The Impact of Political Events on Betting Markets
Bojana Grozdanic
7 months ago
Politics and betting might seem worlds apart, but they’re more entangled than you’d think. In this article, we’ll get into how political events shape the odds, trends, and opportunities in sports and political betting markets. From historical context to modern intricacies, we uncover a relationship worth betting on.
Brief Overview of the First Betting Markets
Before we can dissect how politics influence betting markets, we’ll walk you through some of the very first bets ever placed, and how betting grew throughout the ages.
From laying bets on papal elections in the cobblestone streets of 16th-century Rome to 19th-century Wall Street traders wagering on presidential contests, betting markets have a rich and varied history. These early incarnations were not just whims of the crowd; they were, in many cases, the precursors to the sophisticated markets we see today.
By the 20th century, the theoretical framework provided by economists like Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises added intellectual heft to prediction markets. This paved the way for the Iowa Electronic Markets in 1988, transforming these markets from clandestine activities to subjects of academic study.
Decentralized platforms like Augur have ushered in the latest chapter, expanding access through blockchain technology.
Intriguingly, betting on papal elections was already described as “an old custom” as far back as 1503, underscoring the deep historical roots of prediction markets.
Now that we have a better understanding of how and where it all started, let’s take a closer look at the relationship between politics and betting markets, after which we’ll discuss the main factors that influence betting markets.How Politics Shape the Betting World
In a world where political climates can change as rapidly as the weather, betting markets are uniquely influenced. From sports arenas to campaign trails, the impact of political events is far-reaching, altering odds and outcomes on betting platforms across the spectrum. Here’s how political events cast their long shadows on both sports and political betting:
The Intersection of Politics and Sports Betting
Political events often have unexpected ripple effects in the world of sports betting. Be it new regulations or international politics, these events can dramatically alter the landscape.
Regulatory shifts: Government decisions to regulate or deregulate sports betting can open or close entire markets, affecting the kind of bets you can place and who can place them.
International politics: Let’s say the diplomatic relations between two countries sour just before a major international sports event like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. This political shift could impact team morale, public perception, and ultimately, the odds themselves.
Platforms for Political Betting
When it comes to casting your predictive net over the sea of political outcomes, certain platforms have become household names. For instance, PredictIt and the now-defunct Intrade offer(ed) robust markets for political wagering.
PredictIt: A hub for policy wonks and political enthusiasts, PredictIt allows you to buy and sell shares based on the likelihood of political events, from election outcomes to legislative actions.
Intrade: While it shut down in 2013, Intrade was a trailblazer in this space, particularly famous for its engagement during the 2008 and 2012 US Presidential Elections.
Political Events and Their Impact on Political Betting Odds
In the realm of political betting, stakes are high and odds are ever-changing, often swayed by the latest headlines and happenings.
Election announcements: The moment a high-profile candidate announces their run, odds for that election can swing dramatically.
Political scandals: Scandals or unexpected news can plummet a frontrunner’s odds in a heartbeat, while boosting the underdogs.
By understanding how political events mold the betting landscape, you not only become a more informed citizen but also a potentially more successful bettor.
Betting Markets and the Factors That Shape Them
In the ecosystem of betting markets, several elements come into play that can make or break the odds. No, we’re not talking about just intuition or gut feeling here. Market dynamics are influenced by a blend of sentiment, regulations, economic principles, information imbalances, tech advancements, and even cultural beliefs. Here’s how:
- Sentiment: The collective mood can shift rapidly, influenced by anything from breaking news to social media buzz.
- Regulatory changes: Laws can be game-changers. Legalizing sports betting in a state, for instance, will likely cause a ripple effect across the market.
- Supply and demand: Basic economic principles apply here too. A flood of bets on one outcome can skew the odds, luring latecomers to the opposite bet.
- Information asymmetry: Those in the know can shift the odds, especially in sectors like horse racing where insider info is invaluable.
- Technology: Big data and machine learning are refining predictions, offering insights that can tip the scales in favor of certain outcomes.
- Social and cultural influences: Never underestimate the power of collective psychology or cultural superstitions—like betting on “lucky” numbers or favored horse names.
The Bottom Line on How Politics Alter the Betting Field
From legislation changes that make or break markets to international politics that can rattle the odds on the sports field, the political arena is a powerhouse of influence. Platforms like PredictIt have even turned political outcomes into a market of their own, embodying the very essence of how deeply interlinked politics and betting can be.
So, when someone says politics and betting are worlds apart, you can confidently argue otherwise. In a sense, they’re more like distant cousins, influencing each other in ways both overt and subtle. Intrigued to see where they go next? Well, that might just be a good subject for a future bet.
The World Cup 2022 in Qatar will mark the second time an Asian country has been selected to host one of the most popular events in the world, after the joint venture of Japan and South Korea in 2002. Qatar is the smallest country ever to host, and previously that was Switzerland, which hosted the 1954 tournament. However, Switzerland is more than three times the size of Qatar and was only required to host 16 teams.
TIt certainly was a surprise in 2010 when the Asian country won their bid. Eleven associations expressed interest in hosting, but in the end, Qatar defeated 4 other finalists: the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
About the Competition
The World Cup 2022 is scheduled to take place between November 21st and December 18th. For the first time, the World Cup won’t be played during the summer months but in mid-season due to the high temperatures in Qatar.
This year will be the last time the World Cup is played in the current 32-team format, where they'll be divided into eight groups with four teams, meaning that two teams from each group will move on to the Knock-out stages. Namely, FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 national teams.
In Qatar will participate:
13 teams from Europe (UEFA)
Four teams from South America (Conmebol)
Six teams from Asia (AFC)
Five teams from Africa (CAF)
Four teams from North America (Concacaf)
How Does the World Cup FTP Competition Work?
