Slots are the most popular vertical of games among online and retail casinos. Slots make up 75.4% of the Pennsylvania online casino revenue, while retail slots generate 72% of land-based casino revenue so far in 2023.
PlayPennsylvania spoke with online content creator Tiffany Gambla to help bettors understand the nuances of slot games, both online and retail. Gambla is a Staten Island, New York native and spends most of her time gambling at Atlantic City casinos. She also documents her slot experiences via her YouTube channel and Twitch streams.
The top differences between online and retail casinos
The most obvious difference between online and retail casinos is that with one, bettors can enjoy playing in the comfort of their own home. The other, you get to experience other amenities and entertainment casinos have to offer.
From Gambla’s experiences, novice or infrequent retail gamblers do not receive the promotions an online gambler would normally get. When Gambla logs into an online casino, nine times out of 10 she receives a deposit bonus of at least 20% and 25 free spins on a specific slot.
“As someone who genuinely enjoys playing slots, these promos make my bankroll last longer which means more hours of fun for me, and more chances to win,” Gambla told PlayPennsylvania.
Using retail casinos and online apps together
Gambla uses her online casinos and retail locations together by taking advantage of rewards. Online casino rewards can often be redeemed at a retail establishment.
Gambla’s favorite app is Caesars Casino because it’s easy to navigate and always adding new slots. Soon, Caesars will be unveiling a new standalone online casino app.
Most recently, Caesars partnered with Evolution Gaming to bring live dealer games, and Inspired Entertainment to provide premium slot titles to players.
Gambla is able to reap in-person benefits by playing on her favorite online casino.
“I love how I earn tier points for playing slots that go toward my Caesars Rewards diamond status in Atlantic City/Las Vegas without having to leave my house, which can save thousands of dollars in travel and food,” Gambla explained. “They also have great deposit bonuses multiple times a week.”
As an experienced slot player, Gambla often receives promotions from the NJ casinos she gambles in. Her slot play typically leads to free hotel stays and some of her favorite food promotions. Gambla said:
“When it comes to ROI from casinos, slot gambling compared to table games and sports betting is the easiest way to have a casino send you offers for free rooms and food without risking hundreds of dollars in a matter of minutes. Though slot machines may have the highest casino edge on the casino floor, the free gifts and free slot play lighten the burden.”
Gambla’s favorite NJ and PA casinos
Gambla’s favorite casino in Atlantic City is Ocean Resort.
“It’s the only casino you can check via website and select which floor and room you want even before you get there,” she said. “You just pick up your keys at the front desk. I have never seen any hotel do this.”
She also said Ocean Resort has great food for every price range.
Gambla noted that Mount Airy Casino is her favorite to visit in Pennsylvania. The amenities Mount Airy Casino provides with the golf course, pool and food service sets itself apart from other casinos in the Keystone State.
PA casinos have been more focused on reinventing themselves as entertainment destinations, in addition to gambling establishments.
The appeal of gambling with slot games
As Gambla said above, bettors do not have to be spending hundreds of dollars to get worthy promotions. She was initially interested in playing table games when visiting casinos, until she realized most of the fun involved slot games.
Gambla was able to play slots for hours by betting 10 cents per spin.
“The appeal of slots for me is knowing I can bet 10 cents and have a possibility of winning a progressive jackpot of $5,000,” she said.
Gambla learned slots as she went. Matching three symbols from left to right is a win. All other combinations are additional ways to win or lose. Gambla recommends new players try a slot that has a theme that’s exciting or familiar, such as a TV show or restaurant.
“You can remember the value of symbols and know when to get excited about a bonus because you will have a better chance of remembering the symbol,” Gambla explained.
One of Gambla’s favorite slots is Wolf Run Megajackpots on Caesars or BetMGM Casino. It offers the chance to win $500,000 with the extra set of wilds that can enhance the odds of a big win.
Gambla recommends players set a loss limit, even if it’s a low amount.
“Remember, you’re here to have fun, not turn a profit,” Gambla said. “Enjoy the atmosphere, the fun of the game, the free drink and the possibility of winning.”
How to follow Tiffany Gambla
Gambla is using her gaming experience to grow as a content creator. In addition to Gambla’s Youtube channel, she streams several times a week for TheSlotSquad playing on legal NJ casino websites and at Atlantic City casinos.
Gambla has a 15 minute gambling session every Wednesday on resortlive.com at 7 p.m. She performs high limit bets and tries to hit big on slots and table games.
She currently runs two fun games for online players on Resortscasino.com called “House Money” and “Beat the Streamer,” where players spin to win on the online casino and earn money for their accounts.
Gambla also plans to start a podcast once she finds a co-host.
