are invariably those that add elements to this framework, such as cascading reels, which allow more winways and chain reactions of wins, and cluster pays, which change the criteria for a winning combination. This simplicity makes slots ideal for casual and on-the-go mobile gaming.
In contrast, table games have more complicated rules and many require a degree of strategy. To win in poker or blackjack, you need to know the rules and make strategic decisions. However, not all table games require a more strategic mind. Like slots, roulette is completely down to random chance and is a table game with few rules that can be enjoyed by anyone of legal betting age, regardless of their skill level, with the only strategy(s) required being responsible gambling, and the awareness of any special wagers which are accepted.
So, when comparing slot games and table games regarding their simplicity and strategy, across-the-board slots tend to be the easier option, particularly for new players, but there are most definitely simple table games out there, too. If you’re someone who wants to play online casino games to switch off and relax, then online slots are likely the way to go, while if you have a strategic mind and like games with unique and/or interesting rules and challenges, you’ll probably enjoy table games more.
Jackpots vs. Better Odds
Choosing between slots and table games requires knowing your risk tolerance. Online slots have notable variance—some slots have low volatility, statistically offering small but frequent wins, while others are high volatility with higher wins on average, but at a lower hit rate. It is therefore possible when playing the same slot in two different sessions to come out on top only to hit nothing but bad luck the next time you play; the pendulum can truly swing either way. This characteristic of slots is a negative for many players, but for others is part of what makes the reels so enjoyable to spin.
In contrast, table games combine luck with strategy, meaning that, while a game of chance and having a fixed maximum RTP, the decisions players make may increase the odds, such as making poor gameplay decisions, while an optimum strategy will keep the RTP at its maximum.
The RTP or ‘return to player’ for slot machines typically ranges from 93-98%, with 94.5-96.5% being the most common examples. Compare this to a table game like blackjack, which has an RTP range when playing optimally of between 99.2 and 99.6%, while baccarat and craps have average values of 98.7 and 98.6%, respectively. The biggest variance seen in table games comes from the game which relies most on random chance and parallels slots: roulette. European roulette RTP has an RTP of 97.30% while American roulette sits at 94.74%.
Due to their prevalence, it is generally assumed that online slots can offer the biggest payouts with numerous progressive jackpot networks like Mega Moolah and Jackpot King, making headlines. However, big wins are also possible with table games, admittedly, though the prizes won tend to be in the thousands instead of the millions.
Flashy Fun vs. Classic Casino Feel
Slots' unprecedented array of themes and presentation styles is a huge draw for new players and is part of the reason why slots most commonly appear as part of online casinos’ welcome packages. Because the core rules of slots (spin the reels and match symbols for a prize payout) are so simple, slot designers have almost unlimited creative license, unlike table game designers, who have many more rules to include that could easily become muddled if additional themes and stories are involved.
With dozens of new slots released each month from big suppliers, there's always new stuff to explore, which many players find fun and invigorating. In turn, new players' attention can be captured by licensed slots themed after their favourite franchise(s). This aesthetic panache makes the best slot games stand out in a crowded market, and correlates with the design quality and experience offered by other modern media sources like video games.
Table games require more brainpower. Blackjack and poker tactics may be intellectually interesting, especially for improving abilities and understanding game dynamics. Unlike the novelty offered by slots, the appeal of table games comes from their authenticity. A roulette wheel or poker cards are just as recognisable to average Joe as a one-armed bandit, and many view table games with more prestige, having been glamourised by movies like James Bond. Although modern live casino games like the ‘Lightning’ series from Evolution add more razzle dazzle to gameplay, table games in general tend to emphasise authenticity, often with a dash of luxury and class. Where in online slots the theme encompasses the gameplay experience, in table games, the game design is used to set the scene and tone for play.
Table games are also intriguing because many online and live versions involve a chat function, thus encouraging social interaction. They encourage social interaction. Social components may enhance the gaming experience, making table games attractive for their potential prizes and shared, participatory play.
