Overview of online casino games

Online casinos offer players a range of games. Each game type has its mechanisms, rules, and appeal, all of which are factors that can influence a player’s preference. I’ve given a quick overview below of the different online casino games.

Comparing popular online casino games

If you’re unsure which online casino game is right for you, the best place to start is to familiarise yourself with the different types of games available and their differences.

Slots vs. table games

Slots consist of multiple reels and rows, each with a number of symbol positions. Each symbol has an assigned payout value, which the player wins if a certain number of symbols land in the right pattern on the reels. Many slots also have several engaging bonus features.

With table games, there’s a lot of variety. Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker are all different kinds of table games. You can’t rule out chance in table games, because you can’t control everything that happens. However, table games also require you to be knowledgeable about the game, which helps you to make better decisions.

When it comes to choosing between slots and table games, there are quite a few factors you can base your decision on. For starters, consider the RTP. With slots, the RTP varies between 85% and 99%. With table games, the RTP varies according to the game, but it hovers between 97% and 99%.

On average, slots have a higher house edge, which can impact your wins. If your risk tolerance is low, you might feel more comfortable going for a table game with a higher RTP and easy-to-manage rules, such as blackjack. With slots, it’s recommended to go for games with an RTP of at least 96%. You can also choose slots that have low volatility, which means the payouts will be smaller but more frequent.

An important distinction between these two kinds of games is skill versus luck. Table games are skill-based, while slots are games of chance. Many players enjoy table games because they require strategic decisions and include a mental challenge. Be prepared to spend some time mastering the rules and technique, especially when compared to slots, which have a straightforward approach and uncomplicated rules.

Blackjack vs. roulette

With blackjack and roulette, you need to start by comparing odds. Roulette depends on fixed odds because it’s based on the random probability of the ball landing on a number and a colour. Blackjack doesn’t have fixed odds because the house edge depends on the number of card decks used.

Since it’s based on the number of decks, blackjack players can work with a strategy to estimate which card might be drawn in the next deck based on those that have already been dealt out. This kind of strategy isn’t possible in roulette.

The odds in roulette are directly affected by the number of pockets on the wheel. American roulette has 38 pockets while European roulette has 37. The more pockets there are, the higher the house edge. Roulette tends to have a higher house edge than blackjack, with blackjack having a house edge of around 2% and roulette sitting at around 3-4%.

If you’re a player who prefers a game with more risk, with the potential for higher wins, you’ll enjoy the excitement that comes with roulette. For players who enjoy strategy and more calculated moves, blackjack should fit the bill.

Poker vs. baccarat

Poker and baccarat are two other popular table games, but their gameplay is very different. For starters, baccarat is a luck-based game, while poker requires skill and strategy to gain ground.

With baccarat, you start the game by betting on the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or a tie between the two. You need to bet on which hand you think holds the higher value, and while different bets affect the house edge, the game is ultimately determined by the throw of the dice.

Baccarat doesn’t call for any special skills since the game is based on chance and your bet, but some tactics can help enhance your experience. The best tactic in baccarat is betting on the banker because this reduces the house edge to around 1.06%. The least likely bet is the tie bet. This rarely plays out, but it can pay out well when it does. If you’re a player who sits on the side of high-risk for high-reward, this might work for you.

Poker comes in different forms, and each has slightly different rules. It’s a more complex game than baccarat, as it involves competing against other players to have the best hand. The hand you hold is built up over multiple rounds of betting, and you need to get good at concealing how good your hand really is.

If you enjoy a mental challenge and working with a strategy, poker is going to be a more enjoyable game for you. You can’t rule out luck entirely, but practising your gameplay and mastering your poker face will definitely help. Find the version you’re the most comfortable with and settle into that by getting to know its rules inside out.

Live dealer vs. RNG games

Both live dealer games and RNG games provide players with entertainment, but the experiences they offer are different. Live dealer games use real dealers in real time, operating from a casino studio. The dealers interact with the players via a video stream, and players are able to see every move as it happens.

