Free Slots vs. Tabletop Gaming: What They Share in Common and Where They Differ
Slots and tabletop games appeal to casino players for different reasons. Both of them are old-school casino classics that have been reimagined for digital platforms.
We will argue that the gaming mechanism of any tabletop game is different from that of slot games. Slots are purely luck. They’re operated by a random number generator (RNG), whereas tabletop games involve strategy, understanding human behavior, and, if your mind works that way, mathematics and probability.
Despite that, free slots and table games do share similar concepts as much as they do differences. Read on to find out more.
What Free Slots and Tabletop Casino Gaming Share in Common?
On the surface, you would think free online slots and tabletop casino gaming share nothing in common. As we mentioned, slots are purely luck, and tabletop games are more strategy-based.
Some of the most common tabletop games include:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
They’re the nostalgic, land-based casino games that players can now access on the go at online casinos.
The only variations in slots are the themes, paylines, and Megaways games, with their symbols that appear, dissolve, and reappear to give players the opportunity to win more money.
Where they’re similar is that both gaming mechanisms follow well-studied behavioral reinforcement cycles. Free slots use short reward intervals and win animations to make everything feel more gamified and exciting, and are more likely to keep players playing.
Tabletop games have a longer reward cycle and might not come with the bright lights or themes of slot games, but players still achieve milestones, complete quests, and solve problems to create a reward-based cycle.
Even though that reward-based cycle is slightly different for both, it still follows the principle of action, anticipation, outcome, reward (hopefully), and repeat.
And what we like about them both is that they both emphasize accessibility. Free slots naturally have a low barrier to entry and are extremely low risk, especially if they are no-wagering free slot spins.
Tabletop gaming has lowered its barrier to entry by taking away the complexity of the game. Everyone knows the rules of poker are more difficult than a simple click to spin some paylines. If you look at online casinos now, tabletop games have more beginner-friendly rulesets and lite versions, and cooperative formats that reduce complexity.
Probably the best similarity is that they both have large online communities. Free slots and tabletop games have big online communities with:
- Leaderboards
- Shared challenges
- Social-casino ecosystems
- Fan groups on social platforms
- Game-night culture
- Local clubs
How They’re Also Both Very Different?
It’s easier to find differences than similarities.
Free slots use the RGN-based mechanism we mentioned that luck ultimately determines. Players have a higher chance of winning if they go for slots with a higher return-to-player percentage. We’d recommend finding one that’s 95% and above.
Tabletop games are strategic, with players planning and negotiating throughout the game to win. Most of the time, the player determines the outcome of the game, and there’s no control over the probability distribution.
There’s also a huge difference in how much cognitive engagement the two take. Slots require minimal effort. Most of the time, unless it’s a Megaways slot with different features, it’s as simple as clicking and watching the payline spin.
If you want minimal effort gaming, free slot spins are perfect. For more intense thinking and cognitive demand, tabletop games are better.
Why Players Love Free Slots?
Why wouldn’t players love free slots? Anything free is a win, even if you don’t win. They’re a low-risk, free way to enjoy casino games without putting in any effort.
And just because they’re free, it doesn’t mean players won’t win. Free slot spins regularly payout, even if it is just enough for players to spin again.
Most of the time, players can use their free spins on any slot title, although sometimes they are limited, especially if the free spins are exclusive to Megaways titles or standard slot games.
Why Players Love Tabletop Gaming Casino?
Players are more on edge when playing tabletop casino games. They’re so much more engaging, and even if they’re not free, the idea of winning a more complex game makes the reward feel more exciting.
Some casino gamers also prefer to play in a more social online environment, which is why live dealer games or group board games are so popular. Even though slots do have social communities and live leaderboards, it’s not the same as actually playing against people.
You already had that experience with tabletop games on iGaming platforms, but that live interactive variety, such as live poker or baccarat, really adds to the social experience. You’re using microphones to talk and sometimes cameras to see people around the table, not only the dealer.
