If you log into any major online casino today, you will likely see a massive, flashing banner advertising a ‘Leaderboard Competition.’
The players who finish at the very top of the ranking system at the end of the promotional period win a share of a massive prize pool.
Understanding How Points are Calculated
Casinos generally use one of three primary methods to rank players: Total Wagered, Highest Multiplier Win, or Most Spins Completed.
A ‘Total Wagered’ (or Coin-In) leaderboard simply awards 1 point for every $1 you bet on the eligible games.
- In a Multiplier leaderboard, a player betting $0.10 who hits a 1000x win will rank higher than a $10 bettor who hits a 50x win
- Multiplier leaderboards are the fairest type of tournament, as casual players with small budgets have an equal mathematical chance of winning
- Some tournaments combine mechanics, awarding points for consecutive wins or hitting specific bonus features during gameplay
How to Optimize Your Leaderboard Play
Low volatility games ensure your bankroll lasts longer, allowing you to generate massive ‘coin-in’ points without going broke quickly.
However, if the tournament is based on the ‘Highest Multiplier Win’, your strategy must change entirely.
| Tournament Scale | Prize Pool Size | Difficulty to Win |
|---|---|---|
| Network (Global) | Massive ($1,000,000+) | Extremely Difficult (Too many players) |
| Local (Single Casino) | Small ($5,000) | Moderate (Fewer competitors) |
By understanding the scoring mechanics and choosing your games wisely, you can often secure a nice secondary payout.