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.
How to Score Points in Casino Tournaments
Casinos generally use one of three primary methods to rank players: Total Wagered, Highest Multiplier Win, or Most Spins Completed.
Total Wagered tournaments heavily favor high-rollers; the player with the largest bankroll is practically guaranteed to win the top prize.
- 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
If you are competing in a ‘Total Wagered’ tournament, your goal is to churn through as much money as possible with minimal risk.
You only need one lucky, explosive spin on a high-variance game to instantly catapult yourself to the top of the leaderboard.
| Leaderboard Type | Scoring Mechanic | Optimal Game Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wagered (Volume) | 1 Point per $1 Bet | Low Volatility (e.g., Starburst) |
| Highest Multiplier | Win Amount ÷ Bet Size | High Volatility (e.g., Dead or Alive 2) |
However, never chase a leaderboard position by gambling more money than you originally intended; the prize is rarely worth the risk.