Pacing and Play Speed
Outside of instant win games and some auto roulette games, online slots are the fastest-paced casino games. From loading to spinning takes under a minute, and the reels spinning and stopping only take a few seconds, even if you’re in a region like the UK where spin modifiers are disallowed. Unless a bonus feature is triggered, each ‘round’ takes mere moments, meaning the player can stop and start at their convenience, perfect for casual and mobile gamers.
Table games like blackjack and poker take longer per round, and live or multi-player roulette may have some wait time between spins. A hand of blackjack can take two minutes, including strategy, decision-making, and card dealing. When playing online against a digital dealer, the player is able to play at their own pace. They can consult a blackjack strategy guide to find the optimal (statistically) move, or in video poker, can think through the variables, or if they’re new to a game such as baccarat, can pause for a time to double-check the rules. This can help to counteract the greater learning curve of table games, which we will explore in the following section.
Bankroll management is an important part of responsible gambling habits, regardless of the game you play. Bankroll management doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be as simple as setting yourself a session budget and a win/loss limit and sticking to it. Slots might produce faster bankroll swings due to their rapid speed and huge volatility range. However, as there are so many options to choose from, there are plenty of slots playable from just 1p per spin. On average, though, a standard fixed payline slot has wagers starting at 10p per spin, meaning a modest budget can go a long way when playing slots.
Table games bankroll management involves smart betting. Blackjack benefits from gradual betting modifications. In poker, safe first buy-ins may help you stay in the game with the hopes of winning long-term. In table games, unlike slots, where you can play until your bankroll is spent or your win/loss limits are met, instead, players need to understand the odds behind their wagers to best balance the risk vs reward. Depending on the game, players may need to understand stake sizes relative to the pot, or remaining cash can be crucial to bankroll management. The majority of table games operate at a slower pace to account for this.
Learning Curve
As we’ve highlighted, slots are commonly included as part of an online casino’s welcome package. This is not only because the selection is plentiful and the games selected are popular, but also because the simple and repetitive gameplay arc of slots is incredibly beginner-friendly.
At most, the only knowledge slot players need to learn is the payline structure of their chosen slot and any bonus features on offer. These questions can be easily answered through the plethora of slot reviews out there, as well as the in-game information. When picking a game, players should be aware of factors such as RTP and volatility, but outside of this, the learning curve for online slots is pretty straightforward.
Depending on the game chosen, the learning curve for table games may be as small as a molehill, but could also be mountainous. Some games, like roulette and blackjack, are simple to pick up, and most players will have been aware of the general concept behind these games thanks to their pop culture prevalence.
Blackjack and poker require basic rules, techniques, and probability. When to hit, stand, or double down in blackjack can directly impact the success of your gameplay. Poker is more complicated and strategic since it requires skills like bluffing and reading opponents. Baccarat is similar to blackjack but has marked differences that players will need to learn. The dice game craps is a creature all of its own - many experienced players still don’t fully get the rules!
While there's a notable difference in the learning curve between slots and table games, so too are the target audience, as are their wants and needs. While slot fans look for a quick, easy, and varied experience. Table game players like the additional challenge that comes with learning the game and playing optimally. When presented in an online setting, a decent FAQ and clear game-specific rules that players can refer back to are normally enough, and when players gain confidence and start (hopefully) winning, a greater sense of satisfaction is achieved, which the table game player community seeks as part of their experience.
So, Which is Better?
So with all we’ve learned, it’s time to ask the golden question: ‘Which is better, slots or table games?’ The answer? Neither. As you can see from this article, online slots and table games are made for different player types, interests, and expected experiences. Therefore, the positives and negatives of these games may be reversed depending on the type of player you are.
Before committing to any real money wager, be sure to test out some different game types in demo play mode. When selecting test subjects, think about the type of player you are and the experience you’re looking to have; do you have 15 minutes to kill and want a game you can jump right into? If so, then slots would be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a game which slows the pace down and stimulates the mind, then table games will be your number 1 choice.
Whatever you choose, make sure you pick SpinGenie as your online casino of choice. Our safe site has a huge selection of slot games and table games, as well as instant win, Slingo games, and live casino games. Sign up and play today to discover more.
