Slots are one of the most popular casino games, whether it’s because they are easy to play or pass the time. It could be the bright lights and sounds that attract players, or the vast sums of money that are alluring. This is definitely the case with online slots that have progressive jackpots.
By a similar nature, TV game shows have always been popular. Something is strangely satisfying about watching relatable members of the general public take on competitors or a gameboard to win life-changing sums of money. There are so many shows on our TV screens that casino games inspire and, in this article, we take a specific look at Slots.
The Wall
The Wall started out on screens across the US in December 2016 and is now televised in over 30 countries. It hit the UK last month, presented by ‘hard man’ Danny Dyer.
Each show stars a team of two contestants who have to master the giant slot machine. The top of the board contains seven holes, from which the balls go in, while the bottom has 15 slots, with varying monetary amounts. The values change throughout the rounds, up to a massive £50,000.
By answering multiple-choice questions correctly, green balls enter the drop, adding money to the team’s total. Answer the questions wrong and the balls turn red, deducting money from their balance. The money accumulated after round one is guaranteed, provided the member of the team put into isolation signs the contract. But, if they tear it up, they go home with whatever money is on the wall at the end of the game. It’s a risk as the player in isolation doesn’t know how much is at stake. It could be more or less than their guarantee.
Tipping Point
British show Tipping Point has aired since 2012 and is still popular, due to its large slot machine and fun format. Players answer questions to win counters to put into the machine and win money. Each counter is worth £50. At the end of each round, the contestant with the least amount of money leaves the game.
In the final round, the winning contestant takes on the machine once more in a bid to release the jackpot counter, worth £10,000. There are six opportunities to win counters and the contestant wagers between one and three counters on each question. The more correct answers they give, the more counters they can win, and the more likely they are to prise the winning counter from the machine.
If after six questions, the jackpot counter is still in the machine, they have a final chance. Host Ben Shephard will offer the contestant three more counters to release the giant jackpot one. If they accept, they either go home with the £10,000 or leave empty-handed.
Plinko (The Price is Right)
The Price is Right may no longer be on UK screens, but it’s still popular in the US and Plinko is one of the show’s mini-games. Contestants begin with one counter and can win up to three more, by selecting the correct price of three randomly-chosen household objects.
Like a penny slot, the counters are entered into the machine and wherever they land, that money is won. The contestant can then gamble these winnings on a final game board, which alternates ‘win’ and ‘lose’. They receive one final counter in the hope of winning a spot prize (usually a car).
