The online casino industry is quickly becoming one of the most prominent in the realm of digital entertainment. Some of the key factors driving this growth are the variety of products. In recent years, a game that mimics the volatility of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies has taken the industry by storm. These are crash games.
Crash Games: What Are They and What Do They Offer Players?
Crash gambling first rose to prominence in 2019 with the emergence of “Aviator”, an experimental game that launched enormous success for Polish-based developers Spribe.
In order to understand exactly what Crash games are and what they entail, it’s important to have a good understanding of traditional online gambling first. When it comes to traditional online gambling games, the level of risk and reward varies according to the rules and odds of each game. Players can often manage their risk through strategic decision-making and by choosing the size of their bets.
Now, take crash games. By contrast, due to the exponential nature of the multiplier curve, crash gambling typically offers scenarios with high risk and high reward. Players risk losing their entire bet if the multiplier crashes if they wait too long, while those who cash out early may secure smaller winnings. Unlike more traditional games like poker, for example, the level of skill and strategy is significantly lower.
Today, crash games are still a relatively new trend in the online casino sphere. However, they are rapidly gaining popularity and becoming more accessible. This is, largely, due to their simplicity.
Elements Driving The Popularity of Crash Games
Besides the element of simplicity, another key factor driving the popularity of crash games is the sense of community.
Aviator, for example, has enabled “group bets”, inviting players to join their peers and compete for a share of “community wins.” According to SPRIBE’S chief executive officer, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, this social feature is behind the massive success of their product.
In a group bet, the payout is shared among the participants based on their individual bets. This fosters a social environment where players strategize and discuss when to cash out collectively.
“It’s like when one wins, we all win, which really brings everyone together and adds a layer of excitement to the game. Joining group bets in our games is straightforward. Players can see active groups or friends who are about to place a bet and can choose to join in with a single click. This feature is integrated into the game interface, making it accessible and easy to use,” the executive has said.
The Most Popular Crash Games in Actuality
The emerging market has led to a surge of leading developers to create crash games. Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and BGAMING are some of the high-profile companies that have created their own versions of crash gaming. Some of the most popular titles today include the Aviator game, Cash or Crash Live, Space XY, and Skyward.
Aviator Game
According to data supplied by the website Poker News, Aviator amassed 10 million monthly players in early 2024. Introduced by Spribe in February of 2019, Aviator is the original crash game, which went on to inspire similar versions, variants, and an entire online gambling genre of its own right.
To play Aviator, bets must be placed during the five second preparation period. Players can place up to two bets at a time. When the game starts, an airplane takes off, and its altitude and the multiplying coefficient increase until the plane flies away. Collecting winnings before the plane takes off results in the bet amount multiplied by the displayed coefficient; failure to collect in time results in the loss of the bet.
The game's RTP is 97%, and Provably Fair technology ensures that draws are 100% fair and cannot be interfered with by third-party applications. It is available through licensed online gambling platforms, such as Bit casino.
Cash or Crash Live
Cash or Crash Live is another crash game released in 2021 by Evolution, the Swedish game developers behind hyper-popular titles, such as the online slots Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest and the live game Crazy Time.
Unlike Aviator, Cash or Crash Live is a game show, which means that there is a real host presenting the games. The game takes place in a virtual Blimp flying above a metropolis.
The game show host controls the proceedings, and a lottery-type bingo machine selects colored balls that determine the game's outcome. Cash or Crash Live’s objective is to climb the twenty-step payout ladder before a red ball is drawn, which causes the blimp to crash and all winnings to be lost.
Cash or Crash Live’s standard paytable offers payouts up to 18,000x, but this can soar to 50,000x if a Gold ball is drawn. With a return to player (RTP) rate of 99.59%, it ranks among the highest in the casino world, rivaling Blackjack as one of the most favorable options for those players who are seeking strong returns.
Space XY
Space XY is a more recent crash casino product. Released in early 2022 by developers BGaming, the game’s theme is centered on space and rockets. It features simple mechanics, from minimal graphics to rules and controls.
Despite Space XY’s relative simplicity, it offers significant winning potential, with a maximum payout of 10,000x the stake. The game's title refers to graph coordinates, where the x-axis represents flight duration and the y-axis indicates the rocket's height.
Players place bets before launch and aim to cash out before the rocket crashes. As the rocket ascends, a multiplier displayed on the screen increases, boosting potential winnings. The game, with an RTP of 96.88 to 98.9%also includes options for autospin and auto cash-out, as well as the ability to place double bets.
Skyward
BetGame’s Skyward (not to be confused with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword), is the newest crash game included on this list. Released in 2023, the game is quite similar to Spribe’s Aviator. Players are immersed in a rather simple game where they will be driving and airplaine with the hopes to score.
The crash game allows players to place bets ranging from 0.10 to 100 credits per spin. The gameplay revolves around a plane that progressively increases the overall multiplier as it soars higher, challenging players to cash out before it disappears. Lastly, it features an RTP of 97% and a maximum win potential of x100,000.
Are Crash Games Safe? What Players Need to Know
Crash games, like any form of gambling, carry inherent risks due to their reliance on chance and unpredictability. The central mechanic of these games—deciding when to cash out before the multiplier crashes—adds an element of strategy to a certain degree, but outcomes remain entirely random.
Even games with high RTP (Return to Player) rates or provably fair systems do not guarantee consistent winnings. It’s important to approach crash games with the understanding that losing is a natural part of gambling, and no strategy can eliminate this risk entirely.
To gamble responsibly and enjoy crash games safely, players should set clear limits on their betting activities. Begin by establishing a budget specifically for gambling and stick to it, ensuring it consists only of funds you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses, as this often leads to impulsive decisions and further losses. Additionally, consider using features like auto cash-out to maintain control and minimize emotional decisions during gameplay.
It’s also helpful to take regular breaks to avoid making rash decisions due to fatigue or frustration. If you find yourself struggling to maintain control, many online casinos offer tools like self-exclusion or time limits, which can help you pause or restrict your gambling activity.
Ultimately, the key to safe gambling lies in moderation and self-awareness. Crash games can be exciting, but their enjoyment should never come at the expense of financial stability or mental well-being. Play responsibly and treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a source of income.
In conclusion
Crash games, available on sites like Bit casino have quickly carved out a niche in the online casino industry, combining simple mechanics with the thrill of high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Their rapid rise in popularity is fueled by accessibility, innovative social features, and significant winning potential. However, while crash games offer excitement and variety, players must still approach them with caution. For this, it’s necessary to fully understand the inherent risks and adopt responsible gambling practices to ensure a safe experience.
