Plinko: A Beginners Guide to Plinko Casino Games
You’ve probably seen it on TV: a ball bouncing its way down a board before landing in a cash prize slot. It's a game as old as time, and is arguably as popular now as it's ever been.
The game (if you didn't know) is Plinko, and it's now made its way into the world of online casino gaming. But unlike the game-show version, the online variant lets you wager real money.
So, what exactly is Plinko in the context of a casino game? And crucially, is it worth your time and bankroll? Let’s take a deep dive into one of the newest online casino games.
Already know Plinko and just want to play? See our list of the best online casinos to play Plinko now.
What Is Plinko?
Plinko was originally made famous by the legendary TV game show, 'The Price Is Right', where contestants dropped a disc down a vertical board filled with pegs. The disc would bounce side to side before landing in a slot at the bottom, designating a cash prize. Similar 'physical' games have also been seen at state fairs across the US and elsewhere.
Plinko, when played at an online casino, borrows the same structure but adds a betting layer. Players can place a wager, pick where to drop the ball, and hope it lands in a high-multiplier pocket.
This makes Plinko an exciting cross between a slot machine and a coin pusher game, with the jeopardy of a completely random outcome.
How Plinko Works in Online Casinos
Playing Plinko online is straightforward and accessible to anyone, which accounts for much of it's popularity amongst online players.
Here’s a step-by-step of what typically happens:
- You set your bet amount. This could be as little as a few cents or as high as your risk appetite allows.
- You select a risk level. Most Plinko games let you choose between Low, Medium, and High risk, which determines the potential multipliers.
- You choose the number of rows. More rows mean more pegs, and more pegs typically mean more bounces and more unpredictability.
- You click to drop the ball, and then hope that gravity does you a favor!
- Once dropped, the ball bounces off pegs, randomly navigating left or right until it lands in a pocket with a specific multiplier.
Typical Plinko Game Layout
Even if you've seen the game on TV, it's worth a little walkthrough of the online game and its features. Here's the 101 on the Plinko game layout:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Bet Amount | Adjustable per round. |
| Risk Level | Affects payout structure. |
| Number of Rows | Increases or decreases variance. |
| Auto Mode | Enables continuous automated play. |
Some versions also include colorful themes or animations, but the core mechanics remain the same.
Key Features of Plinko Casino Games
While the design is minimalist, casino Plinko games often pack in plenty of customization. Let’s break down some standout features:
Risk Level Adjustment
- Low Risk: Smaller multipliers, higher hit frequency.
- High Risk: Huge potential multipliers (up to 1,000x+), but much rarer.
Bet Control & Auto-Play
- Set loss/win limits.
- Drop dozens of balls automatically.
Simple UI
- Clean interfaces make it beginner-friendly, even for players new to online casinos.
Why Plinko Appeals to Casino Players
So why are players looking to explore Plinko games, alongside their traditional casino games. Well, there are plenty of reasons to dip into some Plinko fun, including:
- It’s Instantly Gripping, and the simple mechanic offers suspense in buxketloads.
- Low Barrier to Entry, with no complicated rules or gameplay.
- Great for Quick Sessions, with 10 rounds playable in under a minute.
- You Control the Risk, and can change your risk level with ease.
- Provably Fair Mechanics, with transparency around fair outcomes and testing.
Let’s not forget one more thing: it’s just fun. It taps into that childhood curiosity of watching something fall and not knowing where it’ll end up.
Never chase losses
Always set limits
Take regular breaks
Plinko vs Other Casino Games
You might be thinking that Plinko is the game for you, but hold on - how does Plinko stack up to other casino game favorites?
| Game | Type | Skill Involved | Volatility | Time Per Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plinko | RNG | None | Customizable | Very Fast |
| Slots | RNG | None | Medium-High | Medium |
| Roulette | RNG/Table | Low | High | Medium |
| Crash | Multiplier | Low-Medium | Very High | Fast |
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Read moreWhere to Play Plinko Games
Not every online casino offers Plinko, but casino sites and apps are adding Plinko games all the time. I've scoured the game libraries of our recommended online casino sites to find the best places to play Plinko for real money across different locations.
