Understanding The Different Casino Games
What are casino games?
While the term “casino games” is used to describe all of the different options you’ll find in a casino, it’s a very diverse group that includes card games, table games, dice games, slot games, and more.
This means there are quite a few differences between the many types of casino games, so no matter what you’re into, you can be confident that you’ll find something that you enjoy.
For example, if you enjoy the challenge of thinking strategically, games like blackjack where you have some control over your cards might be up your street. On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys bonus games, immersive theming, and the opportunity for jackpots, slots might be more your thing.
But to be able to decide, you need to have a clear understanding of how each game type works and what options are available. So to help you, we’ve created this guide that looks at all the most common online casino games, the different variants of these games, and how to pick your favourites.
Types of casino games
The list of different types of casino games is endless, but the most common and most popular ones can be found below.
Roulette
Roulette is one of several casino games that can be traced back several centuries. It was created in Europe by a French inventor named Blaise Pascal who accidentally created the game whilst trying to build a perpetual motion machine.
Shortly afterwards, roulette quickly exploded in popularity across the continent before finding its way to America. On its travels, several versions of roulette have developed, though the main three are European, French, and American.
All three variants work in the same way. The game starts with you making bets on which number will come up when the wheel is spun by placing your chips on the corresponding section of the table.
The dealer will then spin the roulette wheel and set the ball running in the opposite direction before it comes to a stop in one of the pockets.
Where the variants do differ is in the number of pockets (American roulette as one extra), whilst French has some additional rules that make even-money bets more favourable. Both elements change the house edge, making French roulette the most generous option.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game that’s played on a table, competing against the dealer to make a hand of 21, or as close as you can get to that number without going over.
It starts with you and the dealer both receiving two cards, yours are dealt face up, while the dealer has at least one face down at this stage. If you have an ace and a 10 or picture card at this point, you have blackjack and will win the game (unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case, the game will end as a push).
If you have anything other than blackjack, you will get the chance to request more cards. You can have as many as you want, but your hand must not exceed 21 as doing so will see you lose.
Once you’re happy with your hand, you can choose to “stand” and the dealer will go through the same process. They are required to follow a standard set of choices, standing when their hand is 17 or higher, and hitting when it’s below. Once they’re done, the winner will be the player with the best hand.
There are lots of different blackjack games available, though they all use the same standard rules, but may offer extra side bets, a variety of bet limits and different numbers of decks in the shoe.
Baccarat
Baccarat is another online gambling casino game that uses cards and is played against the dealer. However, the target is 9 and hands that go over have the first digit removed from the total. For example, a hand of 8 and 7 is 5 because the 1 in 15 is removed.
In baccarat, the rules dictate whether you or the dealer can request additional cards and you will only ever receive one extra. The challenge comes from the fact that you can choose to bet on you, the dealer, or a tie, with each providing a different return.
Baccarat also comes with several different variants, though they all follow the same standard rules but may offer different bet size limits and side bets.
Popular Games
At BetMGM, our popular games section is packed full of the most-loved casino games from across all the different types. This includes hits like slots like Starburst, Eye of Horus, and Big Bass Bonanza.
If you’re looking for a new casino game to play, then this is always a great place to start your search.
Poker
Poker is another popular casino card game. There are two main ways you can play: against other players or against the house. Online casino games of poker are played against the house, with you competing against the dealer to make a stronger poker hand.
There are several variants of casino poker, including Joker Poker, three card poker, and Caribbean stud poker. They all follow the same basic principle of your hand being based on card combinations rather than numerical value and most use roughly the same hand rankings.
However, each variant uses a different number of cards. For example, three card poker uses three, while Caribbean stud uses hands of five cards.
Many casino poker games include a raise/call/hold mechanic before all of your hand is revealed. This is where you must decide whether to keep going and increase your wager for the chance of a larger win or to cut your losses and run, an added challenge that makes poker so popular.
Slot Machines
Slots are, by far, the biggest and most popular type of casino game. At BetMGM, you’ll find hundreds of different options from a range of the best software providers on the planet including hits like Dr. Toonz, Temple of Riches, and Rainbow Riches.
Across all these different slots, you’ll find almost every imaginable theme from Ancient Egypt to space, as well as branded slots based on TV shows and movies like Rick and Morty Megaways.
No matter which slot game you play, the basic premise is that you’re tasked with trying to match the symbols on the reels after each spin. The more matches you get, the bigger your win.
Most modern slot games augment this basic functionality with bonus games, free spin rounds, and other epic functionality that increases the jeopardy and opportunities to win. Some also include jackpots like the MGM Millions supersized jackpots.
Live Casino Games
Live games are a more immersive way to play online casino games as they mix the variety and convenience of playing online with the immersiveness of visiting a land-based casino.
You’ll find live versions of many of the most popular casino games at BetMGM, including live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat, live poker, and live game shows, often with several unique variants of each.
In live games like this, you’ll see a high-quality video feed of a human dealer who will control the game by dealing cards, spinning wheels, and rolling dice. While they do this, they’ll talk to the camera, interacting with you and the other players as you play.
Playing live casino games works in the same way as you press buttons on your screen to make your picks, change your bet sizes, and place your wagers. The rules are also the same as other online games (except for any unique special features or side bets) but the gameplay is just more immersive, social, and interactive.
How to choose a Casino Game
Ready to start playing online casino games but don’t know which one is right for you? If you’ve read through the different types of casino games above and are still unsure which you think you’ll prefer then your best option is to give a few to try.
Claiming the BetMGM casino welcome offer is a great place to start as this gives you more bankroll to use while you try out the different options. On top of this, you’ll get free spins so you have the chance to try out a popular slot game.
As you play different games, you’ll eventually find one you enjoy more. When this happens, you might also want to try out a few different variants, such as French and European roulette, so you can find the perfect game for you.