Every player in the WC F2P competition needs to predict the results of the six fixtures proposed by the system. Getting this right would be an extremely impressive accomplishment. What's interesting to know is that the reward is equally impressive — Wikibet will award a €5000 prize to the lucky player who uses his or her football knowledge to guess all the results correctly.
To participate in World Cup free-to-play competition, players only need to register on their preferred website, which is part of the grand World Cup Free-to-Play network. After that, they are free to predict the results and win the prize.
Participating Teams
In the sections below, we'll provide information for each team.
Group A
Qatar
Since the time of winning the bid in December 2010, Qatar clubs have worked on promoting the competition by acquiring household football names. For the last couple of years, football legends like Xavi, Laurent Blanc, and Zico have been coaches in the Qatar Stars League. Moreover, Xavi participated as a player in the final years of his career, and Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto'o, and many other experienced players did the same. Qatar's national team consists of players that only compete in their national league. They are heavy underdogs in the competition, led by Spanish coach Felix Sanchez.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is the group's favorite, and in its history, the national team reached the final game three times (1974, 1978, and 2010) but never managed to bring the trophy home. The Dutch never lost a World Cup soccer match by more than a goal. The 2022 team doesn’t have the star players the Netherlands used to have (Wilkes, Lenstra, Cruyff, Neeskens, Rijkaard, Gullit, Van Basten, Robben, Van Persie). Still, the team coached by the eminent Louis van Gaal qualified in an impressive fashion, with only one defeat and a 25-goal difference.
Ecuador
Somewhat a surprise, Ecuador booked a trip for WC and left Chile and Colombia without qualification. Ecuador qualified for four out of the last six World Cups, the first time being in 2002, and their best result was in 2006, when they reached the round of 16. Experienced Argentinian coach Gustavo Alfaro built a hard-fighting team that looked to Enner Valencia, the best goal scorer in national team history, to put them over the top in close games.
Senegal
A long time had passed since Senegal beat the defending champion France in 2002, in its first World Cup appearance, when they reached the quarter-finals. Senegal entered the WC on a high note, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January for the first time in history. The attack revolves around Sadio Mane, a Champions League winner with Liverpool FC who transferred to Bayern Munich this summer. Team captain Kalidou Koulibaly also switched teams and became a member of Chelsea FC. Team manager Aliou Cisse, captain of the 2002 team, has many players from the English, Italian, Spanish, and French leagues at his disposal.
Group B
England
England came close in the last two big competitions. Manager Gareth Southgate took over the team without expectations and inserted new blood immediately, which he continues to do. As a result, the team qualified for the WC, without a defeat and with only three goals conceded. Captain Harry Kane is surrounded by young talents that need to prove they are ready to take the next step. The team also had a chance to beat the USA national team, which put a dent in England’s 2010 WC hopes when they fought out a draw that led England to a massive defeat against Germany.
Wales
The Wales national team qualified for the World Cup, the second time in history and the first time since 1958. Gareth Bale, captain and Wales's best scorer ever, scored all three goals in the second qualifying round when Wales beat Austria and Ukraine to qualify. He and fellow experienced players Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter, Wayne Hennessey, and Joe Allen, led by former national team player and now coach Rob Page, have one last campaign to secure their place in history after finishing third in the UEFA 2016 European Championship.
United States of America
The USA is hoping for a good tournament before playing on their own home field in the 2026 World Cup. In 2018, they broke a streak of six consecutive trips to the WC after an embarrassing defeat by Trinidad and Tobago that allowed Panama to qualify for the first time in history. After that, coach Gregg Berhalter took over the team and had an impressive 76%-win percentage. He looks towards younger players that got their chance in the top European leagues in the last couple of years:
Christian Pulisic
Weston McKennie
Brenden Aaronson
Sergino Dest
Tyler Adams
George Weah’s son Timothy
Iran
Iran qualified dominantly by finishing first in their group in both the second and third rounds, in front of South Korea, with a better score in direct matches. Iran has an experienced side, and they qualified for the third time in a row and the fifth time in the last seven World Cups. Croatian coach Dragan Skočić counts on forwards Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi, and Karim Ansarifard, led by captain Ehsan Hajsafi to give them an opportunity to keep them in games and reach the Knockout Stage for the first time in the national team history.
Group C
Argentina
Lionel Messi, one of the best World Cup players, has the last chance now in Qatar to win the trophy for Argentina and match the success of Diego Armando Maradona.
The most capped player and the best scorer in the history of a two-time World Cup winner is playing with a whole new group of players, and only he and Angel Di Maria have had the experience from the 2014 World Cup Final game when Germany beat them. Team manager Lionel Scaloni hopes that a new generation of players that have already transferred to the European top three leagues (England, Italy, and Spain) can help Messi reach that final step.
Poland
Another football legend hopes to reach the heights of his predecessors. Robert Lewandowski and his team look to make amends for a very bad outing in 2018. Czeslaw Michniewicz coached only one qualifying game during the play-off final against Sweden because previous coach Paulo Sousa left to coach Flamengo 3 months before. Nevertheless, Poland has enough talent in the top European leagues to make some noise and try to repeat the success of the 1974 and 1982 teams that finished third.
Mexico
An experienced side, led by an even more experienced coach in Gerardo Martino, like the USA, hopes to record a good result before hosting the World Cup in 2026. This is the last chance for players who left their mark on the national team, like captain Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Hector Moreno, to go past the quarter-finals, which is Mexico’s best result since 1970 and 1986. They will seek help from talents like Hirving Lozano, Jesus Corona, Santiago Jimenez, Jorge Sanchez, and Edson Alvarez.
