How To Create a Casino Game
How are Casino Games Created?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like developing your very own casino game and seeing it bring smiles (or tears) to the faces of punters? Since the early gambling houses of Europe, casino game development has come a long way. What’s fascinating about the gambling industry, however, is how modern technology goes hand-in-hand with tradition. Just walk into any casino and you’ll see elaborate, live gameplay being played next door to traditional classics like blackjack.
So whether you want to push the boundaries of casino innovation or come up with your own “classic,” to create a casino game there are three golden rules to follow:
- The house must win
- Keep it simple
- Punters must feel they have a realistic chance of winning
Keep it Simple
If you’re keen to create casino games then it helps to keep things simple. Overcomplicating things will most likely fail to attract players and turn off gamblers. If you’re doubting this rule then all you have to do is take a look at the most popular tables in any casino. Here, you’ll find the likes of poker and blackjack. Did you know that blackjack has been around for over two centuries and is still Las Vegas’ most popular table game? That’s right, the most popular table game was designed with nothing more than a deck of 52 cards. Taking out an old deck of playing cards from your drawer and getting creative is a great place to start.
The odds must favour the casino and any game must make money to keep the casino in business. The house edge, as it’s known, ensures that the casino will win more money than it loses over time. Before a game is approved, it has to be tested by a mathematical consultant who will do an analysis of game results.
Punters Need an Incentive to Play
If you’re not a fan of cards then there are other avenues you can take. Roulette is another classic that was also invented in the 1700s and is hugely popular with contemporary gamblers. One of the reasons why roulette continues to be popular is the clear chance of winning. This is essential if you want gamblers to bet with real money. If you put your money on black, you have (just under) a 50% chance of winning. And if you do win, you double your money. When betting on numbers, you increase your chances by spreading your bet across multiple numbers. However, for a big win, you want to bet on only one or two numbers. Simple, right?
However, creating a game like roulette requires a lot of craftsmanship. The device has to be built to absolute perfection. For a roulette wheel to be approved, the ball must have an equal probability of landing on all numbers equally.
Clearly, casinos aren’t all about table games. It seems like there’s a million different type of slot machines out there with various themes, scatter symbols and bonus features. Punters not only want to win at slots. They can be attracted by a particular genre, storyline, or design. Beware that if you want to build your own slot machine then it’s not going to be cheap. You need a good understanding of electronics and have to buy all the essential components.
Creating Online Games
With the rise of online casinos and, more recently, mobile casinos the floodgates have truly been opened. If you’re an expert programmer then you may have the expertise required to develop your own program. If not then accessing software could come at a very high cost. Whereas physical casinos use dealers and croupiers, online games require random number generators to ensure gameplay is fair.
If you want to develop an online slot game then you need a concept that stands out from the crowd. A pay table, which details all potential payouts, could be a great place to start. Will your slot include a progressive jackpot? Who is your target market? How much can they afford and what will the average bet size be? This kind of research is important when determining the maximum and minimum bet.
Online casinos have a variety of methods to encourage players to play online slot machines. Many give away free spins as a welcome bonus. While it will be the casino’s responsibility to promote and sell your game to customers, you still have the job of selling it to the casino.
Summary
Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Dice, cards, roulette wheels and slots have been around forever. If you can keep things familiar while adding an exciting new feature then a game is more likely to be adopted by casinos. Ensure gameplay is relatively quick. A typical game of blackjack consists of around 70 hands each hour. If a game is too slow and drawn out then the casino won’t make enough money and players may get bored.
You also have to undergo legal procedures to ensure your idea doesn’t already exist, and to protect it from anyone trying to steal it. You have to be able to sell your idea to casinos and be willing to give them the lion’s share of profits. Your game has to be tested vigorously to not only ensure it works, but also that it attracts and retains punters. And, of course, you have to ensure you follow all laws and regulations. In Great Britain, the Gambling Commission is responsible for licensing and regulation of the industry.
In this highly competitive industry, building your own casino game can be a long-shot gamble in itself. If successful, the payout can be generous, although the amount of work required should not be underestimated. If you are serious, then remember the three golden rules: keep it simple, ensure punters feel they have a realistic chance of winning and (most importantly), the house must always win.
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