Games of luck and games of skill represent the two halves of online casino gaming. Few punters outside the gambling realm acknowledge the difference as they consider them to be synonymous – after all, these are all games you can play at the best casino websites online, right?
True, but to truly understand the world of casino gaming, it’s important to understand what each type is. Read on to find out the main characteristics of skill-based and luck-based games.
What Are Games of Luck?
Games of luck or games of chance are casino games in which the round outcome depends on luck, not the actions of players. All dice games such as craps and Sic Bo, online slots, roulette, keno, and bingo are games of luck.
In these games, players have no control over the outcome, or even over the action happening in the game. In most cases, the players need only place a bet and wait as the game plays out.
Video slots are hands down the most popular category of luck-based games. Thousands of slots exist – and the number keeps growing. Online casino brands, along with software companies making the games, have realised the importance of effortless entertainment, and so they’ve found slots as the inexhaustible source of fun for years to come. Slots are easy as they all have simple, uniform gameplay – the rules are always the same – while the storyline, design, theme, and features provide the much-needed flourish for the players. That way, the punters always get something that’s entertaining without being overly complex to learn and master.
When it comes to other luck games, the most popular variant is certainly roulette. This table game has been a fan-favourite choice for centuries, so it’s not surprising companies found a way to profit off its introduction to the online realm. The rules were kept: players watch the (live or artificial) dealers spin the wheel, wait for the ball to land in a pocket, and then declare the winners of the round.
Keno, bingo and similar ball & dice games are additional examples of luck-based casino games that are present at online casinos. Players who play these games are mere spectators of the show who closely watch the action but do not contribute to the round – but they still get to reap all the benefits, of course. Games of chance are popular among casual players.
What Are Games of Skill?
The other side of the fun coin is skill-based gambling. Gambling games come in all shapes and sizes, but the classic, core gambling games are games of skill – poker, blackjack, Rummy, and other card games.
Skill-based games are games in which the outcome depends on the player’s actions, i.e. players must participate in the round and make decisions that will ultimately lead them to either a win or a loss. Blackjack is the most obvious example.
In blackjack, players have three possible reactions – and moves – after they’ve been given a certain pair of cards. Based on the cards they’ve received, they decide what move to make which would bring them closer to a win. Blackjack charts exist to help players make a better decision based on the pair that has been dealt. Some players use charts, others don’t – but the point remains that it’s up to the players to decide what they want to do. And their action affects the outcome of the game, which means casual players who aren’t invested in the game won’t be as successful as professional punters are.
The same thing applies to poker, despite the disparity in rules between the two card games. Poker games are notorious for the level of risk involved in the game. There’s also the poker face – punters play their opponents, rather than the house. Bluffing is their main tool – have you watched the poker game scene in Bond’s Casino Royale movie?
Due to the skill that’s required for playing, card games that are classified as skill games are more intense than casual games. The stakes are higher, and so the rounds are riskier – but the possible payouts are better than luck-based gaming wins.
What Game Type to Choose?
New casino players who are getting ready to enter the gaming arena are often confused about game choices. Which one to pick? Are luck-based games better than games of skill?
The answer is different for each player. It all boils down to the player preferences and tastes. If a newbie does not like intense, action-packed games that are risky, then they should first try games of chance. Video slots are a good overture for casual games, while roulette is a good choice for those interested in a classic gambling adventure.
On the other hand, those looking for something a bit more substantial can try blackjack and poker games, but not use real money right away. Free play casino games are something they should try first, as free games allow players to experience the games without risking actual money.
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