Saudi Arabia
Like Qatar, all the Saudi Arabian players perform in their country’s top league, but unlike them, this is Saudi Arabia’s sixth World Cup. Since their debut in 1994, they haven’t gone past the group stage. The team’s biggest asset is coach Herve Renard, who has experience coaching four African national teams, having won two Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, and he qualified for the 2018 WC with Morocco, ending the country’s 20-year wait.
Group D
France
In 2020, France hoped to repeat the success of the 1998/00 generation, which held both World Cup and European Championship trophies. Unfortunately, manager Didier Deschamps couldn’t do what he did as a captain of the French team as a coach. However, now he does have a chance to defend the World Cup trophy, which he couldn’t do as a player because he retired in 2001. France is among the top favorites for the trophy. They field a star-studded team with Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante, and Antoine Griezmann, supplanted by new talents in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Denmark
Denmark had an outstanding qualifying campaign, having won 9 out of 10 games, with the final game resulting in a loss after the team had already qualified. The team also conceded only three goals. Manager Kasper Hjulmand has constructed a team that has a chance to go past the quarter-finals for the first time in history. The vast majority of players perform in the top 5 European leagues. They rallied around Christian Eriksen and his miraculous comeback to the field after his cardiac arrest at the 2020 Euro Cup.
Tunisia
Qatar 2022 marks the sixth time Tunisia qualified for the World Cup, but the team never went past the Group Stage. They finished in front of Equatorial Guinea and Zambia in Group B of the second qualifying round and then beat Mali 1-0 on aggregate to secure their place in Qatar. Coach Jalel Kadri got his chance to lead the team after being an assistant two times. His squad, led by captain Youssef Msakni, plays in leagues worldwide, but not many have top-tier experience.
Australia
Australia qualified for the fifth time in a row, sixth time overall, and only once went past the group stage. The team qualified through the AFC qualifiers. They had all eight victories in the second round, but things didn’t go as smoothly in the third round. They finished third behind Saudi Arabia and Japan and only qualified after beating the UAE in the fourth AFC round and then Peru in the Inter-confederation play-off. Former Australia player Graham Arnold coaches the national squad, and the team is made up of players mainly performing in British leagues, with some home-grown talent getting the opportunity.
Group E
Germany
The four-time WC champions qualified easily, with nine wins in ten games and a 32-goal difference. The vast majority of the team plays in the Bundesliga, and as always, the squad’s biggest advantages are their camaraderie and determination. The team got the extra kick they needed when charismatic Hansi Flick took over the team from long-time coach Joachim Löw. Currently, they are on a 13-game unbeaten run and are, as usual, among the top favorites to win the tournament.
Spain
Spain is looking to win their second trophy. After three consecutive wins at big tournaments between 2008 and 2012, the team suffered several unexpected exits, but resurfaced in Euro 2020 when they finished third with a young, up-and-coming team led by coach Luis Enrique in his second stint with the team. The squad captained by Sergio Busquets features young stars like Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo, but also those with heavy experience like Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Koke.
Japan
Japan didn’t miss the World Cup after appearing for the first time in 1998. In six trips, the team reached the round of 16 three times and could be looking to go beyond that. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has players from Europe’s top leagues at his disposal, led by captain Maya Yoshida. In recent years, Japan’s best players have competed in the German Bundesliga and English Premier League and acquired much-needed game experience.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a force in Concacaf recently, but they had to beat New Zealand in the Inter-confederation play-off this year to qualify. Joel Campbell scored again to book the team’s second flight to Qatar. Along with Campbell, three other players have more than 100 caps for the national team: Keylor Navas, Celso Borges, and captain Bryan Ruiz. They lead the team coached by Colombian Luis Fernando Suarez, but it would be hard to expect them to surpass their best result when they reached the quarter-finals in 2014.
Group F
Croatia
In the last tournament, Croatia achieved the best result in national team history by reaching the final game, where France beat them. The team kept the majority of its core team and manager, Zlatko Dalić. the legend Luka Modrić is still captaining the squad, but also Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Mateo Brozović, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, are expected to be present in Qatar. Twenty years before Russia, Croatia finished second and competed three times with exits from the group stage.
Belgium
The Belgian side has for years been marked as a team expected to go deep into the competition. Their stars play for some of the world’s best clubs: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, and new AC Milan player, young Charles De Ketelaere. Manager Roberto Martinez has one more chance to bring this generation to World Cup glory. Their best finish was third place in Russia four years ago, and they qualified convincingly with six wins in eight matches.
Canada
One of the biggest surprises in the qualifications was the way Canada qualified. They finished in first place in the second round of Concacaf and left Mexico, the USA, and Costa Rica behind them. Head coach John Herdman won two bronze medals with Canada women’s national team and now manages the men’s team to qualify for its second WC, 36 years after their debut. Offensively, the team relies on young stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David and captain and most capped player Atiba Hutchinson.
Morocco
Led by former Yugoslavian football legend Vahid Halilhodžić, Morocco qualified with six wins in six matches in the second round and a convincing 5-2 aggregate win against DR Congo in the third round. Romain Saiss captains the team that relies on Youssef En-Nesyri for goals. Most of the squad plays in Europe, with some players having top-level experience.
Group G
Brazil
The five-time World Cup champions are consistently among the favorites, but they are looking for their first title since 2002. Head coach Tite got the second chance after the quarter-finals exit four years ago. Brazil features some of the best players in the world in their respective positions: Neymar, Alisson, and Casemiro, but also eternal players like Dani Alves and Thiago Silva. As a result, they finished first in the Conmebol qualification without a single defeat. Interestingly, Brazil also played in a group with Serbia and Switzerland in the 2018 WC.