With RNG games, like slots and regular table games, an algorithm produces thousands of numbers per second to generate a fair outcome. Players can’t see this happening, but the results are instant.

In the end, it comes down to your preference as a player. If you’re looking for atmosphere, socializing, and real-time interaction with the dealer, live dealer games are a better option. RNG games offer speed, convenience, and typically a wider selection because there are so many different categories of RNG games.

Both options are games of chance, but with live dealer games, being familiar with the rules and having some strategies will help you play better. If you’re not confident about playing live with other players, you can play table games to practice.

Best casino games based on player type

Now that we’ve covered the games, here’s a breakdown of which online casino games are better for different players.

Best games for beginners

For players who are just starting out in the online casino world, it’s best to go for games that have uncomplicated rules and a low house edge. Casino slots are a great example here. One of the advantages of playing slots is the variety. Players have an array of themes to choose from, but more importantly, they can choose to play a slot with an RTP and betting range that they feel comfortable with.

The RTP can range in slots from as low as 85% to as high as 95%. If you’re starting with slots, make sure that you go for an RTP of 96% or higher, as that’s the industry average and keeps the house edge at 4% or less.

Beginners should also go for games that have simple mechanics. Classic slot games without too many bonus features are one example, but if you’re thinking of a card game, baccarat is a good option too. The rules are simple and uncomplicated, making it easy to get into.

It’s also a good idea to go for games that have a lot of online resources available, such as blackjack. This makes it easier to read up on the game, get to know it, and learn any strategies you can use.

Best games for high-rollers

For more experienced veterans with a bigger bankroll, a high-stakes game with a big payout potential will be more appealing. Progressive jackpots are an example. These are slot games that come with the potential to trigger a big prize pool. The jackpot is typically fed by a percentage of each bet made in the game and is triggered randomly or when a special symbol lands on the reels.

If you go for a progressive jackpot, be aware that the chances you’ll trigger the jackpot are low. Go for slots that have a high maximum bet, as this will create room for some potential big wins.

Roulette is another game for high-rollers. Winning a payout of 35:1 on a straight number can result in big wins if you’ve placed a strong bet. Remember that the odds in roulette are fixed, so always calculate how much you want to bet with caution.

Some online casinos also have a ranking system for high-rollers and VIP players. These can grant access to exclusive games and tables like poker and blackjack. Look out for these when signing up at a new casino.

Best games for strategy players

For the strategists, quite a few games definitely fit the criteria. Blackjack and poker are two obvious choices. As always, you can’t rule out chance, but developing your skills and using a strategy with either of these games can help you work with the house edge and determine the moves you make.

Playing live dealer games is another option for strategic players. With live dealer games, players are able to see the dealer, but more importantly, other players make their plays in real time. This means they can inform their moves and adjust their bets according to how their opponents are playing.

If you’re looking for something more playful, fish table games are another game type that appeals to strategy players. Players are given an arcade-style gun to shoot at the different fish that swim in front of them. Deciding which fish to go for for the better payout involves some planning, so use your ammo wisely.

Pros and cons of different casino games

To summarise the comparisons, here are a few general pros and cons of online casino games.

Pros

• Go for games that have a higher RTP, as this increases the payout potential over time.
• A higher RTP also means a lower house edge, giving you the best chances.
• With slots, lower volatility games give more frequent payouts.
• Playing with a live dealer is more social and lets you see every move in real time.

Cons

• Even in skill-based games that use strategy, chance can never be ruled out.
• Even with a low house edge, the house always has the advantage.
• A lower volatility game typically awards smaller payouts, even if they’re more frequent.
• RNG games are fair but don’t allow you to see how the moves are calculated.

FAQs

Sources

• GameSense: Skill vs chance
• GameSense: Odds and probability
• Programming Insider
• Republic World

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