Human beings love to play games. While playing games is sometimes dismissed as ‘child’s play’, we all know that is simply not the case. While we might not all have the time or inclination to sit down and actively engage in games of chess or checkers, many of us have digital versions of classic tabletop games on our phones. In addition, the video game market is enormous, and people who grew up au fait with the gaming format have carried that into adulthood; now, the average age of a Canadian gamer is 34.
The games people play
The 2020 survey found that 61% of Canadian adults under 65 played video games, and these figures are fairly consistent globally. Even people who claim to be non-gamers almost certainly play games. In his 1964 book The Games People Play, Eric Berne asserted that everyone plays psychological games with each other. While the book does not explore literal games, it remains a foundational study in understanding interpersonal manipulation and dynamics. The book was the first widely read ‘pop psychology’ book, was number one on the New York Times bestseller list for over 100 weeks, and is still highly regarded 60 years after publication.
Going from strength to strength
A few years back, it was assumed that digital gaming would lead to the extinction of physical board games and online casino games would lead to mass land-based casino closures. However, this is not the case – in fact, there has been a revival of friends playing board games socially. Many towns and cities have board game clubs, and many bars and coffee shops have board game libraries and leagues.
Rules and bonuses
Part of what makes game playing fun and fair is that everyone plays by the same rules. If things are not agreed in advance, gameplay can rapidly descend into the kinds of manipulation and mind games that Eric Berne described in his book. This is particularly true when it comes to bonuses and ‘house rules’. While Monopoly might not be a game about co-operation, the rules and bonuses are unambiguous. Every time a player passes GO, they collect $200 from the bank. Community Chest and Chance also offer bonuses and other incentives. There are also fines to be paid, and this is where things can get tricky if boundaries are not agreed upon in advance.
Avoiding conflict
There are different house rules for Monopoly, which can lead to some quite spectacular spats (well, they did in our house anyway). Some people play with the additional bonus rule: if a player lands on GO, they double their annual salary and collect $400. However, this is not in the official rules and is a bonus structure that needs to be agreed upon in advance. The same applies to fines that are picked up and paying money to Get Out of Jail. Many people use these fines as future bonuses, with the charges not being returned to the bank but placed in the middle of the board.
The player who lands on Free Parking collects the central pop, but this is not an official rule. It can make the game more exciting, but it can leave the bank cashless as it has no income. However, it does add money back into the game, making it harder for players to go bankrupt and extending playing time. This could be regarded as a bonus or a curse, depending on how you feel about Monopoly.
From paper money to real money stakes
In Monopoly, the competition is about paper money. However, when players wager real money, the bonuses and rules need to be even clearer and better understood. Many online casinos, such as Jackpot City Canada, offer incredibly attractive bonuses for players who enjoy online slots and classic casino table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker. However, just as with the Monopoly ‘house rules’, players need to understand that most online casino bonuses come with variations and limitations.
Understand wagering requirements
To get the most out of any online (or bricks and mortar) casino bonus, it is essential to understand the wager requirements attached. While a bonus can look incredibly generous in theory, sometimes when you drill down into the details, you will find that the wagering requirements of time limits make the bonus less appealing than it initially appeared. While this can be somewhat confusing, expert help is at hand. An online review site like Casino.org offers a Bonus Code Finder service to help fit the bonus to the player.
Many online casino bonuses focus on getting new players to sign up, but there are also healthy offers for existing players if you know where to look. After all, an online platform does not want to spend all that time and energy attracting new players only to lose them to a competitor offering a seemingly more generous bonus. Part of the casinos’ gameplay is to get players to stick around, be loyal and place their virtual chips on the casino’s baize rather than at a rival’s. Therefore, Jackpot City also rewards loyalty to keep players coming back for more.
Rewarding loyalty
Existing player mechanics include an unlimited Refer-A-Friend bonus that rewards the existing player with $50 for any referee who registers with the casino and makes a $10 deposit. They also offer Birthday Bonuses, In-Game Random Rewards, Bonus Wheel Spins, Daily Deals and rewards for maintaining a Daily Streak. The online casinos understand the psychology behind keeping customers loyal when it comes to playing games.
Keeping it fun
Whether your tabletop games choices are for real or paper money, bonuses go a long way in our decision-making process. Most of us like to feel that we have a fair chance and that the system is not rigged against us. Inevitably, we know in Monopoly that one person is going to clean up, but the game needs to be fun to play. In the same way, it is essential to acknowledge that casinos are businesses and are there to make money. While we can dream of cashing out the jackpot, the house always wins, and what matters is the entertainment value we get from the gameplay. No matter which games we play or which system or format we choose, the mechanics of the game should ensure a fun experience.