Top Online Casinos with Plinko Games - US
Despite the wide variety of real money games available to online casino players in the US, your choices for Plinko are somewhat limited.
The top casino is probably BetMGM Casino which includes Plinko Dare2Win. in it's gaming library for players in NJ, PA, MI, and WV. This Plinko variant from Hacksaw Gaming offers a number of ways you can configure your game to get a different experience. This includes selecting your risk level and the number of pegs on the game board.
Top Online Casinos with Plinko Games - UK
Plenty of UK casinos are now starting to attach themselves to the growing trend for online Plinko games, but if we're picking one, it would have to be bet365 Casino.
The Plinko selection at bet365 Casino leans heavily on the Pine of Plinko series of games from Relax Gaming. Games include titles like Pine of Plinko, Pine of Plinko 2, and Pine of Plinko Dream Drop, which throws a progressive jackpot into the mix.
All bet365 Casino Plinko games have an RTP of around 96% and high volatility, and they include multipliers, free spins (although 'throws' might be more appropriate) and other bonus features.
Top Online Casinos with Plinko Games - Canada
Not ones to miss out on the Plinko fun, 888casino is the best provider for Plinko if you are based in Canada. The selection is admittedly small, with just three games on offer. However, these are some of the best Plinko titles you'll find and are well worth a look if you are based in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Vancouver.
The 888casino Plinko games are Plinko Dare2Win, Plinko Go, and Mega Fire Blaze: Plinko from Playtech.
Mega Fire Blaze Plinko allows you to select your volatility level (Low, Medium, or High) and the number of balls in play. The multipliers range from 0.5x your bet, up to 20x.
If you live in a location with no access to legal real money gaming, you can try to find Plinko games at social casinos and on free gaming apps.
Tips for New Plinko Players
Here’s how to avoid rookie mistakes and get the most out of your Plinko experience:
- Try the demo first. Understand volatility without risking your bankroll.
- Stick to lower bets when learning. The game may look simple, but variance is real.
- Choose your risk level wisely. High risk can tempt you with 1,000x, but those pockets are few and far between.
- Use Auto-Play cautiously. It’s easy to get sucked in; set strict win/loss limits.
- Track your sessions. It’s a game of chance. Don’t chase losses.
Are Plinko Games Fair?
Yes, but like all real money games, you need to ensure you are playing on a legitimate platform.
Part of this legitimacy is the usage of Random Number Generators (RNG), which are the same mechanisms used in online slots and other table games.
Going a stage further, you can also find the licensing information for a casino operator, which shows that they are licensed to operate in specific locations. In addition, the presence of eCogra certification demonstrates that the games are independently tested to ensure all results are fair.
The PokerNews Verdict: Is Plinko the Game for You?
Having played Plinko games for a while now, I can say that it's honestly a worthwhile addition to the casino game library. It's an intriguing and exciting game, and the ability to adjust risk level and other features adds even more jeopardy.
Whether you're a seasoned slots player looking for a change or a new gambler just starting to play online casinos, Plinko is an extremely easy game to play, and almost anyone can get involved.
Play online Plinko today and hope the balls are forever in your favor!
Plinko Games FAQs
Is Plinko a game of skill or chance?
100% chance. Once you drop the ball, physics and randomness take over. You can control your risk level, not the outcome.
Can I play Plinko for free?
Yes. Many platforms offer demo versions, especially game developers like Spribe, Relaxing Gaming or BGaming.
What are typical Plinko payouts?
Depends on the risk level. Low risk might range from 0.5x to 5x. High risk can offer 0.2x up to 1,000x or more.
Is Plinko legal in my country?
It depends on your local gambling regulations, but most locations that have legalized real money gaming also allow Plinko games.
How do I know if a Plinko game is fair?
Look for platforms that use certified RNG systems and eCogra[/ certification. This shows that the site is independently tested to ensure all games have a fair outcome.
Is Plinko better than slots?
That depends on what you enjoy! Plinko is faster, more interactive, and arguably more suspenseful, but has fewer bonus features. At PokerNews, we are huge slot-hounds, so we're always going to say that online slots are a great game for anyone to experience.
Can I win real money with Plinko?
Yes, if you're playing for real money. Just remember, like all casino games, the house has an edge.
