Games of chance have captured the attention of casino players for generations, but there are new options like Plinko that are being compared to timeless classics like online slots. Both offer randomness, excitement and potential payouts but there are differences in the mechanics, volatility and player control. Let’s take a look at the risk-reward ratio of Plinko gambling and classic slots.
Understanding Plinko: Combination of Physics and Probability
Playing the Plinko game online is pretty simple for beginners and experienced gamblers. The game is inspired by the popular pricing show segment, and works by dropping a ball at the top of a pegged board. It bounces unpredictably to a prize slot at the bottom. The Plinko game is easily available at online casinos, gambling apps, and crypto platforms.
Follow the steps below to play Plinko:
Choose your bet amount, the board size with settings like 8, 12 or 16 rows that can increase payout, and the volatility like low, medium or high risk levels.
Click on the Play button and drop the Plinko ball in one of the top slots.
Watch the ball as it bounces unpredictably through the pegs until it lands on a bottom slot.
Receive the payout for the slot that the ball landed in.
In Plinko gambling, players have a slight control over the risk level and entry point of the game.
Classic Slots: Random and Rewarding
Classic slots are the most popular type of online slots, known for reminding you of traditional slot machines of the past. Online slots are usually easy to play, involving spinning the reels with different symbols and then getting a payout.
Newer video slots have complex themes and bonus rounds, while classic slots keep it simple with three reels and a limited number of paylines. They usually have symbols like fruits, 7s, BAR, and more.
The volatility of online slots depends on the return to player (RTP) percentage and hit frequency, and all the outcomes are fully random, determined by random number generators. Some of them also have features like free spins, multipliers and jackpots.
Follow the steps below to play classic slots:
Select your bet per line and in some cases, the number of paylines. These multiplied together gives you the total bet.
Click on Spin until you win.
To win, you need to land three or more identical symbols on any of the given paylines.
Then, you get the corresponding payout for the symbols you landed.
Similarities and Differences of Plinko and Classic Slots
Though Plinko games and classic slot machines have distinct design and gameplay, they share some similarities as games of chance. By reading slot and Plinko reviews, players can learn the diverse features of these games.
Some of the similarities between Plinko gambling and classic slots include:
Rely on chance: Outcomes of both games are ultimately random and usually driven by an RNG or provably fairness.
Require no skill: Players don’t need any prior knowledge or advanced strategies to play Plinko or online slots.
Offer variable payouts: Both games can give small, medium or large wins depending on the setup. With slots, you can choose the paylines, and with Plinko, you can choose the board size.
Use multiplier-based rewards: Payouts in both games are typically a multiple of the initial stake.
Popularity in online casinos: Players in the UK and beyond can access both through diverse casino platforms.
Despite their similarities, there are some differences between the Plinko game online and classic slots.
Feature
Plinko
Classic Slots
Player control
Players can adjust the risk, rows and entry point.
Mechanics are fixed with no control.
Game design
Pegboard physics.
Reels with spinning symbols.
Volatility
User-defined.
Predetermined by the slot.
Game length
Instant outcome.
Can be extended via bonuses.
Graphics/Themes
Minimalist, arcade-style.
Rich themes and storylines.
Transparency
Provably fair.
Standard RNG.
Comparing Payout Potential in Plinko and Classic Slots
The risk-reward ratio of Plinko and online slots differ significantly. While both can provide high rewards, the structure of these rewards varies.
In Plinko, there are high-risk settings which increase the potential multipliers, sometimes 1000x or more. If you reduce the risk of the game to low or medium, you can get steady and small wins. The longer the board, the wider your prize range.
As for online slots, the RTP can be between 92% and 97%, sometimes way less. High volatility slots pay less often but in large amounts, while low volatility games pay frequently but small amounts. Some slots offer jackpots but these are pretty rare to win.
Which Game Wins?
There’s none that is better between Plinko and classic slots, as it depends on your preferences. If you want to control the risk level, you enjoy faster gameplay and instant results, and you value provably fair mechanics, then you should choose Plinko. But if you want themed games with narrative-driven features, extra bonuses and jackpots, and hands-off gameplay, slots are suitable.
