Pragmatic Play slots have become a staple in the crypto gambling world, especially on Kick and YouTube livestreams, where the Double Chance (also called Ante Bet) feature makes frequent appearances. Yet, there’s a big question on everyone’s mind: Is paying an extra 25% per spin actually worth it?
In this article, we’re going to:
- Reveal the core math behind Double Chance and what slot providers claim.
- Discuss the psychological and financial implications of using it, including real user experiences (like the ones shared on BitcoinTalk).
We’ve tested over 90 crypto casinos and reviewed countless slots. When we stream, our community often calls Double Chance a “scam.” That inspired us to start digging deeper (yes, “dig dig digger,” if you get that reference) to see whether Double Chance really lives up to the hype, or whether it’s more of a clever marketing tactic.
We also pulled multiple forum conversations to gauge how players feel about this feature. Turns out, there’s a major split: some folks swear by Double Chance, while others think it’s just a trick. Read on to discover:
- The math behind Double Chance
- The psychological hooks that keep you chasing bonuses
- Why you might end up on an endless quest for that elusive “holy bonus round” and a massive win
What Is Double Chance / Ante Bet?
Definition & How It Works
Double Chance (also known as the Ante Bet) is a slot feature where you pay around +25% more per spin. In theory, this extra cost boosts your chances of landing the bonus round by increasing scatter frequency or weighting. Some game providers claim this can raise your odds anywhere from 50% to 100% compared to normal play.
The Marketing Language
Slot companies use phrases like:
- “Double Your Odds!”
- “Higher Scatter Chance!”
- “Double Chance to Win!”
But do they really mean twice the chance? After researching slot mechanics, we found it often depends on the specific game and your bet size.
One key stat here is the Bonus Frequency (Hit Rate), the likelihood of hitting a bonus in a given spin. Slot providers usually keep this number hidden, but you can sometimes find partial data on sites like BigWinBoard, especially for Pragmatic Play games.
Let’s consider Gates of Olympus (OG):
- The theoretical Free Spins frequency is about 1 in 448 (which is ~0.2232% per spin).
- Actual data from SlotTracker, based on 1,421,870 spins, shows a 1 in 209.4 frequency (~0.4775%). We don’t know for sure if all those spins used the Double Chance feature, but if we assume so, then it appears the ante bet can significantly improve bonus odds.
| Feature | Cost Increase | Bonus Frequency | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Spins | Base Bet | 1 in 450 | Balanced play |
| Double Chance | +25% Bet | 1 in 225–300 | High-risk, fast-paced |
But at What Cost?
Generally, enabling Double Chance is a 25% jump in bet size. Some providers go higher:
- Hacksaw Gaming offers some slots where the Ante Bet can be 3× your base bet (or more).
This leads us to the big question: “Is it worth paying 25% extra per spin to potentially trigger the bonus sooner?” Some players say yes, it makes the game more exciting. Others prefer to keep their usual bet size in check rather than risk blowing their bankroll too quickly.
From our testing of new crypto casinos, we do see a difference with Double Chance enabled: we get the bonus rounds more often, but it also hits our balance faster. And since many bonus rounds pay modest amounts (like 10× or 20×), the trade-off can feel mixed.
Why Bonus Frequencies Remain a Mystery
Proprietary Math & Reel Strips
Slot developers view their reel strips and symbol weighting as proprietary secrets, they don’t want competitors copying their math, nor do they want it easily exploited. That’s why we rarely see official numbers on bonus hit frequency.
Regulatory Requirements
Reputable providers must publish an RTP (Return to Player) figure and sometimes a basic hit frequency, but details on the ante bet’s specific impact are typically not disclosed.
Marketing & Perception
It’s simpler to say “+25% for more bonuses!” than to outline a complex reel or symbol weighting system. Players are more likely to focus on buying better chances than on dissecting the nuances of slot math.
That said, most big-name providers submit their games for certification with agencies like eCOGRA or BMM TestLabs, ensuring they aren’t outright scams, even if exact scatter frequencies remain hidden.
The Real Math Behind Double Chance
High-volatility slots, like many Pragmatic Play titles, often post a base bonus frequency of around 1 in 450 spins. When you enable Double Chance (with a +25% cost), that number may drop to 1 in 300 or 1 in 225, though it’s rarely a perfect 2× reduction. The Return to Player (RTP) typically stays similar; you’re just shifting your wins to more frequent bonus rounds rather than boosting your overall returns.
Let’s stick to our Gates of Olympus example. According to the developer, the theoretical Free Spins Hit Rate is about 1 in 448, an average derived from millions of spins. Meanwhile, SlotTracker data for over 1 million spins suggests a real-world rate of 1 in 209.4, likely with Double Chance active. Is that a clean 2× difference? Not necessarily. Slot volatility plays a big role in these variations, and real-world data can fluctuate unless we have a massive sample size.
If we also consider the average bonus multiplier is around 45.6×, the next question becomes:
“Is paying at least 25% extra per spin worth it for more frequent, but not guaranteed—bonus rounds?”
For some players, the excitement of seeing more bonus features is worth every extra penny. If you love chasing the bonus game, turning on Double Chance might be a no-brainer, provided you can handle the cost. But if you’re indifferent to frequent bonus hits, or you want to preserve your bankroll, you might opt out. Likewise, if you’re playing a medium‐volatility slot where a +25% cost is more palatable, you could see smaller but more consistent returns to help build your balance.
