What is the difference between Plinko and Pachinko?

Why do you enjoy visiting our blog? Because you can discover new concepts in the world of online casinos. Today, we explore an original topic by introducing you to Plinko and Pachinko.

Let’s be clear from the start. On Loco Casino, only gambling from the first category is available. However, it is still useful to distinguish these two games, which differ in how they work despite having shared origins.

Far from traditional dice games, Plinko has become a must-have on online gaming platforms thanks to its simple mechanics, attractive multipliers, and fast-paced gameplay, which clearly sets it apart.

As for Pachinko, it remains an icon of Japanese entertainment, known for its noisy atmosphere, thousands of metal balls, and its unique blend of slot machine and vertical pinball. To optimise your player experience and choose the game that best suits your style, it is essential to understand the real differences between Plinko and Pachinko.

Simple rules and thrilling sensations

First of all, it is important to understand that Plinko uses a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fairness with every drop. The player selects the height of the grid, often ranging from just a few rows to several dozen, as well as a risk level that determines the distribution of multipliers.

The higher the risk, the more extreme the multipliers become, allowing for potentially significant wins but also higher variance so playing responsibly therefore remains essential.

Plinko is appealing because it delivers a smooth and instant experience, without complex rules to memorise. This makes it an ideal game for players seeking simplicity, speed, and strong sensations — along with the hope of hitting a jackpot.

Game providers such as Betsoft can customise the visual appearance of Plinko with different themes, but the core mechanic remains unchanged: the ball drops, bounces off the pegs, and lands on a multiplier that determines the final payout. This absolute simplicity, combined with a strong visual impact, makes it an extremely effective game.

Pachinko, a purely Japanese game of chance

Unlike Plinko, which you can test for free on our site with Plinko Rush, Pachinko has its roots in Japanese gaming halls, where it is played on large mechanical machines. The player manually launches metal balls by adjusting the shooting force, giving Pachinko a unique semi-controllable dimension.

The balls bounce off a large number of pins, sometimes activate special zones, and trigger bonus modes that can result in winning a significant number of balls. Due to Japanese legislation, these balls cannot be exchanged directly for money, but they can be converted into prizes, thereby bypassing legal restrictions.

Much like a pinball machine, online Pachinko is a digital adaptation of the physical model. It retains the idea of a descending ball but adopts a structure closer to dice slots, with colourful animations, bonus rounds, and mechanics inspired by Japanese gaming culture. The player clicks to release the ball but no longer controls the force, bringing the digital version of Pachinko closer to pure chance, unlike the classic machine, which is slightly influenced by player skill.

Plinko versus Pachinko: the essential differences

The differences between Plinko and Pachinko begin with their origins. Plinko is a game designed to operate digitally within online casinos, while Pachinko is historically a mechanical arcade game, similar to roulette before the rise of Live Casino.

Their gameplay also differs, as Plinko relies entirely on a Random Number Generator, whereas physical Pachinko includes a slight skill component linked to shooting force. Plinko stands out thanks to its simple vertical grid and predefined multipliers based on risk level, offering a level of transparency appreciated by online casino players.

Pachinko, on the other hand, delivers a far more immersive and noisy experience, with strong audiovisual effects, dynamic bonus modes, and a cultural dimension closely tied to Japan. However, unlike Plinko, it does not always offer monetary winnings that can be withdrawn quickly via our platform.

Which game should you choose for a better experience?

Choosing between Plinko and Pachinko depends on your playing style. However, on Loco Casino, we only offer Plinko. In addition to Betsoft, TaDa Gaming also stands out with its offering in this category.

With Plinko Dice, you get an ideal product for players looking for fast, clear, and highly readable gameplay focused on potentially high multipliers. Its simple structure makes it an excellent option for players who prefer short and efficient sessions.

As for the rest, head to our platform, where you will certainly find something that suits your preferences, whether through table games, baccarat, blackjack, or the highly anticipated Crash Games — now essential additions to the online casino experience.