Games come in many shapes and sizes. This has long been the case. The digital age brings everything from slot machines to sprawling console adventures. Casino titles and console games might look like they live in two different worlds. One is often focused on quick play and chance. The other leans into storylines and hours of immersion.

There are definitely a lot of differences. But there are similarities and overlaps that not everybody has considered.

Two Industries, One Trend: Growth and Choice

One of the clearest similarities between casino games and console gaming is how both industries have grown in recent years. Players now face huge menus of choices.

Casino fans know that there can be some very big libraries and even new titles appearing by the week. They are all trying to stand out with a new theme or mechanic (or just new characters). New and emerging markets like Canada still benefit from the huge libraries that are available. Bodog Canada is a casino that has a lot of different slot games as well as a lot of traditional table games. Blackjack and similar options are ubiquitous – there are even new developments and tweaks to the gameplay.

Big slot developers and brands may even create a lot of different new games for the market. There are enough for brands to even advertise regular slots of the week or similar.

Meanwhile, the console market has exploded. There are AAA open-world adventures and indie gems. The huge number of games caters to different tastes. Just like casino libraries, console platforms thrive on variety. This abundance means players in both spaces are never short of something new to try.

The numbers definitely back this up. A record number of new titles were launched in 2024 on Steam. There were over 15,000 new titles. Nobody could possibly try all of the games that have been put out on the market. Steam is a PC platform – we have seen a similar pattern in other console games.

Different Styles of Play

There’s no denying that the styles of play differ. Casino games are designed around quick interactions. A spin of a roulette wheel or a few seconds on a slot machine. All of these fit neatly into short bursts. Console games often ask for long sessions. They draw people in with depth and are designed to be longer. Some even take hundreds of hours to complete or give open-world designs people can explore endlessly.

But even here, there are overlaps. Casual console games like mobile ports and indie titles can mimic the quick pace of casino games. Think of puzzle games or arcade-style shooters that are all about instant gratification. They echo the same “jump in and jump out” model seen in many casino titles.

Shared Themes and Visuals

Themes are another place where links appear. Casino developers know that visuals matter. Slots come dressed in everything from mythology to sci-fi to jungle adventures. Console games also lean heavily on themes. They build entire worlds around specific styles.

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In both spaces, developers reuse familiar ideas because they work. Things like mythology and science fiction appear across slot libraries and console releases. The art and atmosphere can often feel strikingly similar, even if the gameplay itself is very different.

Mechanics: Skill vs Chance

One of the biggest differences lies in mechanics. Casino games are usually driven by chance. Spins and card draws are random – strategy often plays a secondary role. In contrast, console games usually rely heavily on skill.

Some casino titles do bring elements of strategy into play. Poker requires both luck and skill, and blackjack asks players to think carefully about probability. Console games sometimes lean into randomness, too. Loot systems or even dice-roll mechanics mimic the uncertainty of chance found in casinos.

Social Experiences

Another interesting similarity is the social side. Some casino games have turned into shared experiences. Players can sit at the same table virtually in a live dealer game and interact with others. Console gaming has mirrored this with online multiplayer. This could mean teaming up in a shooter. It could also be facing off in a sports game; the social element keeps people engaged.

Both industries understand the power of community. It’s no longer just about the game itself. The social element is huge.

Technology Driving Both

Technology has been the engine behind the rise of both casino and console games. Casino developers have embraced mobile play and used HTML5. Console makers have pushed graphics and processing power to create lifelike worlds.

Interestingly, both industries borrow from each other here. Casino games sometimes mimic console-style graphics and storytelling. Some console games sneak in casino-style mini-games, like card tables or slot-style mechanics tucked inside larger adventures.

IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” chant.

“Downtown Grand was delighted to have the world premiere of IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin ETG solution on our gaming floor. Our guests instantly connected with the Wheel of Fortune brand and are eager to try their favorite slots brand in a new format. The stature and appeal of game’s accompanying ‘Big Wheel’ is inspiring a wide range of players to give the new game a try,” said Paul Phillips, Director of Casino Operations at Downtown Grand Las Vegas.

“Building on the continued success of IGT’s GameAce Roulette and Mesa4K terminals across North America, we are thrilled to introduce Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin to ETG players. The successful launch of Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin at Downtown Grand Casino speaks to the excitement that we can bring to a gaming floor, the universal appeal of the Wheel of Fortune brand, and IGT’s commitment to delivering game-changing innovation,” said Nick Khin, CEO of Gaming at IGT.

IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin game is enjoyed on the Company’s GameAce ETG offering and features an intuitive gameplay design. To make a wager, players select a color-coded bet amount that corresponds with the colored wedges on the game’s digital Wheel of Fortune wheel. Players win when their wager matches the digital spin outcome, filling in letters in the game’s iconic puzzle board. The game’s Fortune Spin Bonus and Jackpot Bonus activate the solution’s large physical wheel, delivering a highly visible and recognizable win celebration on the gaming floor.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.

The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.

Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.