Game of Skill vs Game of Chance

Gambling is defined as betting on an uncertain outcome or taking a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage. However, this aftermath uncertainty reveals totally different values with our two main competitors in this epic battle of the games. The psychology factors which go into choosing one over the other have been super interesting to me especially as someone who really enjoys both game types equally. Skill-based games have a significantly fuller set of advantages when it comes to winning (what we are all playing for in the first place) yet somehow games of chance have always had just as huge fan base as their opponent. Sounds weird, right? So, let’s dig in and find out the reasons for this seemingly irrational statement.

Games of Skill or the Thrill of Being in Control

5512885_sWith games of skill, the player is allowed to influence the outcome by making decisions. There is still a good amount of luck involved, the house advantage is also absolutely present but as opposed to all games of odds, here it can be affected by the player’s smart moves. The only skill required is to think, follow a strategy or do fast mathematical calculations. If you have practiced enough, you will be able to lower the house edge and have a significantly better chance of winning. However, the most common reason for choosing a game of skill is the subconsciously influencing human desire to demonstrate proficiency. The feeling of accomplishing anything thanks to your own mental capacity makes all wins 100 times more satisfying! A regular win may seem as hitting a huge jackpot! And it’s true – players spend a lot of time researching, practicing, memorizing strategies just in the search for that feeling of self-satisfaction. Whether we want to admit it or not, our ego is the main influencer of most of our decisions!

Games of Chance – Let it Be!

These are the games where success is out of your hands. Luck, fate, RNG, luck, call it whatever you want, they are the ones in charge. Once you place a bet, the house advantage is predetermined and there is not a lot of thinking, strategy or what so ever involved. No skills, no effort, the pure essential of modern entertainment. But why we go for the uncertainty of randomness then? Reason number one is that sometimes not thinking is how we can truly experience entertainment. Not everything has to be so complicated! Second, every success which is not expected adds the element of surprise and increases the overall joy of playing, that thrill is what some players, like myself, seek and enjoy. And lastly, not being in control provides the perfect excuse not to feel bad when losing which we all face from time to time.

So, I hope, this brought some new perspectives about why we tend to prefer skill or chance-based games and I hope to come back soon with more psychology driven gambling topics.