Serbia
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late goal against Portugal secured Serbia’s first-place finish in UEFA qualifying Group A. This will be Serbia’s 13th World Cup, but third as an independent country. The team participated nine times as Yugoslavia and finished fourth in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay and 1962 in Chile. In 2006, the team finished last as Serbia and Montenegro. Football and national team legend Dragan Stojković coaches the team led on the field by Ajax player Dušan Tadić. Besides Mitrović, Serbia also has a new Juventus player Dušan Vlahović spearheading the attack.
Switzerland
The Switzerland team also had a great qualifying campaign. They finished in front of European champions Italy, who later failed to qualify through a play-off. The squad has a new manager, former national team player Murat Yakin. Still, the team kept the core from Russia: Xherdan Shaqiri, Grant Xhaka, and Yann Sommer, and they're looking at Haris Seferović and Mario Gavranović, two players of Balkan descent, to score goals.
Cameroon
Cameroon is the first African side to reach the quarter-finals, a feat they achieved in 1990 when Roger Milla became a World Cup legend. Since then, the team has exited the competition in the group stage five times in a row. They suffered six losses in the last two tournaments in six games. With Samuel Eto’o retiring, the head coach and Cameroon’s most capped player, Rigobert Song, looks to captain Vincent Aboubakar to provide goals, along with Bayern Munich player Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Group H
Uruguay
Two-time champion Uruguay (1930 and 1950) always fields hard-fighting squads. There will be no exception in Qatar, where new head coach Diego Alonso will try to repeat the success of his predecessor, Oscar Tabarez, who led the team to 4th place in 2010. This is the last chance for some Uruguayan legends to participate in the WC, starting with Luis Suarez, but also for captain Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, and Martin Caceres.
Portugal
The Portugal national team managed to bounce back from a last-minute loss to Serbia in the final game of the European qualifying group stage by beating Turkey and North Macedonia in the play-off. This could be the final shot for the best player in Portugal history, Cristiano Ronaldo, to reach World Cup glory. The team has enough talent and is led by result-oriented head coach Fernando Santos, but so far, the squad couldn’t reach the heights set by Eusebio, who led the team to a third-place finish in 1966.
Ghana
Ghana will participate in its fourth WC in Qatar. The national team was one of three African sides to reach the quarter-finals, and they came closest to the semi-finals. They needed the team’s most capped player and best scorer, Asamoah Gyan, to score a penalty against Uruguay in extra time, but he failed, and Ghana was knocked out in a penalty shootout. The new coach, Otto Addo, was appointed before the third-round double-leg match against Nigeria, and he managed to qualify the team on away goals.
South Korea
South Korea qualified ten times for the World Cup before Qatar, and only two times did they pass the group stage — when they were hosting in 2002 and reached the semi-finals and in 2010 when they reached the Round of 16. Portuguese coach Paulo Bento is counting on captain Son Heung-min, a seven-time best footballer in Asia award winner, to lead the team past the group stage. They qualified easily, with 12 wins in 16 matches.
Conclusion
Even though some circumstances are different, there's no doubt that World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be a sensation around the globe, like all the previous World Cups. It will be interesting to see how the national teams will approach this mid-season system of competition, what team will find the edge that will help them reach the final stages, and in what form will players appear after just half a season of club football.
August 12, 2022
Posted by Content Team
You've probably heard the term RTP thrown around. RTP, or return to player, is an important concept to grasp if you want to improve your chances of winning and make the most of your gambling experience.
In this article, we'll explain what it is, how it affects your winning potential, and why it's necessary to understand it when playing games at your favorite online or land-based casinos.
RTP Explained in Simple Terms
In the gambling industry, RTP is a term used to describe the percentage of all wagered money that a casino game or slot machine will pay back to players over time. In other words, it's a measure of how much money you can expect to win back from a game in the long term.
Every casino game has a different RTP percentage, which is typically determined by the game's rules and mechanics. It's important to note that RTP is not a guarantee of success and doesn't predict individual outcomes. Even a high RTP slot machine can result in a long losing streak or a large win on a single spin.
A slot machine with an RTP of 96%, for example, will pay out $96 for every $100 wagered on average. This doesn't imply that you'll always win $96 for every $100 wagered, as actual payouts can vary greatly. However, over a large number of spins, you can expect to win 96% of your bets back.
Keep in mind that the theoretical RTP is only one aspect to consider when selecting a slot machine. Other features, such as volatility, jackpot size, and gameplay, can all impact your chances of winning and overall experience.
House Edge vs. Return to Player
If RTP displays the returns a player can expect, the house edge is the opposite. In other words, House Edge displays the percentage of returns the casino can expect on any given game. The house edge can be inferred from the RTP, ranging from 5-20%. If a slot has a return to player of 96% (which is more or less the industry standard), the house edge is 4%. Needless to say, this percentage indicates the casino’s expected return over time and not on a single spin.
The Role of RNGs in Slot RTP
We’ve discussed RNGs (random number generators) extensively in other posts, so here our focus is on explaining the relationship between RNGs and RTP with online slots. Random number generators ensure that the outcome of any online casino game, including online slots, is completely random and fair. So, in addition to checking a game’s theoretical RTP percentage, to determine the fairness of games, the prevalence of random number generators in games assures fair game outcomes.
RTP vs. Hit Frequency in Online Slots
Another variable worth taking into account is a game’s hit frequency. This will not necessarily be displayed, but it is fairly easy to calculate by dividing the slot’s total winning combinations by the total number of outcomes. But what does it mean? In simple terms, hit frequency indicates how frequently a player will hit winning combinations. Let’s look at a real example.
If a slot has a RTP percentage of 96%, the house edge is 4%, meaning that if you spend $100, you could win $96 over time, and the casino will earn $4. If the slot has 3125 ways to win and 10 winning combinations, the hit frequency would be 0.0032, or 0.32%. The higher the hit frequency, the more wins you can expect. We need to mention that this calculation alone cannot determine a player’s final call, as the RTP, house edge and volatility also plays a significant role.
