CASINOS HAVE always had a reputation for attracting well-heeled players, acting as playgrounds for the elite who ooze glamour and good fortune.
This image has been captured in popular culture for decades, from the music of the Rat Pack to the high-stakes games portrayed in films and on television.
While this may not be the full picture, there is still something about traditional casino games that gives players excitement as they take their chances against the laws of probability.
However, the days when players had to make their way to a bricks-and-mortar casino in order to enjoy a slice of the action are long gone and there are now plenty of ways to enjoy all the fun of a casino without having to leave the house.
As gaming technology evolves, online casino games have taken the most engaging elements of physical games and given them a new look with online versions that offer a range of additional features.
From bonuses and jackpot rounds to extra games and special offers, online casino games have a lot to offer and plenty to keep players coming back.
Here are some of the most popular online casino games:
Blackjack
Playing blackjack in a casino is usually portrayed as a tense test of nerves as the players all compete against the dealer to beat their hand.
By contrast, online blackjack has all the excitement with none of the intimidating pressure of a casino full of onlookers, making it a much more accessible option.
Online blackjack, also known as twenty-one, has long been one of the most popular games due to its simplicity and the fun of trying to beat the odds.
The rules are the same, but playing online is a more flexible option, allowing gamers to join in at a table whenever and wherever they want to.
The advent of mobile technology has widened that up even further by allowing players to take their gaming on the go and enjoy the excitement of a game whenever they have a little free time.
There are a few different forms of blackjack available at online casinos, including:
Traditional blackjack – in this game, players compete against a computer with graphics that replicate the real-life experience of playing in a casino.
In these games, the player controls the pace so players can go at their own pace without any pressure, and those that want to take their time to work out the odds of winning can do so at their leisure.
Live dealer blackjack – as the name suggests, these games involve a live video link to a dealer who plays at a table in a real casino while streaming the game so that players can make their plays in real time.
Mobile blackjack – players that want to squeeze a little gaming in to even the most hectic schedule can grab a few minutes to themselves and play on the go using a mobile phone.
As phone technology has advanced, so too has the appeal of mobile casino games.
First-time players often choose to start with free games so that they can get the feel of the game before committing any cash.
Roulette
As one of the most dramatic casino games, the spectacle of casino roulette is designed to gather a crowd.
The online version has all the excitement of the casino game, but you don’t have to worry about the pressure of a casino full of people watching you spin!
There are three main types of roulette – French, American and European – and although the gameplay is similar, there are a few differences between them.
In American roulette, there is a double zero on the wheel that represents a loss for players, whereas European and French roulette wheels only have a single zero, instantly increasing your chances of winning.
French roulette has other favourable rules: one is known as ‘la partage’ and means that players with an even-money bet get half their stake back if the ball lands on zero.
The other is called ‘en prison’ and is the same as la partage, but the stakes must remain on the table for the next bet, essentially giving you a free spin.
The house edge on European and French roulette wheels are the most favourable, so it’s worth checking out the different formats of the game to find one that gives you the best odds.
Slots
Slot machines have always been a popular choice in casinos, and online slots have all the appeal of their traditional counterparts, as evidenced by their incredible popularity.
From standard, three-reel slots with limited additional extras to complex themed games with bonus rounds, jackpot modes and other extras, there is a slot machine that will appeal to any online gamer.
Although slot games rely largely on luck, experienced players will develop an understanding of the way the odds work and can use this to increase their chances of winning.
Online slots can also offer a wide range of bonus rounds, free spins, and in-game challenges that give players additional chances to win.
Whether you are already a fan of casinos or are completely new to playing these popular games, online casino games are a great way to capture the fun and excitement of a night out.
With all the convenience of being able to play whenever and wherever you like, casino gaming is a great way to have fun and be in with a chance of winning big.
