What Is the Difference Between Skill Games and Chance Games?

Within a few days of its release, online rummy practically blew up on the internet and became one of the most sought-after games of all time. Millions of players hopped onto the bandwagon to play their favorite Indian rummy game online. The online version managed to attract more people as it comes in different formats and variations and offers incredible opportunities for players to win real money in prizes. 

However, things were not always in favor of online rummy games. It was under a strict scrutiny for a long period of time as the game involves an element of cash. Moreover, it was often identified as a game of chance despite being a skill game. This controversy also sparked hesitation among players, who became concerned about the legality of the game. 

So it is very important to understand the basic difference between skill games and chance games. In this blog post, we have shed some light on these two types of games and their legality in India.

What are skill games?

Skill games are games that require certain skills or expertise to win. Your success in these games depends upon your awareness of the rules and how effectively you plan, analyze and strategize throughout the game. Moreover, you can also master these games with consistent practice and learning. 

Rummy falls under the category of skill games. It requires players to have skills such as effective decision making, analytical reasoning, logical thinking, time management and even basic math proficiency to emerge victorious. Players must also have a good understanding of the game rules, tips and tricks and strategies and of course, sufficient practice to ace the game. 

What are chance games?

Chance games pay little to no importance to the skills and expertise of the player. These games are governed by external factors like chance or luck, thus giving the player no control over the outcome. That said, if luck is in your favor, you may have a higher chance of winning. But that does not happen all the time. 

Chance games have been developed since times immemorial and hence, they present a greater variety of options as compared to skill games. For example, we have poker and teen patti, which are quite popular chance-based card games played around the world. These games entail a higher level of luck to play and win.

Legality

There are numerous gambling laws imposed over the years by the Indian government. They can be a little complicated to understand, especially for people who have never been exposed to casino games. 

The basic difference between the two is who is playing against who. If a player is playing against the house, i.e slot games, he/she is involved in a chance game. On the other hand, if a player is pitted against other players, he/she is involved in a skill game. Furthermore, if a player succeeds by utilizing skills such as decision making, analytical thinking and time management, the game would be categorized as a skill game.

In skill games, players can excel and improve their game over time by acquiring skills and forming new strategies. However, there is little to no room for players to excel or improve their play in chance games as the outcome of these games are decided by external factors like luck or chance.

According to a Supreme Court judgement in 1996, a game of chance involves betting or wagering. The exact quote of the judgement is as follows:

"The expression 'gaming' in the two Acts has to be interpreted in the light of the law laid-down by this Court in the two 1957 cases, wherein it has been authoritatively held that a competition which substantially depends on skill is not gambling. Gaming is the act or practice of gambling on a game of chance. It is staking on chance where chance is the controlling factor. 'Gaming' in the two Acts would, therefore, mean wagering or betting on games of chance. It would not include games of skill like horse racing"

On the other hand, a skill game requires skills to win. The exact quote of the judgement states:

"A game of skill, on the other hand - although the element of chance necessarily cannot be entirely eliminated --is one in which success depends principally upon the superior knowledge, training, attention, experience and adroitness of the player. Golf, chess and even rummy are considered to be games of skill. The Courts have reasoned that there are few games, if any, which consist purely of chance or skill, and as such a game of chance is one in which the element of chance predominates over the element of skill, and a game of skill is one in which the element of skill predominates over the element of chance. It is the dominant element --"skill" or "chance" -- which determines the character of the game."

Rummy has been identified as a skill game and it is absolutely legal to play the game for real money in India. Players who are hesitant to play this game should know that rummy is protected by the Indian law. It cannot be categorized as gambling as it requires an immense amount of skills and practice to win. 

We hope that this blog post has helped you gain some valuable insights on the difference between skill games and chance games. If you are looking for a platform to play online rummy games, you should register on Junglee Rummy and get a welcome bonus up to ₹5250 on making your first deposit. You can join an ongoing tournament or cash games and win real money prizes too! So what are you waiting for? Download the app today to get started. Happy gaming!