We’ve all passed by one or two while surfing online. If not, we’ve seen them advertised through popular platforms like Netflix or social media. We’re talking about casino games, a large category of entertainment products with several different categories. There are tons of offline/online casino games, the most popular being slot games, and card games.
How many types of casino games are there, you might ask? Well, nobody knows an exact number as new releases are presented every day. This article introduces you to a few of the most common types and shares popular games in each of them. Many frequently played casino games are featured across different versions, leaving it mostly up to you whether to play it online, offline, on the go, or at home.
The list of reviewed casino games:
Slot Games:
- 3-Reel Slots
- 5-Reel Slots
- Video Slots
- Progressive Slots
- 3D Slots
Card Games:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Poker Games & Pai Gow Poker
Dice Games
- Craps
- Sic Bo
Random Number Games
- Big Six Wheel
- Roulette
Others:
- Bingo
- Keno
- Scratch Cards
Online vs Offline
The switch to online gaming has evolved throughout the years, but traditional casino play is here to stay. Online casinos allow gamers to play from just about anywhere, especially now with the newest version of HTML5, a cross-compatible language for mobile devices. For offline play, there are two options – in a land-based casino or via download where gamers can play without personal data disclosure or other cyber-risks. Nothing beats a live casino experience, but online gaming has advanced to the point that people all over the world can get the closest thing to a real Vegas experience while playing in the comfort of their own homes.
Slot Games
Slot games are the most popular games played by thousands of gamblers online; they come in a variety of themes, modes, and visual graphics. Today you can find anything online – from traditional casino games featuring the most wide-spread cherry and luck 7 symbols to Asian-themed and fantasy land adventure slots.
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Their popularity is the main reason for their availability both online and offline. Most slot games you can play both for free and for real money. Offline players can enjoy downloadable games, having all of the fun without any risk, and online gamers can try a demo version or play for real money. Though the themes are varied, the slot game types are quite standard, falling into several categories.
Make sure to find out which online slot machines pay the best before you start playing casino games. Unsure about the complicated technology used in online slots? Check out our video slot glossary to brush up on your knowledge!
3- Reel Slots
The most traditional of them all, 3-reel slots feature 1 line with 3 reels where players can turn the wheels, trying to hit 3-5 identical symbols, which means a win.
5-Reel Slots
The newer generation of 3-reel classics, these slots feature 5 reels and give gamers more opportunities to win, but are a little more complex.
Video Slots
The most advanced type of modern slots, the video slot allows developers a little more freedom in design. These slots usually feature well-thought, consistent themes and carefully crafted symbols along with several bonus games packed into the thrilling gameplay.
Progressive Slots
The ones to keep an eye out for are slots where each loss adds to a jackpot amount, giving players a chance at large winnings when triggered.
Mega Moolah slot displays the current jackpot in the CasinoChan game lobby. Such Jackpot counter on a slot game is an indication of a progressive slot game.
3D Slots
One of the newest types to hit the market, 3D slots offer all the same gameplay but in 3D, making for a unique gaming experience.
Table Games
If you’re not sure what a table game is, think about Vegas. All of the most typical and most popular card games are considered table games. They feature a dealer, which is the moderator of the game dealing cards and chips and paying out whenever there’s a win. Those at the table can also play against each other, where the reward goes to the one with the best single hand. Here are the most popular types of casino card games, dice games, and number games.
Card Games
The most popular and well-known table games are Blackjack, Texas Hold em’ Poker, and Baccarat. They usually feature a dealer, while the gamblers play against one another or, in the case of 21 and Blackjack, against the dealer.
Baccarat
Baccarat is an old card game. Today it can often be found in online casinos and land-based venues. The exact place where the Baccarat originated is unknown and highly disputed.
It is believed that the birthplace of Baccarat could be Italy or France. According to one version, the game was invented in Italy at the turn of the 15th century and then brought to France by returning soldiers after the Franco-Italian war. Legends say that the ancient Roman ritual of worshiping nine gods was taken as the basis for the game.
The most popular game options are:
- Punto Banco (or North American Baccarat);
- Baccarat Chemin de Fer (aka “chemmy” or European Baccarat);
- Baccarat Banque.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a gambling card game for real adventurers and intellectuals who like to try their luck. Over the hundreds of years of its existence, the game has experienced ups and downs, but now it is available in absolutely any casino and is an iconic card game.
