The 'Chicken Challenge' and such

Let’s take a break from all the spinning the reels and throwing the dice. A very short one, we promise. In case your head is spinning too much and you’re looking for some casual distraction, let’s have a look at some more funny, unconventional games, which could qualify as gambling, but are not the classic type.  

The Chicken Challenge

Chickens are cute, chickens can be funny too. Plus, it seems they have been long used as a tool for entertainment in various forms. The “Chicken Challenge” is a weird, casino-style game where a living chicken becomes the main player for bets. Here’s how it works:

• A chicken is placed in an enclosed betting area that contains a grid or a board with various numbered squares.
• Players place their bets on the number they believe the chicken will "choose."
• The twist? The chicken makes its selection by pooping on one of the squares!
• The number on which the chicken lands with it, let's say, "contribution," determines the winning number, and the players who bet on that number win.

Funny enough, right? No way to predict or influence the chicken’s actions there. It’s all truly a matter of luck, making it just as silly as entertaining. The game became a real thing brought by Casino Tropicana in 2002, the first chicken to play the game was Ginger, and the game turned out to be quite appealing.

Pica horse racing

This is more of a local kind of game, you can find it in Puerto Rico during festivals or other celebrations. It is a game that resembles a lot of roulette actually, just that instead of the classic wheel you’ll find a complex machine with 24 horses, each holding a number. The little wooden horses can be sometimes real pieces of art, as they’re manually carved and painted.

It is all happening in a fast and furious mode, and the bets are fairly small, but the excitement is there still. After everyone has made their bets, the piquero sends the horses on a spin around the table.

 Chuck-a-luck

Chuck a luck is an old game with roots back from medieval times, also known as grand hazard. Records show this was quite a popular game during World War I in France and other countries. Other sources from the 19th century point out that in the United States, the game was commonly played as a top-up event during horse racing events.

Chuck a luck is yet another weird game of chance, also popular under the name of “birdcage” or “sweat rag”. The game is often seen as a variation for sic bo, but Chuck a luck is rather more a type of game played at carnivals or as a means to collect money for a fundraiser.

The game is played using 3 dice, the banker rolls the dice and turns over the cage in which they are included (a device resembling an hourglass). As a game of chance, Chuck-a-luck usually results in more losses than wins. The casino's advantage (house advantage or house edge) is greater than in most other casino games.

An individual throw of three dice can result in 216 different outcomes (six of six followed by six of six).

Three card monte

This is a so-called confidence type of game, the dealer moves around 3 cards on the table, convincing the player to somehow guess the wrong card. The standard version includes 2 black cards and 1 red queen. The point is to look for the red card, which is the one paying off (you need to place your bet and assume which is the right card).

Quite simple, right? This appears to be more a matter of paying attention, than luck. This is a game which can be seen playing on the streets or at carnivals, and it’s usually known to be rigged. However, people will always try and play, assuming they still have this covered and they can win. The secret seems to be the overconfidence of the player and the excitement of the play. Ah, you also have the social awareness, as there’s usually a crowd of people surrounding the table and cheering for you. No pressure, right?

Disclaimer: Players must be 18 years + to partake in any gambling, betting or casino activity. Players are urged to seek help if they require it. Players play at their own risk.