What are some of the most popular instant-win games offered by modern online casinos? Dice, mines, crash, keno, and towers represent a handful of well-known examples. However, plinko has always been a perennial favourite. This game is enjoyed by thousands of players, and it can also provide substantial rewards to a few lucky individuals.
However, we also need to remember that iGaming enthusiasts are always looking to take things a step further when it comes to their virtual experiences. Some feel that standard versions of plinko have become slightly dated when compared to other titles. This is why the team at Stake has recently given their original version an in-depth face-lift, and the results have already been receiving rave reviews.
Let's first examine some of the aspects of plinko that attract so many gaming aficionados. We can then discuss the changes ushered in by Stake before highlighting techniques that could increase your chances of hitting that massive on-screen multiplier.
A Surprisingly Brief History
Many casino games have existed for hundreds of years. Slots can be traced back to the late 1800s while the roots of blackjack are thought to be associated with the 18th century. This is why it is rather surprising to learn that plinko is less than 50 years old.
The concept was first introduced by producer Frank Wayne for the American television series The Price is Right in 1983. He wanted to provide a fun-filled way for guests to compete for big prizes, and one that was essentially random in nature. As opposed to spinning a wheel, or guessing the value of an item, players would simply release a ball that cascaded down through a triangle composed of small pegs. It is thought that the name "plinko" was derived from the sound the ball made when bouncing from peg to peg.
It did not take long for this simple game to catch on, and it was one of the most popular competitions associated with the Price is Right. Others began to capitalise on the potential, and various formats of plinko were launched. Plinko was especially popular in bars that offered automated television lotteries. Patrons would place a wager, and anxiously follow a virtual ball as it made its way down.
This also resulted in several offshoots of pinko. However, the principle remained the same. Gravity would do the work, and players would hope that lady luck was on their side. Stake Plinko is essentially no different in the terms of the fundamentals, and yet, players can now expect to enjoy an even more immersive experience. So, what modifications were made?
Classic Plinko Action with a Touch of Innovation
One of the first issues that Stake software developers wanted to address involved realism in terms of in-game mechanics. Generic versions of plinko can sometimes be plagued by strange ball movements, and this detracts from the gameplay itself. Thanks to modern technology, the Stake update has imbued the plinko ball with lifelike movements that are virtually identical to those associated with real-world games. Although this might appear to be a rather small upgrade, it will undoubtedly have an impact on what players can expect. Thankfully, we have only begun to scratch the surface.
Fresh New Colours
If a picture speaks 1,000 words, the choices of colours within any online casino game can have a massive impact on overall enjoyment. This is why Stake decided to overhaul the existing palate, and to provide different hues. These tones depend on difficulty levels. From cool blue pastel shades for beginners to hot tones of orange for experts, even subtle adjustments can make a difference when it comes to gameplay. Furthermore, this modification makes it easier to toggle between levels for those who happen to be playing on a smaller screen (such as a smartphone or a tablet).
Responsive Pegs
Anyone who has ever watched a game of plinko on the Price is Right is aware that the movements of the ball are not the only factors that will determine the outcome. The pegs are also slightly flexible; adding yet another element of surprise into the picture. Stake has therefore modified the plinko pegs to become responsive (although hardly perceptible) to the impact of the virtual ball. This motion is also reflected visually by halos that are triggered around the peg on impact. Once again, the devil is in the details.
High-Payout Animations
Even experts will sometimes claim that standard plinko gameplay can become somewhat monotonous; especially when remaining engaged for longer periods of time. This is why die-hard fans will be pleased to learn that Stake has included a special animated surprise for those who happen to trigger the 10K multiplier (offered in expert mode). Users can therefore enjoy a more immersive experience, and activating higher multipliers is well worth the wait.
Familiar Sounds
We still need to mention that some in-game elements have remained unchanged. One example involves the sounds that the ball makes when impacting a multiplier found at the bottom of the triangle. Lower values emit lower tones, and these tones increase as the payout rises. Some feel that this is a great option when activating the auto-play feature, as numerous balls will be cascading simultaneously. Even those who do not look at the screen will be able to roughly determine which multipliers were triggered.
New Look, Same Allure
To be perfectly clear, the team at Stake was not trying to reinvent the wheel when giving plinko an overhaul. They were simply interested in offering a more engaging end-user experience to their customer base. This is why the rules have not changed, and the gameplay is exactly what registered members have come to expect. So, how does a typical game of plinko unfold? Are there any ways to take advantage of its decidedly random outcome? Let's now delve a bit deeper into this digital rabbit hole to highlight a few surprising observations.