All historians agree that the origins of blackjack can be traced back to the 17th century. Then in the French gambling venues, there was a similar card game called “Vingt-et-Un”, which means “21” in French.
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The popular game received its modern name “Blackjack” a little later. When gambling was legalized in Nevada, casino owners tried to promote gambling and attract players with high payouts. The biggest bonus was given for a combination of Black Jack of Spades and Ace of Spades. As the game gained more popularity, the blackjack bonus became less common, but the unofficial name has stuck and stayed till now.
Today Blackjack includes multiple variations, such as:
- American. Played with 6-8 decks, with more options for doubling the bet and surrendering.
- European. Played with just two decks. No surrender or doubling on split cards.
- Single Deck. The name speaks for itself. Learn more about Single Deck blackjack.
- Spanish Blackjack or Pontoon. 6-8 decks, 10 cards are thrown out of each deck.
- 21 Burn. Allows players to burn a card on hand for a side-bet.
Learn more about Blackjack strategy and find useful blackjack tips for your online gaming experience.
Poker Games
Poker is a card game that has become popular relatively recently, although the game has existed for a very long time. The history of poker dates back to ancient times, but the exact place of its origin is debatable.
The first written records of the game date back to the 16th century. A similar game was played in France, England, Germany, and other Western European countries.
The origin of the name is also ambiguous and controversial. The name of the game could have come from the German word for “pochen” – to knock, French “poque”.
There is also an American version related to sailors and pickpockets. Yankees considered poker a game of cheaters because it was based on bluffs and tricks that sailors picked up from pickpockets. While one was showing card tricks, the other was stealing a wallet, which they called “poke”.
Thanks to America, where Poker became a national game, it gained worldwide popularity and became one of the best-known card games.
Poker is an animal of its own with Texas Hold’em and Omaha being the most notorious. Here’s a short video about basic Texas Hold’em rules:
In addition to the well-known Omaha and Texas Hold’em, you should also pay attention to Pai Gow Poker.
Pai Gow Poker
It is another famous type of casino game that is a combination of Pai Gow and Poker. This version of poker is based on the Chinese gambling game, which gave the name to this type of poker. Unlike the original Pai Gow, the poker version is played with cards, instead of the Chinese-traditional dominoes.
The inventor of the game can be considered Bell Card Club owner in Los Angeles, California, mister Sam Torosian.
He developed the Pai Gow Poker Rules in 1985. The game immediately became super popular, and already in the late 80s, Pai Gow Poker was played on the Las Vegas Strip and then spread worldwide.
Dice Games
The most famous game of this type is craps, with all the different versions to choose from. Automatically roll the dice with the press of a button and try to score a win in this fast-paced and exciting table game, or roll the dice manually in a land-based casino for more thrill.
Craps
The origin of the game goes deep into the annals of history. The dice games are deeply inscribed in the culture of ancient Egypt, Rome, and other highly developed civilizations of that time.
The exact origin of the name “Craps” is unknown. Perhaps this is a mutated form of Krabs (later Crabs). The very name Krabs was probably the name of a losing combination of two numbers, similar to the eyes of a crab.
Craps is the simplified version of the game Hazard (Hasard). Hazard was brought to New Orleans in the early 19th century and was rejected by the American elite. However, the local underclass happily accepted this game. With time it fell into the hands of the deckhand who carried the new game along the Mississippi River and its environs.
Craps’s popularity skyrocketed during World War II. This is due to the fact that many young Americans from all walks of life mingled in the army and began to play with each other.
In the early 60s, several casinos in Europe, Australia, and Macau began offering craps, and after 2004, online casinos spread the Craps around the globe.
Sic Bo
Sic Bo (aka Dai Siu, Tai Sai, or Hi-Lo) is a classic dice game of chance that originated in Asia and has some similarities to roulette. In each round, players attempt to predict the result of rolling three dice. Like roulette, various types of bets are available in Sic Bo, including odd/even, high/low, and the precise sum of all three dice.
The history of this game goes back thousands of years. But for the worldwide popularity of this game, we must thank America. The game was brought to the States by emigrants from China and initially, the game was popular only among them. In the 20th century, more Asians immigrated to America, due to such a large influx of game lovers, Sic Bo gradually spread among all the Americans and later worldwide.
