It’s been almost a decade since crash games first appeared on betting sites, with industry pioneer Spribe releasing Aviator back in 2018. These games have since become an online casino staple, appearing on leading online betting sites around the world, and market leaders such as Jackpot City in South Africa.
Crash games have always been popular among younger players, with those aged 18 to 34 driving their incredible growth. Now, crash games such as Aviator are so popular that they’re not just some of the most popular casino games in South Africa, but one of the most played markets at betting sites overall.
Polls make Aviator second-largest market in ZA
According to recent surveys of South African players, crash games like Aviator are now the second most played product overall at betting sites.
Football remains the undisputed king, with 61% of all players taking part in football betting. This doesn’t come as a surprise. Between the South African Premiership, other top leagues from around the world such as the Premier League, and international tournaments like the World Cup, football betting remains the most popular way to bet online.
The second most popular, with 19% of players choosing them as their primary way to play online, is crash games.
There are a few reasons for this. One of the biggest is that the online gambling industry is now a phone-first environment, with over 70% of players using their device to play. Crash games are perfect for phones, with large, modern screens able to display all the action flawlessly. This makes them a hugely popular choice on the most widely used platform.
The other main factor is how they appeal to younger players’ desire for skillful play, but at a faster pace than traditional table games such as blackjack or roulette.
How crash games work
A large part of crash games’ appeal is how they intersect skill and chance.
The player is the one who chooses when to cash out of a game and take winnings, giving the feeling that wins come from individual skill rather than simply the flight length exceeding a player’s risk tolerance. This gives a much stronger feeling of control over the outcome, especially compared to other fast-paced games like slots.
To understand this better, here’s a brief overview of how crash games work.
Players start by choosing their stake. A plane, or other object, then takes off, with a multiplier being generated as it flies through the air. It’s then up to the player to decide when to cash out and apply that multiplier to their stake. The thrill of the game comes in making this decision.
If the player cashes out too soon then the multiplier may continue to keep building, meaning they miss out on a big win. Wait too long, however, and the plane will fly away, resulting in the player losing their stake.
