Games Of Chance For Money
There are few more entertaining ways than playing chance-based gambling games to win money, where your prospects of winning cash from your gaming are determined by luck.
On this page, we’ll explore the different types of online games where you’ll need to be lucky to collect the winnings, how to get the best chances of winning from them, the positives and negatives of playing them, and finally, some additional resources which will be valuable.
What Are Games of Chance?
Games of chance are those games where it’s purely luck that determines the outcome affecting any player bets. And luck can be defined as ‘Success or failure experienced by chance rather than through one’s own actions’.
If we take that definition at face value and apply it to real money games, it gives a firm foundation for understanding how chance-based gaming in gambling games works. Indeed, it begins to identify how playing games of chance for money differs from playing those games that are skill-based.
It’s just a basis for a deeper understanding, though, there is a lot more to games of chance than can be explained in just a few words and a simple definition.
So, there’s no denying the popularity of pure gambling games. Not all players have the necessary ability or skills to play games that require strategy, experience, or a certain degree of knowledge to win. If you’re one of these types of players, you may not want to be investing your time in playing online poker or maybe even those casino games that require a strategic approach like blackjack.
What remains, then, are those games that are based entirely on random events and pure chance or good fortune. Bingo is a perfect example, and if the idea of playing the numbers gets your interest, there are not many better places to play than Mecca online bingo. Another example is that of scratchcards you can play online – well-known as one of the best ways to try and win money instantly.
Of course, nearly all games involve needing some form of luck to win. Winning at those games that require a strong strategical approach, like online poker, can sometimes come down to chance, if only in some small way, as it can with virtually any other real money game except perhaps cash contests in video games. Game shows you can play online are another example where some games require skill, manual dexterity, or knowledge, but to win at plenty of the online game shows you’ll find, you’ll need these attributes alongside a fair amount of luck.
As the first part of our analysis, we should mention a key aspect of playing games of chance that involves the concepts of odds and probabilities in online gambling and how to use mathematical principles to determine how they influence your winning prospects.
What is meant by probability and odds in gambling games?
If you’re determined to take your chances with gambling games, one concept that will pay to understand fully is that of probability. Understanding the effects of this and how it’s applied to luck-based games can help you to appreciate the odds for or against your winning. It’s a science where maths and mathematical principles play a big part, and the odds for or against making money by lucky choices are contained within it.
The key point is that If you want to win at real money gambling or betting other than by basic luck and guesses, you’ll need an appreciation and understanding of the part that probability, maths, and odds play in the outcomes. Where pure gambling games are concerned, this knowledge may not help you win since pure chance determines the likelihood of winning. But it will at least help you understand your real chances of winning and why losing at chance-based games is an expected outcome in the long run.
So, what exactly do we mean when we talk about the laws of probability in gambling games?
As a simple definition, probability refers to the likelihood that a particular event will occur. This definition helps you understand how to calculate the probabilities involved. Essentially, you calculate the odds of winning in any specific game by dividing the number of ways you can enjoy a winning outcome by the total number of possible outcomes including all losing ones.
An often-cited example of this is in a game of roulette. Let’s say it’s a version of American Roulette with 38 numbered pockets where the ball could land. It’s very straightforward to see that the probability of the ball landing on any specific number in any one spin is 1/38. In other words, if you selected one number and placed a bet 38 times, the law of probability dictates that you might expect to make the right choice every 38 spins.
Of course, with a pure luck-based game like roulette, there’s absolutely no guarantee that this would indeed be the outcome because each spin is independent of the one before and after it. But knowing the maths helps you understand the odds against you. Where it does help you more from a winning perspective is where the outcomes can be influenced by real statistical probabilities, like in a game of poker as we’ll see in a minute.
Gambling operators use probability laws and maths as a way of setting payouts and payout odds. In any games or betting events where the odds are heavily against the player, the operator can afford to increase the value of potential payouts. On an overall balance, they’ll still win even if the player did strike lucky because that win would be offset by losses of other players or by the losses over time on average. So, payouts may be high to entice a player, with the operator knowing that in the long run, they’d make a profit.
In gambling examples like our roulette game, where the odds of betting on a single number correctly are 38/1 for the player, the payout might be set at 35/1 for that correct selection. It’s easy to see how the player is always at a disadvantage.
