If you are new to casino gaming or you are considering trying it out, you may find yourself pondering this age-old casino question: are casino games based on luck or skill? Or which of the two is more important?
Unfortunately, this question may not be as straightforward as you might have liked, as they are both important. Some games will need more luck, and others will need more skill. But one thing they will all need is a basic understanding of the concept.
So today, we’ll delve into this topic with insights from Bernard Maumo, an online casino expert from OnlineCasinoRank. The site helps users rank the best online casinos by country.
The Element of Luck
One thing that you have to understand is that all online casino games have an element of luck. After all, this is what is tilted to come up with what we usually refer to as the “house edge.” This edge is basically the luck being altered to ensure that the house wins over time, which is why you might have heard of the phrase “the house always wins.”
To create the element of luck, online casino games typically use Random Number Generators (RNGs). These are algorithms whose job is to choose a random number when you are playing. But luck is not a bad thing. It is what creates the excitement of winning since outcomes are pretty much unpredictable. The element of luck also makes it possible for beginners to play and have a chance at winning.
The Influence of Skill
It’s not all about luck in casinos. There are other games that will need you to have a deep understanding of the game. This means that in such games, you will need to do your research first. Understand how the game itself works, then find a way you can win against your opponents. In other words, you’ll need a strategy, and one that works for somebody else may not work for you. As such, you’ll also need to practice.
When you are playing a game like blackjack, it is this skill that will help you decide when to hit, stand, double down, or split your cards. You will also need to read the dynamics of a particular game and change your strategy accordingly.
Games on the Luck-Skill Spectrum
Maumo, an expert at ranking online casinos by country, notes that casino games typically lie somewhere on the luck and skill spectrum.
Pure luck games
There are games where you don’t have control, and you are just relying on luck to win. The best example of this is slot machines. You make the spin, but the outcome is purely determined by a random number generator. You won’t need to be a master of anything – maybe just choosing a slot game that has a higher RTP.
Other games that most people would consider games of pure luck are roulette and most forms of lottery and bingo.
Skill-based games
When it comes to skill, the highlights are usually poker and blackjack. In poker, skill shines as the game is complex and has many factors that determine whether you win. It’s more of a mathematical and psychological game. You need to calculate odds and probabilities in your mind, you have to read your opponents’ emotions, and you have to hide yours.
In blackjack, you will need a strategy that you can use to reduce the house edge. You might have heard of card counting, which should tell you that your mind needs to be working overtime.
Games with a blend of luck and skill
According to Maumo, games that fall in this class can often be classified as games of luck. However, unlike slots, there are some games where you can use your skills to improve your odds of winning. For example, when playing craps, you have no control over where the dice will fall. However, if you are skillful, you can make strategic decisions from there. If you analyze the game well, you can know when to bet, when to take odds, and when to avoid certain bets. Other games that fall here are Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, and various other poker variants.
Finding Your Comfort Zone
So, where do you stand in this spectrum? Well, the answer depends on your capabilities and what gives you thrill. If you want an intellectual challenge, you can learn a game such as poker or blackjack. If you want to savor the joy of pure luck, you can go for a game such as slots. Indulge in your preferences, but don’t forget to be adventurous, as the world of online gaming has a lot you can explore.
