Short definition
A live-casino entertainment format where a host runs a wheel-of-fortune or dice game in a studio — e.g. Crazy Time and Monopoly Live.
A game show is a live-casino format where a professional host runs the game in a TV-studio-like setting — most often with a large wheel of fortune, dice or cards. The best-known examples are Evolution’s Crazy Time, Monopoly Live and Dream Catcher.
You bet on the outcome, for example a wheel sector, and bonus rounds can multiply wins a thousandfold. Game shows’ RTP is usually around 95–96.5%, but it varies by bet type — the entertaining format doesn’t change the fact that it’s a high-volatility game of chance.
How the return arises
Every bet pays out less than the probability would justify. An example that is not data from a real game: the wheel has a segment with a probability of 25%, one in four. The fair payout would be 4× the stake back. If the game pays 3.8× the stake back for it (stake included), the return is 0.25 × 3.8 = 95% and the 5% difference is the casino's margin. The rarer the segment, the higher the multiplier, but the margin is on every bet, see RTP and house edge.
Covering every segment does not protect you
If you bet on every segment you get some payout every round, but the house edge applies to the whole amount staked. For example, 10 € per round across all segments in total and a 95% return means an average loss of 0.50 € per round, even though every round "gives something back". Betting on everything reduces the spread, but not the cost.
The bonus round and high multipliers
The bonus round triggers rarely, and the multipliers are drawn after the bet has been placed, so you cannot influence the outcome. The host does not affect the result: it is determined by a physical wheel or dice or by a computer, depending on the game, and the exact description is in the game rules. The advertised top multipliers are rare events with a small probability, so do not judge a game by its top result; see multiplier and volatility.
Bonus and game choice
Live games and game shows usually count little or nothing toward bonus wagering; the exact rule is in the casino's terms, see game weighting. For the live table environment and dealers, read the article live casino guide. For Evolution, the provider of game shows, see Wikipedia: Evolution AB.
For game shows at crypto casinos see the page game show casinos.
Related terms
See also: game-show casinos, live casinos.
“Example: in Crazy Time you bet on a number or a bonus game. If the wheel stops on your bonus sector, the game takes you to a separate screen where multipliers can grow into the thousands.
1. Join the table
Game shows are live streams in which an unlimited number of players take part at once.
2. Bet
Choose a wheel sector, number or bonus game before the betting time ends.
3. The host runs the game
The wheel is spun or dice thrown in a real studio, cameras watching everything.
4. Bonus rounds
Landing on a bonus sector opens an extra game where multipliers can be very large.
Crazy Time, Monopoly LiveBest known
Usually 95–96.5%RTP
A live studio with a hostFormat
Are game shows fair if the result comes physically from a wheel?
Yes — licensed studios’ equipment is checked, the stream uses several cameras, and results are audited like other live games.
Which bet is best in a game show?
The RTP of bets differs: number bets are usually steadier, bonus bets more volatile. Exact values are in the game info.
21+ Gambling is intended for players aged 21 and over only. A fast withdrawal does not make gambling a safe source of income. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If needed, set self-limits or seek help:
responsible gambling.