The Value of High RTP for Player Wins
Knowing the RTP of a game is crucial for players to have an idea of what their potential wins or losses could be over an extended time. This not only helps players manage their bankroll but also aids in being selective when finding a game to play. Ultimately, games with higher RTPs indicate a bigger chance of winning while affording more time to play. This results in players being able to make the most of their online gambling activities.
The Difference Between Volatility and RTP
While RTP and volatility are both important factors to consider when playing slots, they aren't the same thing, and understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right slot game. For example, RTP doesn't account for the frequency or size of payouts, which is where volatility comes into play.
Volatility in slots refers to the level of risk or uncertainty involved in playing a slot game. High-volatility games usually offer larger payouts less frequently, while low-volatility games offer smaller payouts more often. Knowing how volatility works is crucial if you want to manage your bankroll effectively and avoid losing money quickly.
Failing to understand these two concepts can have a significant impact on a player’s experience and possibly, bankroll. It is of utmost importance to come to grips with the fact that the higher the RTP, the higher the possibility of winning while playing for longer.
6 Steps to Pick a Slot Based on RTP
Analyzing a game's RTP is but one factor that is crucial to consider when trying to determine your odds of winning. We’ve set up a handy step-by-step guide below that will help you in fine-tuning your hunt for the best game to play, and how to go about it.
#1: Opt for a Game With a Higher RTP
One of the first things to check when analyzing a slot game is its RTP. If you're wondering how to find the RTP on a slot machine, you can usually see it in its paytable or rules. If you're considering high RTP vs. low RTP slots, always go for higher RTPs.
#2: Choose Volatility That Suits Your Needs
As mentioned earlier, the volatility of a slot game can greatly impact your chances of winning and the frequency and size of payouts. High-volatility games tend to be more appealing to those looking for big wins, while low-volatility games are more suitable for players with a smaller bankroll who seek longer sessions.
#3: Examine the Payout Amounts
It's also important to check the payout amounts of a slot game to see how much you can win for each combination of symbols. Payout amounts can vary significantly between different games and symbol combinations, so it's important to understand how they work.
#4: Pick a Game With Bonus Rounds
Bonus rounds are special features in slot games that can offer additional chances to win or increase payouts. Checking if a game has bonus rounds and what they entail can help you evaluate the overall value.
#5: Look for Extra Features
Finally, it's worth checking out any additional features, such as wild and scatter symbols. Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations, while scatter symbols can trigger bonus rounds or free spins. Understanding these features can help you take advantage of the game's mechanics and increase your chances of winning.
#6: Try the Demo Version
Many online casinos offer demo versions of slot games, which allow you to play for free with virtual credits. Trying the demo version can help you get a feel for the game's mechanics and features and determine whether it's a good fit.
Leverage RTP and Increase you Winning Chances
Understanding the concept of RTP and its importance when playing slots and other online casino games is crucial for any gambler looking to increase their chances of winning.
However, RTP is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors such as volatility, bonus rounds, payout amounts, and additional features can all impact the outcome.
To make the most of your gambling experience, always remember to play responsibly, set a budget, and choose games that offer a balance of high RTP and low volatility. Doing so lets you enjoy the thrill of playing slots while minimizing your risks and maximizing your rewards.
FAQ
Is higher or lower RTP better?
Generally speaking, a higher RTP is better for players, as it means that the machine will pay back a larger percentage of all bets placed over time.
Do online slots have different RTPs compared to physical slot machines?
Online slot games often have higher RTPs compared to slots in physical casinos. This discrepancy is mainly due to the reduced overhead costs online platforms have, such as staffing and facility maintenance.
What is a good RTP for slots?
A good RTP for slots is generally considered to be 96% or higher, which is around the industry average.
How do you calculate RTP in a game?
If a slot machine receives $500,000 in bets and pays out $450,000 in wins, the RTP is calculated as the total amount of payouts to players divided by the total amount of wagers: 450,000/500,000=0.90. This calculation shows that the RTP is 90%.
March 10, 2023
Posted by Bojana Grozdanic
Every online casino bonus comes with something called wagering requirements. They’re attached to different types of bonuses: match bonuses and even free spins winnings. You can use this guide to fully understand what is wagering, how wagering requirements work, and, most importantly, how to fulfill them and proceed to withdrawal.
What is Wagering?
Wagering is an agreement under which the bettor risks a certain amount of funds on the outcome of an unsettled event. It’s a form of betting in which outcomes of events are gambled upon, like a game or a trivia question.
If a bettor sends money, that sum can be considered the wager for that game. This can be done for a game of cards, a roll of the dice, a spin of the slot machine reels, a sporting event like horse racing, and even another form of event, like political elections.
How Do Wagering Requirements Work?
When you use one of the various casino bonuses now available, you will be granted a bonus balance to use in the casino. How often you have to wager the bonus before it becomes withdrawable is known as the wagering requirement.
Casinos can impose wagering restrictions on your deposit and bonus funds. Using the figures from the previous sentence means you'd have a total of $30 after making a deposit of $10 and receiving a bonus of $20. The minimum bet is $30, and the maximum is $40. Therefore multiplying those two numbers yields $1200 as the total amount to be wagered. This has an effect, as it substantially increases the overall sum. Read the terms and conditions carefully to see whether you must gamble the bonus amount alone or the deposit plus the bonus amount.
Some casinos may refer to wagering requirements by a different name. Sometimes, these conditions can be referred to as a playthrough or rollover requirement. They can also be called obligations rather than requirements. However, the preceding definitions remain to apply when discussing wagers. The way they are represented in writing, such as "x40," is also consistent.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements?