As Simple as it Can Be
Some users feel that plinko is the most straightforward casino game in existence. Here is a quick breakdown of the steps required to play a round:
-Place a wager (in your cryptocurrency of choice)
-Choose the level of risk (between low and expert)
-Select the number of multiplier rows (up to 16)
-Click the bet button to drop the ball
Then, sit back and wait. The ball will normally require less than ten seconds to reach the bottom of the pyramid, so rounds can be played in rapid succession. Note that it is possible to adjust the bet, the number of rows, and the difficulty between each round.
One final feature to mention involves the auto-play button. This is found on the top of the left-hand dashboard, and it can be toggled on and off at will. What is interesting about the auto-play option is that multiple balls will be released at once. In theory, this increases the chances of triggering the larger multipliers found along the edges.
How Much Can You Win?
There is certainly nothing wrong with a bit of greed when playing Stake's original Plinko. You might even be wondering how much this game pays out. While this depends on the wager you choose to place, the maximum amount that can be theoretically won is 10,000 times the initial bet. Note that this multiplier is only available on the expert level, and it is located to the extreme left and right.
Due to the mechanics of the game, the chances of landing high multipliers decrease as the associated values increase. This is the fundamental principle behind any game of plinko. However, even low-risk rounds may result in payouts as high as 16 times the wager. You can learn more about these principles by reading this informative Stake article, as it provides an in-depth overview of the gameplay.
Additional Features Worth Considering
Another option that some players prefer (especially those who are accessing Stake with a laptop computer) involves hotkeys. These can be activated to avoid having to use a standard mouse pad. The advantage here is that keeping your finger pressed on the space bar essentially acts as a manually activated auto-play mode (the balls will continue dropping until the bar is released). Note that different operating systems may have different hotkeys. If you want to learn more about this option, it is a good idea to see which keys your system supports.
You might also be interested in an instant-bet option that is available at Stake. This is essentially a scaled-down version of the original plinko, and the main benefit is that all results are instantaneous (as opposed to having to wait for the ball to drop). The instant-win function could also be a wise choice if you are dealing with a slower Internet connection, as the game will require less bandwidth.
Bankroll Management: What do the Professionals Have to Say?
Once again, it is important to emphasise that plinko is a game of chance. You cannot influence the trajectory of the ball in any way. This results from a type of technology known as a Random Number Generator (RNG). So, luck is the primary factor that will determine the outcome of any given round.
There are still plenty of ways to extend your bankroll, and a bit of logical deduction can go a long way. Remember that some of the multipliers found at the bottom of the triangle (in the centre) have values less than 1. If you are playing the medium version of plinko, these include 0.3 and 0.5. Those who enjoy high-stakes plinko will likewise encounter five partial integers of 0.1 along the bottom. Why is this important?
One unique mechanic that Stake has included involves the ability to see the chances of triggering a specific value. Simply place the mouse cursor over the multiplier. This will display the chances in the form of a decimal percentage. Here is a look at the percentages associated with expert mode:
-The centre 0.1: 19.63
-1.1: 6.66
-2.5: 2.77
-7: 0.85
-26: 0.81
-216: 0.024
-10,000: 0.0015
What can we deduce from this table? The main takeaway point here is that any multiplier valued below 1X (such as 0.1) will slightly decrease your existing bankroll. On the contrary, activating any multiplier above 1 will result in a win. So, how can these basics be applied to the gameplay itself?
One recommendation involves playing with fewer multipliers. The theory here is that there are less chances that the ball will stray of course. This is also a way to reduce the inherent volatility, and to enjoy more consistent payouts. So, users who are not entirely familiar with plinko should begin on the lowest skill level possible. While it is always possible to increase the number of multipliers, remember that this also leads to a higher degree of risk.
Once you become more confident, you can begin to adjust the level of risk accordingly. The benefit here is that the payouts may increase. However, keep a close eye on your bankroll. It is also wise to place relatively low wagers as opposed to "letting it ride". You might otherwise find that your funds have been depleted.
You Cannot Beat a Classic
Plinko is one of many Stake original games that can be accessed by all players; even as demo versions. Other titles include:
-Mines
-Dice
-Limbo
-Blackjack
-Chicken
-Roulette
-Darts
While plinko recently received an overhaul, the same level of excitement awaits players who are fans of Stake. Registration takes a matter of minutes, and hours of fun await. Why not enjoy a few rounds? That once-in-a-lifetime multiplier could be closer than you think!