Random Number Games
Big Six Wheel
Big Six Wheel (aka The Big Six), Wheel of Fortune, or simply Lucky Wheel is an unequal gambling game with a vertical rotating wheel. The origin of the Big Six name is simple as the wheel is normally six-foot big, but the history behind this game is way more interesting. We prefer to call this game the Wheel of Fortune, in honor of the ancient Roman goddess of happiness, luck, and destiny.
Fortuna is often depicted as a blindfolded woman (a symbol of blind luck), standing on a ball or wheel of fortune (a symbol of mutability) and holding in one hand the ship’s rudder (a symbol of control of human destiny) and a horn of plenty, also known as a cornucopia (a symbol of luck, abundance, nourishment and wealth).
Historians believe that the wheel of fortune originated from an ancient ritual in honor of the goddess of Fortune. After the battle, Roman legionaries were dividing spoils of fallen enemies. To avoid confrontation and settle disputes, they were upturning the chariot and were spinning the wheel. The soldiers made index marks on the wheel and marks with names around it. The name on which the mark stopped was declared the winner and took the trophies. This is how this game of chances came to us and took its place in the world’s most famous casinos.
Roulette
In the category of random number games, you will also find the most well-known game throughout the entire world, Roulette. Roulette is an iconic game of chances and surely the most recognizable symbol of gambling. This is one of the most popular gambling games in the world. Without roulette, it is impossible to imagine a casino and CasinoChan also has a vast array of games to offer.
Games similar to roulette were in different countries, in India, Greece, Italy. There is still no 100% reliable answer to the question of where exactly the progenitor of modern roulette appeared. It is believed that the homeland of roulette can be China or France.
Historians believe that the French mathematician Blaise Pascal can be considered the unofficial creator of the game. In 1655, while working on the creation of the perpetual motion engine, he experimented with the wheel and a ball revolving around it and invented the first primitive roulette.
Check our detailed Tips & Tricks guide on Roulette:
Mystics believe that the secret of roulette was suggested to the scientist by the devil himself. It is not surprising, because if you count the sum of all the numbers on it, you get 666, which is called the number of the beast.
Typically roulette features a dealer with a puck that calls gamblers to bet or stop. The house edge can vary from 2% to 7% depending on the roulette’s type. The game is notoriously random, as there are little to no ways of winning using the skill.
However, several Roulette strategies can help players increase their chances of winning and are used by gamblers both online and offline.
Other Types of Popular Casino Games
There is such a variety of gambling games in the world that some do not fit into any of the abovementioned groups.
Bingo
Bingo holds the position of one of the most popular table and gambling games. It is truly impressive and unique when we talk about a game that dates back to the 15th century.
Bingo belongs to lotteries and the name comes from the American game Beans or Beano (as beans were used to cover the numbers) where the winner shouted “Bean go!”, which later became Bingo. In many other countries, this game is known as Lotto.
Another legend has it that the world owes the name of the game to the American manufacturer Edwin S Lowe, who loved and popularized the game. As the story goes he once was so excited by the victory that he shouted “Bingo!” instead of “Beano!” and then build a fortune over that word.
It is believed that the progenitor of the modern bingo lottery is the Italian game “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia”, which originated around the 1530s, and which was very popular among people.
Originated in Italy, evolved in France, revolutionized in Britain, and commercialized in the United States – Bingo is truly an international game. In the early 2000s, this game was on the verge of extinction, but now it is experiencing a new takeoff. For such a rise, we must thank the online casino industry and, oddly enough, the coronavirus pandemic, which again awakened people’s interest in the game.
Keno
Keno is a lottery-like game of chances often played at online casinos and modern gambling venues. It is generally accepted that ancient China is the birthplace of Keno. The first mentions of this game can be found in ancient Chinese scrolls dated 200 BC. The game was so popular that it has survived to this day almost unchanged, but the origin story is shrouded in mystery.
The name KENO originates from Latin “quini” which means “five each”. In China, although its name is “baige piao” accurate translation is “white dove ticket” due to the way of delivery of game results from big cities to outlying villages.
One legend says that a long time ago when the Chinese provinces were mired in wars, the wise dynast of the Celestial Empire made a non-standard decision. He came up with a game, the profit of which went to the maintenance of the Chinese army. It is believed that the money raised was also used to build the Great Wall of China.
Thanks to modern online casinos, this game is spread worldwide and could be played from the comfort of your home.