Remember, RTP matters too. Slots with higher RTP percentages give you a slightly better theoretical return over time. Pairing a higher RTP with an Ante Bet feature might be a smarter choice than going all-in on a low-RTP, high-volatility game that could drain your funds quickly.
Practical Player Experiences & Pitfalls
Hearing from real players can often shed more light on the Double Chance feature than any math or marketing claim. Below are some highlights from BitcoinTalk forum users who’ve shared both enthusiasm and caution about paying extra for more frequent bonuses.
Case Study: When Double Chance Feeds Addiction
“At first, it seemed worth the extra cents to hit a bonus quicker, but the truth is it’s often a trap. I spent more money chasing bonuses than I ever won back. It fed my addiction and convinced me I needed to play more to make the extra cost worthwhile.”
— GxSTxV on BitcoinTalk
This player explains how Double Chance can accelerate the feeling of needing “just one more spin.” Seeing extra scatter symbols, constantly landing three out of four needed, creates a powerful near-miss effect. You start believing the bonus is imminent, so you keep spinning at that higher cost, hoping the next round will be the big one.
Emotional Highs, Crushing Lows
Several BitcoinTalk users mention that with Double Chance active, they notice way more “two- or three-scatter teases,” which can be thrilling at first. That boost in “almost there” moments might make you feel like it’s paying off, but often it leads to frustration if the bonus never actually lands. For players prone to impulsive or addictive behavior, it’s easy to tilt, chasing bonus rounds with bigger bets and ignoring the fact that the slot’s overall math doesn’t guarantee a massive payout.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
“I find that feature absurd, but I still turn it on sometimes, what if that next spin is the one? Everything is pure luck anyway, so why not pay a little more to potentially hit the feature earlier?”
— Eternad on BitcoinTalk
Some players describe a FOMO effect when they consider switching off Double Chance. They worry they’ll miss a bonus they “almost had.” However, others argue that spinning without Double Chance can actually help you maintain your bankroll longer, because you’re not paying that 25% premium on every spin.
The Streamer Influence
Another recurring theme is how streamers frequently run Double Chance (or even buy bonuses outright) to keep content exciting. Since some streamers are funded or sponsored by casinos, they have a cushion that everyday players don’t. Watching them can make the feature look fantastic, rapid bonus triggers, big wins, but viewers might not see the large overall risk or how many small, losing bonuses occur in between highlights.
Bait or Boost?
Ultimately, players who’ve tried Double Chance fall into two camps:
- “It’s a Bait.” These folks feel the feature preys on your excitement, leading to faster losses and emotional rollercoasters. They often regret enabling it once they see how quickly their balance disappears.
- “It’s a Fun Boost.” Others appreciate more frequent bonus triggers, viewing the extra cost as part of the entertainment value. They’re happy to pay 25% more if it means they get to see more bonus rounds—even if some end up paying only 10×–50×.
Whichever camp you fall into, knowing how Double Chance can play on your emotions and bankroll is crucial. As one BitcoinTalk user put it, if you remove the emotional highs and lows, you might realize the slot provider benefits more from your “chase” than you do.
Is It Really Worth Paying Extra?
We’ve covered this in depth, but here’s a shorter rundown:
Pros
- More Frequent Bonuses: Ideal for players who love seeing bonus rounds and find base-game spins less exciting.
- Reduced Dry Spells: You might avoid long stretches without any feature triggers, which can keep morale higher.
Cons
- Faster Bankroll Drain: A +25% cost quickly adds up, especially if bonuses pay poorly (e.g., 10× to 45×).
- Not a Guaranteed ‘Double’: The improvement might be significant, but it isn’t always a strict 2× boost.
- Potential for Addictive Behavior: Near misses, emotional swings, and “just one more spin” mindsets can escalate quickly.
Real-Life Examples
When we test casinos on livestreams, we sometimes go bold, like $2.50 spins with Double Chance active on Sweet Bonanza, starting with a $500 balance. It’s not unusual to burn through that balance fast without ever seeing a bonus round. Even when we do land a bonus, it might only pay 25× to 45×, which doesn’t always make up for the extra cost. Occasionally, we’ll see a 100× or 150× hit that brings us back to break-even or slightly ahead. But relying on those bigger hits is risky.
After conducting this research, we’ve found it’s often safer (and more cost-effective) to disable the feature, or at least limit its use, especially on high-volatility games. That said, if you enjoy bigger thrills, using Double Chance can be fun, just be realistic about the risk.
Balancing Your Bets
- Size Your Bet Sensibly: If you have a $400 balance, consider $0.60 or $0.80 spins so you can handle variance. Even $1 spins might be risky if you’re chasing bonus rounds in a highly volatile game.
- Remember It’s Entertainment: Slots aren’t guaranteed profit machines. Keep your sessions fun, and don’t chase losses if a few bonuses flop.
Ultimately, whether Double Chance is “worth it” depends on your goals. If you want more frequent entertainment and aren’t afraid of the extra cost, go for it. If you’d rather stretch your balance and avoid emotional rollercoasters, you might want to leave it off.
