In the past, poker machines (pokies as the Australians will call them) could only be played in casinos, pubs, or clubs. You had to be there in person to enjoy the fun and entertainment these machines provided.

These days, australian pokies online are available at your fingertips (literally on your smartphones). You can enjoy the thrill of gambling without leaving the comfort of your home. This technological advancement has also led to an increase in the number of players worldwide.

While these two forms of pokies (live and online) are still being patronized all around the world, one cannot help but wonder which one is more advantageous. To decide on that, you will need to look at the pros and cons of both forms.

Therefore, in this article, we will provide you with the pros and cons of both forms. This way, you can then decide which one offers you the best advantages.

Online Pokies

Pros of Online Pokies

The following are the pros of online pokies:

1. Convenience

Without a shadow of doubt, this is the major reason most players prefer this form to live slots. You can play the games anywhere and anytime as virtual casinos are usually open all day and all night long: This cannot be said of live casinos.

The mobile-friendliness of the games allows you to play even while on transit. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the fun even while you move around.

2. Higher Incentives

The rewards and bonuses the online operators offer are miles better compared to on-site casinos. Little wonder why the number of virtual casino gamblers keeps increasing by the day.

3. Additional Variety

There are several thousand gaming houses you can find on the internet these days. Hence, you have different options you can choose from. Apart from that, virtual casinos provide players with so many types of pokies that traditional land-based pokies do not provide.

4. No need for Physical Interaction

The current trend is more virtual interaction rather than physical interaction. Hence, we work remotely, shop remotely, meet friends online, and even virtual date. As a result most people see it as the new normal and gambling virtually is just part of it. Besides, for those who would like some privacy, this form provides just that.

While many folks do not see the need for physical interaction, there’s no denying how important it is. Visit https://www.nytimes.com/ to learn why social interaction is critical for mental and physical health.

Cons of Online Pokies

The following are the cons of online pokies:

1. No Socialization

Some people go to land-based casinos to socialize and mingle with other players. This is something you won’t get from this form. Therefore, if you are the type that loves socializing and interacting with others while you play your games, web-based gaming houses might not be for you.

2. The Possibility of Spending more is higher

When you play online, the operators usually provide you the opportunity to set a limit on how much you can gamble based on your financial power. However, the fact that they don’t insist that a player deposits a set amount places the player at a higher risk of spending beyond what they should.

Land-based gaming houses have this risk; nevertheless, the possibility of getting carried away is higher when playing online.

Live Pokies

Pros of Live Pokies

The following are the pros of live pokies:

1. The Atmosphere Experience

You cannot compare the atmosphere of a live casino to the atmosphere when you are all alone in your room just gambling on your smartphone. The flashing lights, the loud surroundings, the sound of supporting cheers, and the interaction with other players are something that a virtual casino cannot recreate.

Hence, many agree that it is more fun and exciting to gamble live than virtually. The excitement really hits the roof when you win big and others get to experience it with you. No matter how much you win online, you end up celebrating it alone because nobody witnessed it.

2. You Think Better

This is in no way derogatory to virtual players, but the nonstop nature of gaming online doesn’t offer a player the chance to think clearly. Whereas, when you are playing live, you can pace yourself better and stick to your budget.

Even when you want to keep playing after exhausting your current funds, you will need to get to a cash machine or cashier. At this point, you can think about whether to stop playing or continue. Hence, you can evaluate your situation and make a wise decision.

3. You Give Back to the Economy

This might sound strange but players in land-based casinos actually contribute to the economic growth of their communities especially if they patronize local gaming houses. Such establishments employ people from the community to run the business such as cleaners, waiters, croupiers, etc. Hence, since these individuals get paid by the establishment, the local economy also gets a boost. Click here to find out more about the relationship between casinos and economic development.

Cons of Live Pokies

The following are the cons of live pokies:

1. Less Variety

When you go to a land-based gaming house, you can only play the games that have been installed in the facility. You don’t have the option of choosing varieties. Therefore, playing the same games can become boring for some folks after a while.

2. Moves and Expressions must be controlled

Since you are playing with and against others who can see and hear you, you need to be in control over your emotions, moves, and expressions. Failure to do this will lead to exploitation of your weaknesses which could cost you a game. Therefore, your poker face needs to be as strong as ever even when you bluff to prevent your opponent from seeing through your bluff.

In contrast, you don’t need to do all this when you play online. You can be as excited or anxious as you want to be and your opponent won’t know a thing.

Conclusion

Online pokies have come to stay, but that doesn’t mean they’ve completely replaced live pokies. Both forms still have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in the article above, we have reviewed the major pros and cons for both forms. With the information we shared, you can decide which form suits you best. Or better yet, have a taste of both worlds.