Scratchcards
Scratch cards are a popular form of lottery. This gambling type is low in cost, easy to access, and brings instant rewards.
It comes in many different types with amazing rewards and prizes, from gifts and small cash sums to billions. But where do instant lotteries come from?
Drawings in the Celestial Empire and the Roman Empire before Christ are considered the first types of lottery. The first draw with ticket sales in Europe was founded by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus. The raised funds were used for the needs of Rome, and items of different value served as prizes.
In the Middle Ages, under pressure from the church, lotteries were prohibited by law. A revival of interest in the game began during the Renaissance when ancient culture and heritage were highly prized.
We owe the USA for the development of well-known scratchcards. In the mid-60s two American entrepreneurs decided to transform low-value grocery-store scratchcards into a state-funded lottery product. And already in the 70s, modern scratch cards were introduced, the sales of which skyrocketed instantly. Since then, the game has only evolved and is now available on online platforms.
Live Dealer Games
Thanks to the most recent advances in technology, developers are working more and more to make live video play more realistic. Live dealer casino games can be played both online and offline, featuring the same graphics with the only differences being the risk and the initial investment.
The live-streamed games are usually broadcasted in real-time. So, whether you’re playing online or offline, you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of graphics or speed of the gameplay, with most game titles in this category developed with the latest HTML5 and HD technologies, making for simple compatibility between all mobile devices.
Live casino games are not only about Blackjack or Poker, as there’s an endless list of casino games played online and offline. Live Monopoly from Evolution (featured above) illustrates the different types of casino games out there.
Card Games
All types of card games like Poker, Blackjack, and Baccarat can be played in a live dealer version. Watch and play along with others in real casinos from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Random Number Games
The same live streaming is possible with games like Roulette, featuring a dealer giving the signal to place and stop bets and dealing out the winnings to those who bet on the winning numbers.
Bitcoin Games
Speaking of technology, the rapid rate of growth in online currencies like Bitcoin has created a market for games accepting and paying out in crypto, so the list of Bitcoin casino games is growing fast. Gamblers of all levels are taking advantage of this opportunity to play in online casinos, choosing to gamble in hopes of avoiding the wait caused by pending transactions traditionally in some gambling clubs.
There are many popular improvements of the currently available slot games in the making, with many developers and providers rushing to make their most popular slot games compatible with Bitcoin due to its popularity. Currently, there are different types of games offered, including live casino play.
By the way, you might find our top 10 Bitcoin slot games list to be helpful.
Card Games
Play all the most popular card games in the bunch and wager Bitcoin money instead of amounts of cash. Blackjack, poker, 21, and more are all available, as well as live dealer play. Wager in Bitcoin and get BTC payouts while playing.
Slot Games
With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, more and more slots are making a switch or upgrading their technology to allow crypto pay. There are already several different types of slot games that can be played with online currencies with more to come very shortly.
Live Dealer Games
Roulette, online blackjack, baccarat, and other types of casino games are available for play with Bitcoin. Featuring the same detailed and real-life graphics and developed by top providers, these games have all the same perks, giving Bitcoin users an advantage.
How to Choose?
You can find just about anything online, and if it’s popular enough, free demo and offline versions are also created, giving players a chance to enjoy the same gameplay with zero risks, even under the conditions of absent or unstable internet connection.
No matter what type of game you fancy – cards, random numbers games, or video slots – you’re sure to find the one to your liking. If you are not sure what type is best for you, try some distinct types of games in the free demo versions to test the waters until you find the one that speaks to you.
FAQ
What types of games are there in a casino?
Online/Offline gambling venues include various types of games, such as slots, live table games, card games, dice games, random number games, lotteries & draws, and many others. Some games are played more often in Asia, others in Europe and America.
What are the types of online casino games?
Today modern online casinos are not inferior to their land-based competitors. Almost all existing types of casino games have their own online alternatives: various slots, random number games, and many others. To get the most realistic and immersive experience you should visit the live section – all games include live croupiers such as card games, dice games, random number games, and more.
What are the best online casino games?
There is no single answer to this question. Everyone has their own preferences and tastes. There are many casino games you should try to find out which game is best for you.
What are the types of casino poker games?
Five Card Draw, Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, Video Poker, and Pai Gow Poker are the most popular forms of poker found in casinos today.
What are the best table games to play at a casino?
There is no definite answer here. You need to try different games and find out which ones you like more and what suits your preferences the most.