By recognizing that the laws of probability are always on the side of the house in online gambling games, you can see that it’s inadvisable to see those gambling games as any sure way of making money, and the most likely outcome for any player over time is a loss.
What’s the best example of a probability-centric gambling game?
The laws of probability apply to all gambling games, and we could cite many examples. But for a great example, we’ll look at poker. The many variants of poker are good examples because, while there is luck involved in the cards dealt to any participant in a game, a practised player can influence outcomes by the way they play and the decisions they make.
Probability plays a significant role in poker games, as it helps players determine the likelihood of certain events occurring during the game. For example, a player may use probability to calculate the chances of being dealt a specific hand, or the likelihood of making a certain hand after the flop (the first three community cards that are dealt face up in the middle of the table).
In poker, probability can be used to make informed decisions about whether to bet, call, or fold based on the likelihood of winning the hand. For example, if a player has a strong hand, such as a pair of aces, they may be more likely to bet or raise because their chances of winning the hand are higher. On the other hand, if a player has a weak hand, such as a low pair, they may be more likely to fold because their chances of winning the hand are lower.
Overall, understanding probability in poker can help players make more informed and strategic decisions during the game. This outline is just a brief introduction, there are a significant number of useful online resources that study how to make the best use of probability and mathematical principles in poker games elsewhere.
We’ve only touched lightly on the subject of probabilities in gambling games here. There’s much more to learn and ultimately there will be a section of realmoney.games dedicated to the subject. For now, we’ll continue with the analysis of chance-based gaming but finish first with a valuable video. The video is a basic one, but still, a reasonable introduction that you should bear in mind if you’re considering playing any of the chance-based games we cover.
What’s the main attraction of real money games of chance?
So are you feeling lucky?
Trying to win money playing games of pure luck is in the top drawer for entertainment value. There are some great games to choose from, and they can deliver the chance of landing significant-sized cash wins for reasonably low stakes. For those reasons, they do deserve a place on any list of the best ways to win money playing online games.
But caution is needed!
There’s a good reason that many operators are offering these types of games…and that’s because they make money from your losses.
Of course, nearly all games involve needing some form of luck. Even winning at those that require a strong strategical approach like online poker can sometimes come down to chance in some small way, as it can with many other skill games.
The good news with playing games of chance for cash as I said before is that entry costs can be low. You can play for small stakes with the prospect of winning big money, and equally with big stakes for perhaps even bigger money.
The adrenaline, excitement, and enjoyment factors are a force to be reckoned with. All these factors lead to these types of games securing a place in any ‘top addictive real money games’ list. This poses some fairly big risks which you should be aware of before getting involved.
Types Of Chance-Based Real Money Games
The list we need to consider here is around those games which are purely luck-based or predominantly so. It’s worth noting though that there are others which involve a bigger element of skill or strategy, or enough of those two elements that they could significantly influence outcomes over time. These are covered in greater depth on the skill gaming page.
Casino Games
You’ll know that playing casino games is unlikely to result in winning money in the long run. Casino’s are built to take your money. If you just want extra money, then either avoid casinos or go for a one hit win on one game.
But they do offer great entertainment value. If you treat casino gaming as it should be treated – as a bit of fun which gives the chance to end up winning – then you’ll be in a good position to enjoy it.
Casino games come in various shapes and sizes with literally something for everyone. Card games in particular are well known gambling games. The recommended casino card game for beginners is 3 card poker, if you want to win money at the casino it’s simple to play and with good winning chances.
With such a fun way to play games for money, it’s unsurprising that there are constant new developments in the industry. New games – particularly slots – see regular releases and new online casinos spring up regularly too.
All of which means the RealMoney.Games section dedicated to casino gaming is set to be an extensive and constantly growing one.
Instant Win Scratchcards
Scratchcards are another way where you need lots of luck to win the money prizes.
That hasn’t stopped scratchcards becoming hugely popular. Free scratchcards, in particular.
The big draw with scratch off tickets comes from their instant win nature – you know pretty much straight away if you’ve won and how much money you’ve won. We all know the scratchies associated with local and national lotteries, but there are gaming websites online which offer instant win online scratchcards too, both free and paid.
