The Science Behind Luck and Randomness in Games

The gaming sector continued to involve and integrate technological innovations, which only improved the gaming experience and expanded the number of games as well as innovative genres and sub-genres in the sector.

So, nowadays, gaming has become a vast field of different genres, including games of chance. It is safe to say that some outcomes in specific games can be attributed to luck rather than skill.

Suppose you’re trying to improve your reflexes or become better at certain video games. In that case, you are well aware of repeatedly practicing and playing at the same level until you achieve the desired result. Dedication is required, meaning many gamers connect with each other and watch YotTubers that explain more complex concepts or specific tactics. 

But, some gamers are naturally equipped to play more challenging games or to reach higher scores isn’t something that they have practiced for. However, when it comes to the luck factor in games, especially in games of chance, there is a technology and science behind it. Below, we will take a closer look at what constitutes luck when it comes to games in general and how randomly the outcome occurs in specific games.

Games with Random Outcomes

When we talk about games that include some random elements, we generally think about games of chance. As the name suggests, there is a degree of luck involved, which impacts the game’s final outcome.

Some of the games of chance are lotto games, slots, poker, blackjack, and other games of luck. That being said, there is a difference between games that are just pure luck and games of chance that require certain skills and knowledge from the casino player.

There isn’t any casino etiquette or complicated rules and strategies. On the other hand, many would argue that slots require only basic understating on your part, and you can play any slot game immediately. The same applies to lotto and bingo games since they are very much based on luck.

In other words, there is a different degree of luck involved since you might be dealt random cards, and ultimately your decisions can lead you to poor or better choices. It’s different when you’re rolling dice or playing the lotto, for example, because it isn’t much you can do to impact the outcome.

Let’s take blackjack, for example; it is a game that requires you to have good decision skills to be knowledgeable about the game and be aware that even certain decisions that you can make will lead you to different outcomes or decrease your odds. This is why many casino players study the game and learn its rules, specific blackjack tactics, and strategies before playing.

Overall, games of chance have a random element that can be more prominent or not based on the type of game you are playing. So regardless of your knowledge or skills, or choices, you still have to remember that luck isn’t something that you can control.

The Odds

If we stay away from the games of chance and look at other games based on luck, we can see that each game has odds associated with good luck and bad luck. In other words, if you’re playing a game as Deal or no Deal, that is, which is purely based on luck, because you have to make a certain number of choices (open 22 boxes), you have more opportunities to get it wrong, or they get a stroke of bad luck. So, your odds of winning the main prize are 5/22, or 23%.

The science behind good luck is the odds. For each game of chance, the odds can be different, which also applies to other games that are impacted by luck, like Scribble or board games where you are randomly dealt different cards you have to roll a die. Another example would be the odds of winning the main lottery in the United States – Powerball, where the odds are 1 in 292,201,338.

The Science

This leads us to the scientific proof, and that is that there is a random element in certain games regardless of whether or not you’re playing a game of skill, a complex video game, a specific game of chance, or board games. But, the severity of that random element is impacted not only by the rules of the game and how it is set up but also by your own choices.

Based on your own knowledge, cognitive abilities, and decision-making skills, you can make choices that, in the end, are more beneficial for you.

Researchers from the University of Alberta created a software called Cepheus in 2015 that was developed as a perfect program ta poker players with no flaws. For example, the program wasn’t susceptible to bluff and didn’t get stressed as humans do.

Also, it had a chance to play the same poker game over and over again for a long period of time. The results eventually showed that even though the software program had a streak of bad luck, it was still able to win a series of hands because it learned over time and created a strategy that influenced its odds, leading to a winning streak.

Summary 

Any conclusion, no one can control luck. It’s a surprise element in any mobile game or video game, and even games of chance. Although many mathematicians and researchers work on probability, there are some games that are purely based on luck, and even the best strategy can be of much help to you if you just have a bad day or a stroke of bad luck.

However, based on the level of luck which is involved in the outcome, you can always do your best and try to learn how to play specific games or create a strategy that works for your strengths. That being said, if the game is impacted by luck, keep in mind that there is always one element you cannot predict that can lead to a better or worst outcome for you.