If you lose in easy, the game will autoplay through the game quickly. Intentionally losing and coming back might be time loss though. However, it is easier to raise the bet to end a game faster.

Normal doesn't have the circle speed of hard mode or the autoplay of easy mode, but is easier than hard mode, and has faster circles than easy.

Circles such as the ones in the Three Card Monty game close faster in hard mode. Could give some very slight time save.

Please give me some more suggestions and point out things that I missed!

in easy mode, by getting the minimum amount of coins needed to enter a game, then clicking leave instantly instead of betting, then rejoining that game, you can skip the entire encounter.