The Biggest Advantages and Downsides of Popular Online Gambling Games

The modern gambling industry incorporates two distinct variations, mainly the online one on internet casinos and the traditional act of playing games at local establishments. As one large market, the online side of things is rapidly taking over, as most activity is done on platforms that offer thousands of games of every kind. Due to the onset of technology and innovative ways of playing the classic games, new generations do not need to go to brick and mortar casinos. However, that does not mean that the games and their core formulas have changed. Both on the internet and in your hometown, casino games are largely the same. If you know the rules and the gameplay for one type, you can play any other. 

In such a wide market with so many options, though, it can get rather overwhelming for users to pick and choose a game to play. Even those more experienced lack the necessary know-how to be consistently good at their favorite titles. For a number of reasons, the main thing to blame here is not knowing the main benefits and negatives of each of the popular games. Getting familiar with the advantages of a game and knowing what its downsides are is usually the deciding factor in winning or losing. If you want to know the intricate details about each of the games available on platforms like Bitcasino, read on to learn about them on another level. Only then will you be able to win more consistently and save your bankroll. 

Poker

Poker is, without a doubt, the most recognizable card game in the world. It is synonymous with gambling and casinos, and it transcends the industry as a social and entertainment phenomenon. It stands out as the most skill based gambling game out there, and unlike most other casino games, you do not play against the house. You face other players. This, right from the start, makes it very different, and the right approach is needed. A skilled player can win consistently over time. Bluffing, reading opponents, and calculating odds make it intellectually stimulating. Online platforms also allow multi-tabling, which gives players more chances to profit. All of this can be considered an advantage, provided you devote time and effort to get good at the game.

The downside of the game is that the skill gap between players can be brutal. Beginners often lose quickly against experienced veterans, and there is also the psychological toll. Longer sessions and bad beats, i.e., losing despite having the statistical edge, can lead to frustration and poor decisions. What is more, since it is player versus player (PVP), there is no house edge to beat, but the cut taken by the platform (rake) can eat into your profits. Even when you get a steady winning streak, a cold streak can wipe out the money you have won. It is a game that does not forgive any mistakes, and it is therefore not for the faint of heart. 

Plinko

As a gambling game, Plinko is simple, fast, and visually engaging. All you do is drop a ball down a pegboard and watch it bounce randomly into multipliers at the bottom. The low effort gameplay is perfect for casual players who just want to see if luck is on their side and have some fun while doing so. Some versions offer varying risk levels and higher multipliers with more volatility. They allow the players to choose how many multipliers there are or how many balls are dropped. A modern Plinko simulator usually offers different ways to make the game feel yours. 

The catch? There is zero strategy. It is all based on luck. Call it randomness, or RNG (random number generation), it hardly matters. The house edge can be significant, especially in low and medium risk varieties. The simplicity makes it accessible, meaning it lacks depth, and entertainment is the main goal, not winning consistently and getting good at the game. It is meant for engaging and immersive fun, especially the newer varieties with fun graphical and audio elements, or hidden stages and bonus rounds.

Blackjack

While poker may be more well known around the world, blackjack is the more beloved and played card game in most casinos. The reason? It has a great luck skill balance, and you play against the dealer, not other players. It is one of the lowest house edge games (below 1%) when played with perfect basic strategy. Players can influence the outcomes by making statistically optimal decisions. The fast paced and highly popular online varieties also feature live dealers that add social elements. Basically, if you want a fair chance at winning, blackjack is the best option out of any of the classic, traditional casino games. 

So are there any downsides to a seemingly perfect game such as this? Of course, it is gambling after all. Blackjack mistakes are costly. Deviating from an optimal strategy, like hitting on 16 against a dealer 7, increases the house edge significantly. A player using basic strategy perfectly in an 8 deck game may face a house edge of 0.5%. However, one wrong move per hand can push it to more than 2%. What is more, many online versions use continuous shuffling or software that makes card counting impossible, thus removing the biggest edge skilled players could once exploit. Still, it is one of the best options on this list. 

Roulette 

Roulette is an iconic casino game that is easy to understand. Simply pick a number, a color, or a section, and spin the wheel. European roulette has better odds and a 2.7% house edge than the American at 5.26%, since it only has 0, instead of both 0 and 00. Players can mix high risk bets of single numbers with safer ones on red/black or even/odd, making the game appealing to all types of players. So the simplicity and choice are its main advantages. 

The downside is the illusion of control, or rather, the fact that the game is completely based on luck. It may not seem like it, but systems like the Martingale are only appealing in theory. In reality, they can drain the bankroll. The variance is high, and the house edge cannot be beaten over time. Basically, each ball spin, especially online, is independent and luck based. It relies on algorithms and RNG. All you can do is choose what to bet and maximize your chances. 

Slots 

Slot machines, both online and offline, are the easiest game when it comes to pointing out the pros and cons. The positives? The insane amount of choice, the superb simplicity of gameplay, and engaging visual elements and themes. The games are creative, have bonus rounds, are fun, and theoretically have massive payouts with progressive jackpots. And yes, a single spin can be life changing and award you millions. If you think of them as entertainment with a slight chance of winning, good. 

However, the odds are never in your favor, and the games should be thought of as nothing but luck and randomness. The RTP (return to player) rating is not well advertised, and the players fail to realize what it means. Many slots have an RTP of between 90% and as high as 98% or 99%. This means that the house keeps anywhere from 2% to 10% of every bet over time, not that it pays that percentage of time. Slots are also the most addictive form of gambling because of their rapid play speed, sensory feedback, and the infamous “near miss” design that keeps you playing.