Modern collections of online casino games will have several subgenres. The largest will almost always be slots, but online casino variety games are becoming more and more common. Slots are the classic online casino game, while variety titles are the new kid on the block.
Curious what to expect from these two genres? Each offers a unique experience for players, differing in speed, presentation, accessibility, and more. Read on to learn whether slots or variety games are right for your play style.
What Are Slots?
Slots are common in all casinos, whether brick-and-mortar casinos or online casinos. These games have several reels covered in various symbols. Each round is one “spin,” where the reels rapidly rotate and stop at random. If a line of symbols is formed, you win the associated payout.
As for what online slots are, these are a digital version of real-life slot machines. Online slots use random number generators (RNGs) to keep their outcomes fair and unpredictable. They can also introduce new game mechanics that would be impossible on a mechanical slot machine, such as payout multipliers.
What Are Variety Games?
What are online casino variety games? The term “variety games” covers a number of subgenres, but all variety games are highly simplified games. New and casual players are the biggest audience, as variety games are especially easy to learn and play — it’s common to play variety games in short spurts, squeezing in as many rounds as possible, then stepping away.
Variety games truly found their footing in online casinos, but many titles adapt real-life games for online play. Plinko, bingo, and scratch games are a few examples.
Why Variety Games Are Grouped Separately From Slots
Even though slots and variety games are both chance-based games running on RNGs, they’ll each have their own subcategory in an online casino’s games library. This is partially due to player demand, as all types of slots are incredibly popular, so having quick access to all slot games at once is desirable.
But the other reason is that variety and arcade-style casino games are targeting a different playstyle than slot machines. Slots use theming and graphics to build tension over several rounds with a potential big, bursting payout, while variety games offer instant gratification.
There are several aspects of slots and variety games that differ, from the game mechanics to the presentation. Get a feel for what each genre has to offer:
Game Mechanics and Outcomes
Slot machines are built around spinning reels and lining up symbols, while an assortment of different slot features spice up that basic formula. You can switch between slot machines and broadly understand how the game mechanics and outcomes work.
Variety games can have wildly different mechanics, from selecting numbers to dropping balls to choosing when to cash out to playing an entire round just by pressing the start button. Outcomes will also vary, so it’s important to read up on the rules of a given variety game.
Pacing and Session Length
Variety games are some of the fast-paced casino games available. A single round takes just a few seconds, win or lose. There’s also an expectation that your overall play sessions will be shorter.
On the other hand, slots like to include dramatic animations that take extra time, especially around bonus rounds or large payouts. Your play sessions are also assumed to be longer.
Visual Design and Gameplay Format
Slots are known for their presentation, with gorgeous graphics and sound design. Themed slot games can immerse you in a historical era or a beloved media franchise. Game mechanics are integrated with this theming to help them blend in.
Variety games strip away as much presentation as possible and keep things minimalist. While this makes the games less performance-intensive, they sometimes don’t have the visual appeal of slots.
Why Some Players Prefer Variety Games
Variety games are getting a lot of attention, and online casinos are responding by introducing more variety titles to their game collections. But why are so many players attracted to variety games?
Simple Gameplay and Quick Outcomes
Playing a variety game often comes down to pressing the start button and watching a round play out to see whether you’ve won. This streamlined gameplay creates a low barrier to entry for new players. And speedy gameplay means that even if you only have a few minutes of spare time, you can still squeeze in a couple of dozen rounds.
Appeal to Casual and Mobile Players
Simplified rules and visuals make variety games incredibly intuitive for new players. This has shown to appeal to casual players who just play for fun and don’t focus on strategy. But this also makes variety games perfect for mobile play, which emphasizes accessibility and ease-of-use through casino apps like the BetMGM mobile app.
When Slots Might Be the Better Choice
Even with the recent popularity of variety games, slots have a timeless appeal that draws in veteran players. Aside from consistent gameplay that makes slots some of the best casino games for beginners, there are a few other reasons to pick slots over variety games.
Preference for Reel-Based Gameplay
Reels and symbols are staples of any casino, and the popularity of slots has shown that players still love to try their luck by spinning reels. The randomization of a slots spin is visually clear as you see the symbols spin past, and the variety of possible symbol outcomes means no two spins are quite the same.
Longer Play Sessions
Slots encourage you to stick with one game for longer, whether you’re building up towards a bonus feature or just trying to clock plenty of spins so your wins and losses average out. If you’re in the mood to pick out a single title, get comfy, and play for longer than five minutes, slots might be right for you.
Playing Slots and Variety Games at BetMGM Casino
BetMGM Casino puts all of the most popular types of variety games at your fingertips, alongside a huge selection of online slots to play. Register for access to these online gambling experiences and see how variety games live up to the hype.
