The question of which type of game pays the best has probably plagued humanity ever since we as a species came up with the concept of gambling. It’s a question that remains relevant as ever, even as we stick to playing games for the sheer fun of it all. And whereas previously we would have stuck to comparing slots with the likes of roulette or poker we recently saw a new contender enter the scene in the form of crash gambling.
Crash games saw their start in cryptocurrency casinos but quickly found their way to regular, fiat currency online currency. Their appeal is not difficult to figure out, being simple games one can pick up and play in minutes, if not seconds. But the same can be said about slots, which have been a casino mainstay for almost a century by this point. So here’s the question – which of these two types of game pays best? That’s what we’re here to find out, so join us as we figure out the answer!
What are Slots?
Before we take on the question of payouts, we should first define what these games actually are. In the case of slots, these are games based around a number of spinning reels, typically between 3 and 5, each with a number of rows holding different symbols. The aim of the slot is to form one or more paylines, generally by landing 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. A payline brings a payout whose value is based on symbols forming it.
Slots are games of pure chance, which is what makes them such enduring casino favourites. After all, there’s no skill involved here - just place your bet then press the spin button and hope the right symbols land in the right positions.
Slot RTP and Payout Potential
Like all gambling games, slots have a Return To Player (RTP). This is a figure calculated over a large number of spins that denotes the percentage of a player’s bets the game should pay out over a long period of time. With this in mind, if a slot has an RTP of 96% then if you bet a total of £100 you stand to get an average of £96 back.
This number is theoretical - as we said earlier, slots remain games of pure chance - but it does provide an indication how much you stand to get from a slot. It also points out its house edge, or how much the casino makes from your playing a game. Remember, it’s the house that always wins!
Volatility is another factor that affects a slot’s payout potential. This is the risk factor involved with the game. A low volatility game is low risk but low reward, meaning you should get small but regular wins, whereas a highly volatile game is a high risk, high reward affair. Medium volatility promises to be just right, at least for those who want a balance between risk and reward. Finally, keep in mind slots can have jackpot prizes that can be massive in size even if the chances of winning one of these are, as you might expect, astronomical.
What are Crash Games?
What are Crash Games
Crash games are a far younger addition to the casino landscape compared to slots. In fact, this style of game first appeared on cryptocurrency gambling sites in the mid 2010s before it spread to regular online casinos by around 2020. For the uninitiated, crash games are based around a multiplier that grows over time before it stops - or crashes - at a random moment. The aim is to stop the multiplier before it crashes, bringing you a payout. Rounds last a few seconds, making for fast-paced games based on the highs and lows of the crypto trading experience.
Like slots, crash games are games of chance based around a Random Number Generator (RNG) that determines when the multiplier will stop on each round. If you manage to stop the multiplier before the crash then it will be applied to your bet. Some games allow you to place two bets at a time, adding a layer of strategy as you might hedge one of the bets while trying a riskier approach with the other. It all makes for games that are extremely easy to pick and play, explaining their massive appeal.
Crash RTP and Payout Potential
As a rule crash games have a more generous RTP compared to slots. Whereas the average RTP of an online slot stands at around 96%, the average crash game RTP clocks at 97-98%. It can be even higher in some games, so always check their About section for the relevant stats. This higher RTP makes sense, since crash game players have a bit of control over the outcome of their games, especially when playing with two bets active per round.
That said, while crash games have a higher RTP the same perhaps cannot be said about the payout potential. This is due to the player control aspect of these games. Whereas slots are totally random, with the results based on the luck of the draw, crash games involve a human aspect. While the final result of the round boils down to the RNG, your payout depends on when you decide to end the multiplier. Will you end it early for a small payout, or try going all out for a chance at the biggest result? This balance between risk and reward leads to crash games’ greatest thrills, even if the payouts might not reach the size of the biggest slot jackpots.
Go for the Win with Slots and Crash Games
Like the outcome of any gambling game, the answer as to which between slots or crash games pays best depends on your luck. On paper crash games bring more regular payouts with their higher RTPs, but this depends on your playstyle. Take the risky approach and you’ll be losing for more than you gain! Meanwhile slots are all about chance, with your payouts depending on your choice of game. Will you go for low or high volatility? What about the RTP? Does the game offer any jackpots?
All of this said, it’s important to play your favourite gambling games responsibly. Remember that these games are a leisure activity, and not a means to make a profit. As such, set a payroll for gambling and stick to it. Make small bets so that your bankroll lasts longer, and never chase your losses. Use your casino site’s limit tools and take breaks between game sessions. With all of this in mind you’ll be ready to play slots or crash games with safety and peace of mind!
