The Gumball 3000 is one of the world's most illustrious cross-border races. Yet a large part of its appeal is the social aspect of it, which is often spent in casinos. We give a guide for new participants in the article below.
Every gaming racer dreams of taking part in the Gumball 3000. A cross-border race for supercar owners and many participants are all there for fun and thrills. Its social scene is just as much a part of it as the driving. With a lot of this taking part in casinos, new racers should be aware of a few games and bets to make so they can join in with the off-road action. But which games are the most popular on the circuit?
Why Table Games?
There are many different reasons why casino table games appeal to motorsports and car enthusiasts. Firstly, they elicit very much the same type of response. Working on the premise of risk and reward, they are a great way for drivers to get the emotions they love while off the track. Making a wager, seeing the results come in, or even feeling the dread of a loss are all inherent in motorsport. That makes it all the more attractive.
Added to this is that the Gumball is a long-distance race. Founded in 1999, it has since grown huge in popularity within popular culture. Despite it being viewed as a fun way to drive sports and classic cars, it is still extremely gruelling. It is often around 3000 miles, spread over multiple countries on a six-day event. This is a lot of driving, and it is obvious why drivers need to let off steam when a day's racing is over. Being a race of glitz and glamour, this is very often in the casinos of the countries that are visited.
Each year, the participants are split evenly. This is made from half returning drivers, and the other half are newcomers. Thus, many of them have never done the Gumball before. Knowing casino games can help them get to know other drivers after having been locked in their vehicles for most of the day.
What Are the Most Popular Table Games on the Rally?
The most popular table games at the rally are generally the most popular ones you expect to see in a casino. Poker is a steadfast favorite. However, keep in mind that the Gumball Rally has an entry fee that is rumored to be between $75,000 and $85,000 for a participant. Thus, players are high rollers, and they have egos to match. Private tables can get stacked pretty quickly with high amounts changing hands. Of course, you don’t have to play here. You can join in other less intense poker games. If this competitive nature is not your thing, or you just want something with a little less intensity, there are plenty of other games for your perusal.
Another favorite, and one in which you play against the dealer as opposed to others in the casino, is blackjack. This is the classic game of the 21s. It is also good fun if there are other racers around the table. Playing against a dealer can often stimulate conversation, allowing you some camaraderie. It also requires a bit less strategy than poker, so you can also use it to unwind a little more than other titles.
You should also never overlook slots. They are low wagering and, compared to some games, have a low payout. However, you can choose the level of complexity you want to indulge in. If you fancy a classic three-reel slot, then a casino will probably have one. If you want a sprawling game with additional reels and intense bonus rounds, then they will have one.
As the Gumball Rally is a global event, it often takes place outside of Europe and the United States. In fact, 2025 will see it return to Europe in a drive from Istanbul to Ibiza. This means participants who visit casinos are often presented with a range of casino games that can be specific to certain areas. Sic Bo is probably the most experienced of these, as it is immensely popular across Southeast Asia. It involves placing bets on the outcome of a three-dice roll.
You can choose to bet on the roll of one die or all three, depending upon your level of risk. Another game that may be encountered, though a little harder for non-natives to understand, is Pai Gow. This is a type of Chinese dominoes. It has similarities to poker, in which two hands must be formed from the dominoes that are dealt. It is actually available in quite a few US casinos.
Online operators are a great way to get to grips with these games before you start the race. Many of them have welcome bonuses, so you don't need to spend all of your bankroll to get to grips with them. If you continue playing, you may find many of them have VIP and reload schemes, also inviting you to special tables and tournaments.