FROM BATTLE ARENAS TO BONUS ROUNDS: THE GAMER’S GUIDE TO ONLINE SLOTS

The gaming to gambling pipeline has witnessed quite an increase in numbers in the last few years. Gamers everywhere are turning to casino games for all sorts of reasons, including socialization, relaxation, and a taste of a different kind of competition. And with real online slots becoming more accessible as more operators expand their reach and improve their mobile websites, the figures are due to become even higher. But what’s the link between these two worlds? What’s more, how can gamers succeed in the gambling industry? This guide breaks it all down.

Are Gaming and Gambling Related?

While gaming and gambling may seem quite different on the surface, they actually have a lot in common. Consider the following similarities:

1. They rely on chance. In casino games, players have the choice to play games of chance or of skill. But no matter what they choose, they never truly control the outcomes. The best they can do is work with the hand that they have been dealt, e.g., in a poker game, a player can only try to beat their opponents with the cards they have, but cannot influence the cards that they get. In the same way, video games rely on luck to influence factors such as critical hits, enemy spawns, and more. So, the gamers cannot determine what they encounter in the game. All they can do is figure out how best to overcome the hurdles.
2. They include rewards. Consider the typical video game, which often features missions. The more a player completes these quests, the more chances they get to collect prizes, make a name for themselves, and even make it to the exclusive games. These aspects serve as motivation to keep going. In the casino world, players enjoy incentives such as bonus rounds and loyalty programs, which allow them to get access to more games. Sometimes, players also get to test new games before they are on the market.
3. They pay out in gains. In the video game world, players get access to valuable items such as loot boxes, collectibles, and even NFTs. These are often transferrable for real cash, which allows players to monetize their rewards. In the casino world, winning in real-money games equates to getting paid.
4. They are competitive. In this new age, online casino games have evolved to include tournaments and leaderboards, which are similar to the rankings in video games. Gamers and gamblers all love the prospects of featuring on these boards and often work hard to secure or retain their place in these spaces.

Thanks to these similarities, gamers have found the transition to gambling quite easy. After all, they understand that games carry risks, are invested in the rewards they get from the games, and already enjoy competitive environments.

Making a Smooth Transition

While gaming and gambling may have a lot in common, there are aspects of casino games that may be new to gamers and could hurt their chances. As such, we have compiled a few tips to help you get started with confidence:

Understand the Key Terms

Casino games come in different forms, ranging from games of pure luck (like baccarat), games that heavily rely on skill (like poker), and games that lie between these two categories (like slots with skill-based elements). No matter what you choose, it is important to understand the following things:

• Return to player percentage (RTP): This figure shows you how much the game pays back over time. The higher it is, the easier it will be to win in the game and turn a profit, e.g., 98% is much better than 89%.
• Volatility: This figure tells you how often the game pays out as well as the size of the payouts. If it is high, it means you will win less often, but the wins will be big. If it is low, it means you will win often, but the returns will be small. It is often best to go for a moderate figure as it allows you to balance the winning frequency with the payouts.

With these numbers, it will be much easier for you to decide just how much risk you can handle. Then, you can choose a game that is more your speed.

Manage Your Spending

Take the example of a first-person shooter game. A gamer must consider how many weapons they have, how strong they are, and when it is best to use them. For example, if you can get past an enemy without firing a weapon, that’s what you do, and that’s how you manage to stay alive and ahead of your opponents.

The same principles apply in casino games. First of all, you always want to set a budget that enables you to know just how much money you can spend on the games. Knowing that there are no guarantees, ensure that the money you set aside is not what you will need to cover your basic needs, like food and housing. Secondly, you want to take advantage of all the bonuses you can get, as these allow you to avoid using your money while still giving you the chance to make a play for the winnings. And third, you want to have a plan. Know how much profit you need before you walk away. Most importantly, do not chase losses.