Online Bingo Games
You might remember playing bingo with your gran on small pieces of numbered cardboard, but today’s online bingo for real money is a long way removed from that. With high-tech electronic cards, it’s state of the art gaming with a social aspect.
Easy to play, but of course it’s pure luck if you win.
Lotteries
Mainly popular in the ‘real’ world, there are lotteries you can play online. Everyone dreams of a big money jackpot lottery win, but the odds are heavily against you. Lotteries are just no fun for me, but millions do play them.
Check out the page on entering US lotteries to find out how to get involved with some of the big USA contests. If you want a simple way to try and win money then playing the lotto could be your answer.
Board Games
Arguably falling into this chance-based category of real money gaming, cash contest board games include a number of examples where using skill, strategy, or experience could sit alongside the chance element. Games played out on boards can include backgammon, yahtzee, Mah-Jong, chess, and checkers.
You can see just from the games (assuming you have a reasonable knowledge of gameplay for each one) that there are some elements of luck involved to varying degrees.
Risks
Chance-based gaming – especially where wageting is involved – is fraught with risks. Playing online games of luck offers the greatest risk to your bankroll. The odds are against you, though the wins you do get can be life-changing. If not life-changing, then certainly lucrative if you’re very lucky.
Aside from the possibility of losing significant amounts of money – and linked to that potential too – is the possibility of addiction.
It’s always a risk where gambling is involved, and the big risk for some people is they can become addicted to either trying to win, or the excitement of the win itself. This can lead to significant money losses, exactly the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.
Don’t let that person be you. Read the RealMoney.Games responsible gaming page before you make any attempt to gamble online.
The best thing you can do is approach the attempt to win money by luck as a form of entertainment. It should be a fun way to spend an hour or two, so enjoy it. Treat any money you deposit as ‘lost’ money, and if you end up ahead you’ll have got something out of the experience.
If you dive in head first believing you’re going to win, more often than not you’re likely to find out the hard way that it’s not as easy as it looks!
Pros
We’ve talked already about what you can get out of real money games of luck – great entertainment and the chance to get some nice value wins being the most obvious.
One side benefit – if you like your gambling this way – is that it can be fairly untaxing on the brain. You don’t have to think an awful lot (other than perhaps in some casino card games where strategic-type choices need to be made).
Personally I’d say this last-named is not particularly a great benefit. Given the ultimate aim is to win money, you’ll be beter off achieving that in playing skill games or even something like sportsbetting. Everything has its moment though and sometimes it’s just good to spin some slots wheels or tick off some bingo numbers without much thought or effort, right!
Cons
The negatives are limited, but they’re big!
And mainly centered around losing cash!
The first is the potential for addiction as we noted in risks above. If you can’t control your attempts at a lucky win there is a risk of losing money.
Plus we know that the operators need to make a profit. They’ll always do this, and overall at your (or other players) expense. The odds against winning are always skewed enough in their favour to guarantee they come out ahead. That’s not to say you can’t win, just that on the law of averages it’s unlikely you’ll still be ahead over a period of time.
If you’re not careful, that could be very quickly!
Resources
With so generic a subject it’s going to be better to go to the individual game opportunities if you want more resources.
This page has enough high level to give a more than adequate introduction to chance-based gaming, with maybe the exception of a deeper investigation into probablilities in gambling. There’s another great page on probabilities broken down into easily followed examples on GamblingSites.com.
Summary
One of the 3 top level ways of playing real money games, ‘lucky’ games sit side by side with those you get to play in free gaming and/or skill gaming.
They’re equally as important as their two cousins, and deserve an equal footing if you’re considering trying any of them out.
You obviously have only very limited influence on outcomes compared to skill gaming, and run more of a risk of losing cash that you wouldn’t with free games, but there’s huge entertainment potential in playing them provided you don’t get sucked into standard gambling traps.
Clearly playing any game where luck is going to determine if you win or lose is not certain to be a better money-making option than say a skill based one.
I say ‘not certain to’ because the bottom line is you can win. Online casinos for example – even allowing for the fact that the odds are always against you – do pay out cash to players. If they didn’t give something back they’d be out of business!
But if you’re feeling lucky and are confident you can control how much you might be risking, then playing games of chance for real money can give a lot of fun and be potentially financially rewarding.