Even if you haven’t heard of ‘Plinko’ before, you’ve likely seen it. Inspired by the Japanese game Pachinko, Plinko gained popularity in the West through the game show The Price Is Right.
With the rise of online and mobile gaming, Plinko has become a popular instant win casino game. As its popularity grows, it’s essential for players to understand key aspects of the game, including the house edge. Today, we’ll take a closer look at how the house edge applies to Plinko games.
What is House Edge?
The house edge is the mathematical advantage a casino holds over players in the long run. Expressed as a percentage, it represents the portion of wagers the casino expects to retain over time, while the rest is returned to players as RTP (Return to Player).
While the house edge ensures the casino’s profitability, individual gaming sessions remain unpredictable due to random chance. This is why some players can still walk away with significant winnings.
How Does House Edge Work in Plinko?
Like most online casino games, Plinko uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine outcomes. The RNG dictates the path the ball will take as it bounces off pegs, as well as the slot it ultimately lands in.
The game’s math model ensures that payouts align with the predetermined house edge and RTP. The host casino or game developer sets payout amounts, maintaining fairness while allowing the casino to generate revenue.
For comparison, consider a European roulette wheel, which has 37 numbers (1-36 plus a green zero). The odds of landing a single number bet are 1 in 37, yet the payout is 35:1, creating a 2.7% house edge. This same principle applies to Plinko, where probability influences payouts.
To ensure fairness, third-party auditors such as iTech Labs and eCOGRA regularly test casino game RNGs.
How to Play Plinko?
Plinko is a simple game where players drop a ball or chip from the top of the board, watching as it bounces off pegs and lands in a prize slot at the bottom. The slot the ball lands in determines the payout. Here are some quick steps when playing it:
- Select your bet amount.
- Choose volatility settings, such as low, medium, or high (if available).
- Click or tap the play button to drop the ball.
- Watch the ball fall through the pegs and land in a prize slot.
- Receive your payout based on the slot’s multiplier.
Some Plinko games allow you to adjust the speed of play using a control button (e.g., a hare for fast and a tortoise for slow). The biggest payouts are usually awarded to the far-left and far-right slots, as they are the least likely outcomes.
How Does Plinko’s House Edge Vary From Other Casino Games?
Online Plinko’s house edge typically ranges from 1-3%, making it one of the lower-edge casino games. Here’s how it compares to other popular games:
- European Roulette: 2.7%
- Blackjack: 0.50%
- Baccarat: 1.06%-14.36%
- Online Slots: 2%-12%
- Video Poker: 0.5%-5%
Plinko offers a relatively low house edge, similar to baccarat and roulette, making it a great choice for players looking for fair odds.
Is it Possible to Lower the House Edge in Plinko?
Unlike strategy-based games such as blackjack or poker, Plinko is purely a game of chance, meaning you cannot influence the outcome. However, you can increase your chances of better returns by selecting games with the highest available RTP, which is always displayed in the game’s information.
Game developers often provide casinos with different RTP settings (resulting in RTP ranges), so checking the version of the game you’re playing can help ensure better odds.
Takeaway
Plinko is an easy-to-play, fast-paced game that offers fun and excitement with every drop. Its low house edge makes it a great option for players looking for fairer odds compared to many casino games.
At Prime Casino, you’ll find a variety of Plinko games from top providers, ensuring a seamless and thrilling gaming experience. Sign up today and try your luck—will your ball land in the biggest prize slot?
Always remember to gamble responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose. When the fun stops, stop.
