HiLo, a new instant digital game with elegantly simple gameplay, was recently introduced by the Virginia Lottery.
Are you not a fan of the typical slot-like reels, blocks, and towers? Are you in search of something simpler? Something that involves more decision-making beyond just pressing a “spin” or “play” button?
If that sounds like your kind of game, then HiLo might be the perfect choice for you.
In the online instant game, you are faced with a straightforward choice: Do you believe the upcoming number will be greater or lesser than the current number?
Certainly, it is a tad more complicated than that. However, within the straightforwardness lies the brilliance.
HiLo is a throwback to “Card Sharks”
If you’re anything like me, you spent your childhood in the 1980s and 1990s indulging in game-show reruns from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Out of all the popular game shows like “High Rollers,” “Tic-Tac-Dough,” and “Press Your Luck” (please refrain from referring to it as “The Whammy Show”), my 10-year-old self held a peculiar fascination with “Card Sharks.”
The TV series revolves around the popular card game called “Acey Deucey,” also known as “Red Dog” or “Yablon.” In its most basic version, participants are dealt a card and must predict whether the following card will have a higher or lower value. Notably, all face cards hold a value of 10, while aces are assigned a worth of 11.
The game show “Card Sharks” featured host Jim Perry, and later Bob Eubanks, who guided two contestants through a modified version of the game. On the television adaptation, players would maneuver through playing boards, aiming to accurately guess the sequence of consecutive cards.
You have to see this clip for yourself and try to convince me that it’s not thrilling television. (And witness the energetic Norma Brown completely dominate the bonus round.)
The VA Lottery has cleverly condensed the excitement and enjoyment of the game into a fast-paced instant version. And let me tell you, if you’re a fan of “Card Sharks”, this is definitely a game you’ll adore.
How to play Hi-Lo at VA Lottery
Players can easily access the VA Lottery website for all Virginia Lottery instant games.
After funding your account, navigate to the “Instants” section where you will discover over 30 digital games now offered by the VA Lotto.
You can play Hi-Lo for just $1, while the maximum bet is $50. The highest prize you can win is $20 with a $1 game, and $1,000 with a $50 play.
After receiving a number ranging from 1 to 21, you will be faced with a choice to make.
- Hi
- Lo
- Equal
If you predict that the next card will have a higher value, select the Hi option. If you believe it will be lower, choose the Lo option. In case you think the number will be identical, select the Equal option to potentially win the maximum payout if your prediction is correct.
This is where it gets intriguing: The prize amounts vary based on the number of participants.
Hence, in terms of the initial player number, there are no inherently favorable or unfavorable options. Considering the variable payouts, the probabilities also adjust accordingly.
HiLo payout structure
Assume that you begin with the number 11. You possess 10 numbers that are lesser (1-10) and 10 that are greater (12-21).
If you correctly guess Hi or Lo, your net profit on a $2 wager will be $1.60. However, if you correctly choose that the next number will be Equal, your profit will be $38.
Suppose your initial number is 15. Instead of having 10 numbers higher and 10 lower like before, now you have six numbers higher and 14 numbers lower.
Afterwards, the payouts adjust accordingly. The Hi option’s profit increases to $4.10, the Lo option now offers a profit of 60 cents, and the payout for Equal remains at $38.
During gameplay, you have the option to toggle the “Prizes/Odds” button. By doing so, you can view the potential payout and the probabilities associated with the Hi, Lo, and Equal choices.
If you’re unsure, you have the option to try out HiLo in demo mode to experience the game. However, be aware that even the free version is highly likely to please those who enjoy classic game-shows.
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