How do you figure up the wagering requirement? The wagering requirements of every given casino offer should be clearly displayed. But the gambling establishment doesn't carry out the necessary math.
This is because the sum of your bonus money is directly proportional to the sum you initially invested. Therefore, it's individualized for each participant.
Check the terms and conditions to know how much you need to wager. The wagering requirement is calculated by multiplying your bonus amount by the given number.
Take this hypothetical case of a $100 bonus and a 30x wagering requirement as an illustration:
Convert the $100 by multiplying by 30. That's $3000. Your bonus funds are subject to a mandatory wagering requirement of that amount before you can withdraw them.
How to Beat Wagering Requirements?
You should follow these steps, or perhaps just a couple of them, to increase your chances of clearing all requirements and converting that bonus balance into a regular, withdrawable fund.
Read the Terms and Conditions
For the sake of player safety, all online casinos must follow the rules set forth by the regulatory and licensing body in charge. Having a visible location for the applicable terms and conditions is one of these requirements. You should be able to locate pertinent data concerning your bonus here. Consider double-checking the following:
Minimum deposit
Wagering requirement
Maximum payout
Time frame/Validity
Qualifying games
Maximum bet
How to beat wagering requirements? The first step can’t be emphasized enough: don't accept a bonus unless you've thoroughly reviewed the associated terms and conditions.
Slots – The Ultimate Choice
Choosing the correct slot game is one of the most important things you can do while trying to meet your wagering requirements. When calculating minimum bets, casinos often give different games varying contribution percentages. In many UK casinos, for instance, wagers placed on table games and live games contribute only 10% towards meeting the wagering requirements.
Playing slots is a great option. Slots often carry a 100% weighting, meaning that all wagered funds on slots will count toward meeting the casino's wagering requirements. Since a high variance slot can quickly wipe out your bankroll, it's advisable to stick to slots with lower volatility.
Playing for longer on a slot with reduced variance allows you to complete more of the wagering requirements. Selecting a slot with a medium RTP is also recommended because casinos typically exclude games with a high RTP from their game lists.
Progressive Slots
The only way to win the jackpot money in a progressive jackpot game is to play with the maximum bet. Therefore, if you hit the winning combination or hand for the progressive but haven't placed the minimum required wager, you will not win the jackpot.
No Wagering Casinos/Low Wagering Casinos
The concept of a bonus with no or minimal wagering requirements is still somewhat novel; thus, only a small percentage of online casinos currently provide this type of promotion.
A bonus with no wagering restrictions, or ‘zero wagering’, is exactly what its name implies. In addition, the bonus doesn't have any rollover requirements: once you bet it, the winnings become instantly withdrawable.
Players can withdraw their funds quickly and easily without waiting for too long or spending too much on terms and conditions thanks to the zero-wagering incentive, and casinos gain an exponential boost in new player sign-ups.
The casinos offering no wagering bonuses are:
Wolfy Casino
Casino Brango
Extreme Casino
Wild Vegas
Dreams Casino
Cool Cat
Planet Casino
Yabby Casino
Nonetheless, some gambling establishments may tack on a low wagering minimum. Casinos use these enticing promotions to attract new players, and new players are more than happy to sign up in exchange for the benefits they provide.
You can get welcome bonuses with minimal wagering requirements at the following casinos:
Punt Casino
Raging Bull
Ruby Slots
Slot Madness
Golden Hearts Games
Free Bets vs. Betting Credits
All free bets are for one-time use only and must be wagered in full at the time of redemption. For instance, you cannot use a $25 free bet on five $5 bets. You'll be limited to a single $25 wager. However, you can divide up your site credit however you like.
Site credit is similar to free bets, except no set amounts are attached to it. One $100 wager or 50 $2 wagers are both possible with 100 site credits. When compared to free bets, you have a bit more leeway.
Conclusion
Use this comprehensive guide to understand what is wagering completely, the wagering requirement rules and options, how to beat those requirements, and what games to play in order to beat them. Find out what types of slots are best suited for completing rollover requirements, the difference between certain bonuses, and how to clear them. Lastly, casinos offer no-wager bonuses and promotions with small wagering requirements.
FAQ
What is an example of wagering?
You're risking a certain amount on an uncertain outcome: that can be the result of a football, soccer, basketball, or any other match or sporting event. You can also stake your money on roulette and dice outcomes, bet on slot or play classic games like Poker or Blackjack.
What does no wagering mean?
To clarify, if a bonus or free spins do not have wagering restrictions, then any money you make while using them is yours to keep and can be withdrawn without penalty.
How do you calculate a wager?
You may easily determine the return on your wager with an online betting odds calculator (or by checking how sports betting odd formats work). These calculators typically support American, Decimal, and Fractional odds formats.
January 16, 2023
Posted by Content Team
With each year that passes, more and more gamblers use cryptocurrencies to avoid the problems associated with fiat currencies. That's why finding reputable online bitcoin casinos that offer perks and have great features is crucial.
In this post, I'll talk about the best Bitcoin casinos, but I'll also point out online gambling regulations in Thailand, the types of games you can play, and things you should know if you plan on gambling online.
Top 5 Best Bitcoin Casinos for Thai Players
In the sections below, you'll be able to read reviews of the best online bitcoin casinos in Thailand:
1. Cloudbet — Pioneer of Crypto Betting
2. Rocketpot — Innovative Online Crypto Casino
3. Betwinner — Great Odds
4. Spin casino — Great Welcome Bonus
5. Las Atlantis — RealTime Gaming
1. Cloudbet
License: Curaçao
Available cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, BCH, USDT, USDC, PAX, PAXG, LINK, DAI, DASH, DOGE, and LTC
At Cloudbet, you’ll find everything from jackpot slots to virtual games, table games, and live dealer games. Slots games contribute 90%, while tables and live dealers only 10%.
