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While both involve gambling, parimutuel-powered games (PPGs) and casino slots are very different. Most notably, casino slots are classified as games of chance, while PPGs are generally considered games of skill — and that’s not where the differences end.
So, how exactly do PPGs differ from casino slots?
What are parimutuel-powered games?
Parimutuel-powered games come in many types, including sports betting, elimination games, and prediction markets. PPGs can differ in numerous ways, but the best way to understand them is to understand how the parimutuel betting concept works.
The main thing to know about parimutuel betting is that it pits players against players. The “house” only facilitates the betting and takes a cut, while the players generate the prize money and determine the odds.
Odds are dynamic and depend on how players bet. More bets on a particular outcome mean smaller odds because more people share the prize pool, and vice versa. The odds change as bet volumes change.
All money wagered on a particular outcome is collected into a single prize pool. Bettors with winning tickets share the pool proportionally, depending on the size of their bets. The house first takes a cut of the prize money.
Transparency and trust are important considerations for PPGs, given that the odds are dynamic and the prize money is pooled. Many platforms that provide these games use blockchain technology and smart contracts to ensure fairness. A notable example is prediction markets like Polymarket, where all transactions are recorded on the Polygon blockchain and payouts are executed via smart contracts.
How casino slots work
Slots are games of chance in which players aim to align matching symbols along qualifying paylines to win. Wins are determined entirely by luck, with random number generators (RNGs) controlling where the symbols land.
Themes and designs vary across games. Some slots have classic designs with simple interfaces, while modern slots feature complex themes and bonus features. All slots generally fall into five categories:
- 3-reel/classic slots
- Video slots
- Progressive slots
- Branded slots
- Megaways
Winnings from slots depend on the value of the winning symbols, jackpots, bonus features, and more. Return-to-player (RTP) rates and volatility levels are also important — think of them as fixed odds. The casino pays winnings from its own bankroll.
Key differences between PPGs and casino slots
The most notable difference between PPGs and slots is their betting concept. PPGs are games of skill that require players to outperform the competition. In contrast, casino slots are games of chance, where winning depends purely on luck and factors outside the player’s control, such as volatility and RTP rates. PPGs require players to make informed decisions before betting, while slot players simply spin and wait.
In PPGs, only a few players win, while losers receive nothing. Slots, on the other hand, often provide frequent, smaller wins, with the possibility of large jackpots. PPG winnings are paid from a pooled prize fund created by players’ wagers, while slot winnings come from the casino’s bankroll. PPG operators take a fixed cut of the prize pool, whereas slot operators earn through the built-in house edge.
PPGs are competitive, with players betting against each other rather than the house. Slots are solitary, with players competing against the machine’s algorithm.
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
| Feature/Factor | Parimutuel-Powered Games (PPGs) | Casino Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Core Concept | Players bet against other players; outcomes based on skill or knowledge and real-world events. | Players bet against the house; outcomes determined entirely by chance. |
| Odds | Dynamic; change based on betting activity. | Fixed; based on RTP rate and volatility. |
| Prize Source & Payouts | Wagers pooled; winners paid proportionally to their bets. | Prize money comes from the casino’s bankroll; payouts based on player winnings. |
| House Cut/Edge | Small cut taken from prize pool. | Built-in house edge ensures the casino earns from every spin. |
| Gameplay Pace | Varies; many PPGs take hours to conclude. | Fast-paced; spins settle in seconds or minutes. |
| Regulation | State and federal levels, depending on game type. | State-regulated with casino gambling licenses. |
Choosing between parimutuel-powered games and slots
PPGs are games of skill that involve competing against other players — ideal if you want to test your prowess. Casino slots are games of chance — ideal if you prefer to leave it all to luck. Other differences, such as odds, payouts, and gameplay pace, also make each option unique and appealing to different types of players.
