Plinko’s explosion in Canada is a wake-up call for the iGaming industry. What started as a niche offering has become one of the hottest trends in Canadian online gaming. With thousands of players searching for Plinko games and casinos offering them every month, its popularity is undeniable.
For online casinos, the question isn’t whether to cater to this growing audience — it’s how. Here, Bojoko’s Milla Gustafsson sits down to discuss this phenomenon. Cited as Bojoko’s slot expert, she had a whole new world to contend with when Plinko exploded but now offers great insights into the extent to which catering to Plinko players can attract large new audiences to your casino.
Were you at all expecting just how popular Plinko would become?
Honestly? Not at all. I’ve been in the iGaming industry for years, and my focus has always been on slots. When Plinko started to pop up, I thought it might just be a fun little trend, something people would try and then move on from.
But it’s been the opposite. Plinko has completely taken off, and the numbers we’re seeing are incredible. Literally thousands upon thousands of Canadians search for Plinko games and casinos every month. It’s not just a trend—it’s becoming a staple, like slots or table games.
What do you think makes Plinko so appealing to players?
Plinko’s appeal lies in its simplicity and excitement. It’s such an easy game to understand—players drop a ball, and it bounces through pegs until it lands in a slot with a prize. There’s no complicated strategy or learning curve, which makes it incredibly accessible.
At the same time, the bouncing ball creates this almost hypnotic suspense. You’re watching and thinking, “Where will it land?” That mix of ease and excitement is hard to beat.
Another thing is that Plinko bridges the gap between traditional casino games and arcade-style fun. It feels fresh and different, which is something many players are looking for.
How does Plinko differ from slots, and what should casinos keep in mind when offering it?
Plinko and slots are entirely different experiences. Slots have mostly moved away from simple spin and win mechanics and are today large, complex gaming experiences. You can get multiple bonus games, random features, multiplies, progress bars, and a long string of different ways to win. Plinko strips all of that away. It’s a much more straightforward game, but that doesn’t mean it’s less engaging.
For casinos, this difference is important. Plinko players might not be drawn to the same things as slot players. They’re not necessarily looking for flashy graphics or intricate stories. What they want is a fast, thrilling experience.
It also means casinos need to rethink how they market these games. Many casinos often seem to think mainly about slot players. I know Christoffer Ødegården spoke to you recently about this in relation to table game bonuses, and many brands are making similar mistakes by not catering to Plinko players.
With this surge in popularity, how should Canadian casinos respond?
They need to take Plinko seriously. If you’re not offering a large number of Plinko games yet, you’re missing out on a massive audience. The search numbers alone tell the story — there’s already huge demand, and it’s only going to grow.
Casinos also need to offer variety. Players don’t just want one version of Plinko. They’re looking for different styles, prize structures, and experiences. If a casino can build a strong Plinko library, they’re going to stand out.
Once this is done, get the word out there. We are already seeing great traction amongst our users when it comes to our ranked list of Canadian online casinos with great Plink game selections. We update the list frequently, and the better your Plinko selection is, the higher your chance of exposure is. You need to meet players where they are, understand how they search for Plinko games, and decide where to play.
How has Plinko’s rise affected your work at Bojoko?
It’s been a big shift. My role used to be almost entirely focused on slots. But once Plinko started gaining traction, we realized we needed to adapt. It’s not just about slots anymore — new game genres are emerging, and Plinko is leading that charge.
Now, I spend a lot of time testing Plinko games, reviewing casinos that offer them, and helping players find the best places to play. We’ve created guides and rankings specifically for Plinko casinos, which has been exciting and opened up a new area for us.
Do you think Plinko’s popularity will continue to grow?
Absolutely. We’re still in the early stages of Plinko’s rise, but the momentum is there. Players are loving it, and casinos are starting to catch on. I think we’ll see even more versions of Plinko being developed, with different twists and features to keep players engaged.
The most exciting part is how this shows the industry is evolving. Players are looking for fresh, new experiences, and Plinko proves that when you offer something different, they’ll respond.
What advice would you give to casinos looking to cater to Plinko players?
Don’t underestimate the demand. The numbers are already insane, and they’re only going up. Get ahead of the curve by building a strong Plinko offering now.
Also, pay attention to how you present the games. Make Plinko easy to find on your site — maybe even give it its own category. Think about how you can market it to new and existing players. Whether it’s a welcome bonus tied to Plinko or a special tournament, get creative with how you showcase it.