Namely, this casino’s slots category offers games from providers like Microgaming, Betsoft, Relax Gaming, and NetEnt. Some of the popular titles are Bridesmaids, Black Gold, Game of Thrones, and Majestic King. In addition, they offer all the popular table games and variations you would expect.
When it comes to bonuses, the welcome package consists of a 100% first deposit match that can go up to 5 BTC. The minimum amount you can deposit is 0.001BTC, and you’ll get another 0.001BTC to play some of Cloudbet's games.
Cloudbet has many other promotions available to both new and existing players. For example, every week, you can unlock the Thursday deposit bonus and compete for huge rewards. Furthermore, you can claim a 10% cashback on some games.
It's good to know that many of their games have high RTP, while the volatility can vary. In addition, if you use their bonuses, you'll return your funds and likely win more money.
Like any popular online casino, Cloutbet.com has VIP and loyalty programs. According to your ranking based on the site’s six main tiers, you’ll be awarded various such as deposit bonuses, priority customer support, customized account management, and free spins.
Cloudbet casino accepts cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Litecoin, and Tether.
Cloudbet casino has a 24/7 live chat option, and players can also contact support via email. Alternatively, there's a selection of frequently asked questions.
2. Rocketpot
License: Curaçao
Available cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, DOGE, BCH, LTC, NEO, USDT, ADA, and USD Coin
Rocketpot bitcoin casino provides a wide variety of games on its website — almost 3000 different slot games, more than 300 table games, and live casino games.
This online casino will match up to a 1 BTC deposit as a welcome bonus, doubling your first deposit instantly. To be able to withdraw this bonus, an x100 wagering requirement must be met. Note that some games are excluded from bonuses.
To retain exclusivity, the Rocketpot VIP program is strictly invitation-only. When your account meets its requirements, a VIP manager will reach out to you.
This casino has customer support in German, English, Finnish, Japanese, French, and Spanish. Namely, Rocketpot offers live support and they can be contacted through email.
In order to offer a pleasant gaming experience to its users, it has partnered with some of the prominent game providers in the igaming industry, like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Push Gaming, Microgaming, EvoPlay Entertainment, and many others.
Rocketpot is a crypto casino, meaning regular banking options aren't available. Nonetheless, paying with crypto is usually more secure, faster, and private. Both deposits and withdrawals are completed instantly, and processing time only depends on a blockchain network. In addition, there's a function that lets you instantly send money to other Rocketpot users.
Lastly, withdrawal limits, you can only withdraw $1,000 per week or $4,000 per month.
3. Betwinner
License: Curaçao
Available cryptocurrencies: BTC, LTC, DOGE, DASH, ETH, XMR, BCH
BetWinner holds a gambling license issued by the Government of Curaçao and caters to more than 40 sports betting markets, hundreds of games, and pre-match events. At this casino, betting odds are shown in the American odds format. Punters can bet live and watch live streaming.
The two primary parts of Betwinner's online casino are slots and live casino games. Some of the slot titles are Danger High Voltage, Nile Treasures, and King Jackpot, while the casino games section includes games such as bingo, keno, and baccarat.
You can get up to $300 in casino bonus funds or $/€100 to spend on sports betting when you make your first deposit at BetWinner. Once you make your first deposit, the casino will match your deposit with a 100% bonus on sports or slots, depending on what you selected. You can deposit as little as $1 and still claim the bonus.
BetWinner offers a Daily Jackpot, where your bets get in the running for a daily prize. If you like eSports, you could get up to 30% cashback and a new daily bonus. You can also browse through the Promotions tab to see what is available in the daily, weekly, and monthly giveaways. Moreover, there are VIP & Loyalty programs for recurring users.
Betwinner provides a wide range of deposit methods, more than 40 depositing options. The minimum deposit is $/€1, but the minimum amount varies depending on the bank or method you use and the country you live in. The casino doesn't specify the maximum amount you can deposit.
When withdrawing, the casino prefers that you use the same method you used to make a deposit. The minimum amount you can withdraw through payment methods is $/€1.50. Generally, it takes around 15 minutes to process a withdrawal, but the withdrawal times could vary from 1 minute to 7 days, depending on the method.
Aside from fiat currencies, at BetWinner, you can deposit in cryptocurrencies — Dogecoin, Dash, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, which is highly beneficial for punters as it allows instant, fee-free payments.
4. Spin casino
License: Malta Gaming Authority
The Spin casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.
As of today, in its offer, there are more than 650 different games provided by one of the industry's largest and most reputable software developers — Microgaming.
At Spin Casino, as a new player, you can expect a 100% match bonus of up to $1000. The playthrough requirement is 70x.
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Promotions — The rewards don’t stop after the welcome bonus. Players will be sporadically rewarded with generous prizes for signing in every week and month. Just be sure you log in every day, so you don’t miss any of them.
Jackpot Rewards — Jackpot Rewards at this site can be won every day by playing their bonus-packed jackpot slot games.
There are plenty of ways to deposit and withdraw money. Using a debit card is likely the most popular, but you can use plenty of other options as well. Moreover, PayPal is accepted alongside ten other banking options. However, noticeably missing from their list of options were cryptocurrencies.
Spin casino has a great loyalty program where you can earn points every time you bet real money on the site — the more you bet, the more you earn. New members are rewarded with 2,500 points right off the bat, which is enough to shoot you right into the bronze level.
In addition, the casino is certified by the online casino watchdog, eCOGRA, which confirms that it's fully legitimate and safe. It employs strong encryption to ensure that user data will be perfectly safe at all times, and the same is true about any money you deposit to the website.
5. Las Atlantis
License: Malta Gaming Authority
Available cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether
Las Atlantis casino is licensed by the jurisdiction of Curaçao.
