Match title, studio and version
Open the information screen in both modes. Record the complete title, provider or studio, version/build string and rule date when available. A lobby thumbnail is not enough: a reskinned title, regional build or jackpot edition may use different rules even when the reels look familiar.
Compare paytable and feature rules
Check symbol payouts, paylines or ways, feature triggers, feature-buy cost, jackpot contribution and maximum win. Use the same stake level and selected mode. A bonus-buy or tournament mode should not be compared with the base game as though it were the identical wager.
Read the displayed RTP carefully
If both versions publish an RTP, save the figure and where it appears. Some providers distribute several approved settings, and the operator may choose among them. Do not estimate RTP from a few hundred spins or from how quickly a demo balance rises; long-run design values are not personal-session forecasts.
Separate learning value from payout claims
Demo mode is useful for testing controls, volatility feel and feature flow without staking cash. It cannot demonstrate that a future paid session will behave the same way. If the information panels disagree, treat them as separate configurations and decide using the real-money rules displayed before play.