Players are spoilt for choice with the range of online casino games available. From hundreds of different types of slot machine games to classics such as baccarat, blackjack and poker, there are many ways to find entertainment.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular casino games around the world, exploring what makes them such a draw and how you can play them yourself.
In particular, we’ll look at roulette, blackjack, poker and slots. But first, let’s check out how online casinos work.
About online casinos
With the rise in technology, betting companies have shifted their attention to online gaming. Significant investment has been made in improving the quality and user experience of apps and websites, such that players don’t miss brick-and-mortar casinos at all.
In fact, you can experience much of the same excitement of in-person games in their online equivalents. As we’ll see below, players can now join live tables, with streams beamed to their devices from real casino tables across the globe.
You’ll be amazed at the sheer range of options you have available. You can play sweepstakes online for money, enjoy bingo, enter a raffle, and as we’ll see below, there is a range of casino games such as roulette and poker.
Let’s look at them in more detail.
Roulette
Roulette is one of the oldest and most popular casino games. The premise behind this game is simple and it doesn’t require much skill to play. It’s also one of the most iconic casino games.
The dealer spins a wheel that is divided up into different segments, with each segment relating to a number. At the same time as spinning, the dealer drops a ball into the wheel, which gradually slows and the ball lands on a number.
The aim of the game is to guess that winning number, though it’s also possible to bet on whether the number will be odd or even, or whether it’s in a particular range.
Greater odds are awarded to those who guess the correct number, though people adopt different tactics to try and balance risk and reward.
One latest innovation to the game of roulette in the online casino arena is the introduction of live tables. These were introduced with the intention of making the experience more immersive and lifelike.
With live table games, online players watch a stream of the dealer and receive the results in real-time as they come in.
Given the developments in mobile gaming, particularly with virtual reality, it may not be long before we see even more immersive versions of online roulette.
Poker
Poker is one of the most played and watched casino games. There are several varieties of this game, but Texas Hold‘em is the version most commonly played in casinos.
There are scores of different live poker sites dedicated to the game, but near enough all online casinos allow you to play.
What makes this game so interesting is that you can play online on tables against other people from across the world.
While it can’t be played in the same way as in a physical casino – such as trying to read someone’s poker face – it’s still an immersive experience for players.
Some online casinos host regular tournaments that can be played online too. They may also host other types of one-off events. And generally, they cater for all budgets, with standard bets ranging from a few cents to a few dollars.
Slot machines
Slot machines remain one of the most iconic games in brick-and-mortar casinos. We see them lined up in rows in casinos, with their glittering lights and excitable jingles.
While it’s tricky to replicate that feel with online games, slots are gaining popularity in the online arena.
Betting companies have teamed up with leading games developers, like Konami, to produce high-quality games for players to enjoy. These games introduce novel twists on the classic wheel-spinning formula, which makes them more interesting for people to play.
Players are also spoilt for choice when it comes to online slot machine games. Some betting sites boast hundreds, if not over a thousand unique slot games. This range of options has really helped boost the popularity of slots among players.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a simple yet hugely popular casino game. It involves competing with the dealer to get a total of 21, or as close to it as possible. The game is also known as pontoon or 21.
Given its simplicity, it’s hugely popular online and all online casinos offer gamers the chance to play.