It offers 200+ slots and games for you to enjoy, and noticeably the casino uses Real Time Gaming (RTG) as its main game provider.
Besides slot games, there's a good selection of video poker and a few other table games — there are only three blackjack games, one roulette game, and a single version of keno.
The website offers welcome bonuses as the most rewarding of all the offered casino bonuses. It allows users to multiply their betting stake when they make their first deposit. In addition, this casino provides a 280% welcome bonus on games like no progressive slots, real series video slots, keno, board games, and scratch cards.
The Lucky Day bonus offers a slots bonus of between 120% and 165% depending on the value of your deposit.
The Uncharted Bonus offers up to 160% slots bonus, plus an extra 20% for crypto deposits.
The Ancient Spins bonus gives free spins on Wild Hog Luau, with an additional 15 spins for Bitcoin and Neosurf deposits.
When it comes to banking methods, Las Atlantis casino's deposit and withdrawal methods are fast, reliable, and carry no additional fees. The site keeps your information safe with multiple levels of account validation.
Las Atlantis casino has a VIP program for its loyal users, that are rewarded in the form of comp points that can be used in their betting journey to enhance their winnings. In addition, VIPs get specific bonuses and promotions, special events invitations, and a private account manager for any general assistance.
If you have some inquiries, you can contact their customer service through live chat and email. Moreover, there's also telephone support for both US and international phone numbers.
Types of Games You Can Play
In this section, I'll provide essential information about the casino games you can play at best online casinos.
Online slot games
Online slots are a type of online casino game where players can play games from any computer or mobile device and don't need to be in a real casino. These slots can be played for free in a demo version, but most people play for real money.
Table games
Casino table games may be the traditional tables where dealers conduct the games with chips, or there may be electronic table games that are similar to a traditional game but use an electronic device through which customers place their wagers.
In a table game:
You usually sit around a table designed specifically for the game being played.
The croupier or dealer enables the game and manages payments.
You bet on specific outcomes, and a successful bet is paid according to the odds set at the table.
Live dealer games
Companies such as Evolution Gaming offer inventive new games like MONOPOLY Live and Deal or No Deal, which can be great for acquiring new customers.
By introducing new forms of gaming, live dealer game developers have the potential to reshape the future of online gambling. Technological improvements like faster data speed and better video streaming quality have allowed operators to format games for smaller screens.
Live dealer games are getting increasingly popular among online casino operators, spurred on by increasing player demand worldwide. While each target audience has its own demands depending on different player preferences, live dealer games are popular across the globe.
Online Gambling in Thailand
Current law, the Gambling Act of 1935, in Thailand states that if an individual is caught in any illegal form of gambling can be fined and imprisoned. However, online gambling falls under the grey area as the law doesn't mention the legality of online gambling.
Even though Thai officials see online gambling as unacceptable, many gamblers participate in gambling and sports betting because it's not mentioned in the Gamlbing Act.
Note that if you're living in Thailand, you can't gamble at online casinos based there. But you can place bets at internationally licensed casinos that accept Thai Baht.
What Do You Need to Know When Gambling in Thailand?
If you plan to visit some online casino websites, you should know the things below.
Banking Methods — Online casinos offer easy depositing and withdrawal methods such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Neteller. In addition, you can use cryptocurrencies in some online casinos and sportsbooks.
Provably Fair Games — They allow players to verify fairness, meaning that online casinos can’t cheat a player because the game's outcome is provable, transparent, and verifiable. These games are handled by programming code, meaning there’s no chance for a casino to change the result of the bet.
Customer Support — In general, online casinos offer customer support via phone, email, and live chat. It's usually a good sign if a casino has a 24/7 live chat option and FAQ page for some common questions.
Bonus Offers — Casinos have various bonus offers, such as attractive welcome bonuses and long-term promotions that punters and casino game players can use to boost their gameplay.
Pros and Cons of Playing at Bitcoin Casinos
In this part of the article, I'll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of gambling at online casinos that accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies:
Pros
Fast payments — All cryptocurrency payments are conducted without the interference of third parties, such as banks and other financial institutions.
Anonymity — Blockchain technology provides users with anonymity while making cryptocurrency transactions. The wallet address is the only publicly available information during the transaction, so players don’t have to provide personal data.
Low fees — Crypto transactions are made without the interference of the banks, so players usually have to pay comparatively low fees, or they don’t have to pay any commission.
Security — The technology backing cryptocurrencies allows access to the payment history. Therefore, the records of all money transfers can be checked to ensure fair casino operation. Crypto wallets are also fully protected, making the attacks complicated and almost impossible for hackers
Cons
However, there are some disadvantages:
It's volatile — Its price bounces up and down every day because of the limited number of Bitcoins in circulation and the increasing demand for them.
It's a work in progress — With such a high uptake, the Bitcoin network, which wasn't originally built to process the current number of transactions, has encountered scalability issues.
Not a “household” payment method — While holding a 78.5% iGaming market penetration rate, Bitcoin isn't always available as a go-to payment method.
Untraceable — Bitcoin’s anonymity, viewed by many as an advantage, on the other hand, is often associated with criminal activity in the sense that it's easier to get away with fraud.
Conclusion
Bitcoin casinos have become very popular in the past few years because you don't need to share personal information when using cryptocurrencies. Other benefits of Bitcoin gambling are fast payments, low fees, and security. On the other hand, the prices of cryptocurrencies are volatile, which is the biggest con of this kind of gambling.
Gambling at online casinos based in Thailand is prohibited, but you can place bets at international casinos and sportsbooks.
Finally, the list of best Bitcoin casinos is only a small number of crypto casinos making a splash in the gambling industry, which you can explore, play some demo games and decide which one suits your needs.
October 28, 2022
Posted by Content Team
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