Betting on the outcome of casino games has been a preferred form of recreation for hundreds of years. Gambling establishments have existed for centuries, but the rapid technological progress witnessed of late has resulted in even greater convenience for gambling aficionados the world over, since playing for real money on the internet is becoming a desirable alternative for an ever-increasing number of players.
Online casinos cover a vast selection of gambling options, ranging from the latest video slots to numerous video poker variants and an array of table and card mainstays such as poker, blackjack and roulette. These are available across a staggering number of reliable websites that are committed to providing players with an authentic gambling experience from the comfort of their surroundings. And indeed, playing online with real-money stakes offers various benefits to gambling enthusiasts.
To begin with, one literally has hundreds of high-quality casino games readily available at their fingertips. The only difficulty that could possibly arise is choosing which game to start with. Furthermore, one is not even required to be at home to play, since the majority of gambling operators have set up mobile-responsive websites that allow for play on commonly used devices like Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
Another benefit stems from the higher return percentages online casino games boast, enabling players to collect more profit in exchange for their wagers. Besides, there are plenty of online casino bonuses to claim, as gaming operators are in the habit of rewarding patrons for their loyalty. In addition, players can rest assured in the knowledge their deposits and withdrawals are processed in line with the highest security standards, since all money transfers to and from online casinos are heavily encrypted against fraudsters.
If this does not suffice to convince you to transition from land-based to online casino play, we do not know what will. Given that you are considering switching to online casinos, read on to find out more about other players’ favourite casino games. We will also provide you with valuable information that will make your first steps towards online casino betting smooth as butter.
Playing Real-Money Casino Games Online
Placing bets and potentially earning a hefty payout has never been easier. One common issue many inexperienced online casino players face is deciding which interactive gambling operator to register an account with. And indeed, this is not as easy as it seems, owing to the significant number of casinos that have gone online in recent years.
There are several characteristics that make a dependable, secure and fair online casino – its licence, software provider and transparency. These are the things all casino novices should look for in order to make a good choice. Another consideration is compatibility – some operators require players to download and install a specific software client to gain access to the entire package of games and various functionalities such as payment systems and customer support.
Many players consider download-based casinos a better alternative since they normally offer a larger number of games, more features and seamless gameplay, which can be attributed to the fact that the games are not loaded directly in internet browsers. Others allow for more flexibility and run their games in instant play, where the entire portfolio can be conveniently loaded into one’s web browser without wasting storage space on additional software.
Once they find a regulated, licensed and reputable online gambling operator, players will be prompted to register a real-money account if they wish to earn a little something while playing their favourite games. The registration process is exceptionally quick and hassle-free, as one only needs to enter their personal and banking details. One very important step players are advised to take in advance is scanning their ID, driving licence, a recent utility bill, and both sides of the credit or debit card they have registered at the online casino. These documents will be necessary later when you submit a withdrawal request, as the casino needs to verify your identity, address and payment method. This is a standard procedure all players must go through for security purposes.
Choosing which banking solution to use is of equal importance. All major gaming operators in the industry offer their players a wider choice of options, ranging from credit/debit cards and e-wallets to online banking. When selecting a payment method, make sure you check the processing times and any fees that may be associated with your choice. That being said, online casinos rarely charge for deposits, although some fees may be incurred when you cash out with certain payment methods. The bottom line is that you need to select a method supported for both deposits and withdrawals.
Once you have completed registration, verification and your first deposit at a trusted online casino, you are all set to go. You simply need to select a game to play, but let us warn you in advance: this will be a tough decision, as online casinos offer hundreds upon hundreds of titles from every category imaginable.
The variety of slots is unprecedented, as the options greatly outnumber those available in brick-and-mortar venues. There are table and card games aplenty as well, and the great thing is that online gambling operators bring the sophisticated atmosphere of land-based gaming floors to players’ homes, since there is typically the option to compete against seasoned, professionally trained dealers in real time.
Major Software Developers of Casino Games
The majority of web-based casinos purchase licensed software developed by leading casino software providers of the calibre of Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Betsoft, Cryptologic and IGT. Yet, since the interactive gaming industry is booming at present, more and more casino software companies are emerging on the horizon. Some of the newcomers on the iGaming scene include Yggdrasil and EveryMatrix, which are quickly gaining popularity among casino fans.
All these companies lead the way in providing premier-quality games that stand out with sophisticated graphics, thrilling animations and engaging audio effects. Playability is another trait the games of industry-leading developers commonly share – each title in their collections is not only easy on the eye but is also simple to play, navigate and understand, even for those who lack experience in online gambling.
Yet, some interactive gambling operators prefer to offer their players truly unique titles, which are impossible to find anywhere else but on their own websites. Such casinos have decided to follow a different route and implement their very own proprietary software. Thus, their gaming platforms are created by an in-house team of developers, and the available games cannot be found elsewhere. One of the benefits of playing at casinos with proprietary software is that they have greater control over how their platforms operate, which means issues can be resolved more quickly, as the interference of third-party software companies is unnecessary.
Types of Casino Games to Play Online
Some players register at online casinos and never again think about returning to brick-and-mortar gambling once they experience the convenience and diversity web-based operators provide. All the games one can enjoy in land-based venues are readily available online as well. Then again, there is always the added benefit of gaining access to truly bespoke variations of slots and table classics that can be found at select online casinos only. We offer you a quick breakdown of the most common types of casino games you can indulge in at reputable operators’ websites.
Video Slots
Slots comprise a significant percentage of the gaming collections of all online casinos. This is hardly a coincidence, since the demand for this type of game is truly unprecedented. Slots are the go-to choice of most players largely because they are the simplest games one can possibly play at a casino, be it land-based or online.
These come in all shapes and forms, and there is a suitable option for everyone. Traditionalists are given a wide choice of classic slots, also known as fruit machines, where there are only three reels and one payline, at least in most cases. Video slots, however, have greater entertainment value and offer more excitement, as they impress with spectacular graphics, lifelike animations and a wealth of additional features such as bonus symbols, wilds, scatters, bonus games and rounds of free spins. Additionally, video slots have five reels and multiple paylines, which translates into more winning opportunities for players. Entire categories of 3D slots are based on popular blockbusters and TV shows, while other titles feature well-known musicians and rock bands.
Some of the most sought-after titles are those that have progressive jackpots attached to them, with two of the most popular options being Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and NetEnt’s Mega Fortune. These games, in particular, have transformed players into millionaires on multiple occasions.
Video Poker
In terms of gameplay, video poker resembles slot machines, yet this type of casino game offers players a more engaging experience, as it allows for decision-making that can influence the outcome. Video poker is a favourite among millions of casino fans because it can actually give them a positive expectation, provided they use proper strategy when playing their hands.
For the most part, the game is based on five-card draw. Unlike traditional poker, there are only two rounds – the initial deal and the draw. Players receive five cards at random from a standard deck containing 52 cards, which makes it possible to calculate the probability of forming winning hands. After the deal, the player must decide which cards to hold and which to discard to improve the strength of their hand. The discards are then replaced with cards from the remaining deck. A qualifying hand pays out in accordance with the game’s paytable.
This is how the game is played online and in land-based casinos. Online, however, players can choose from a far broader range of options, available in both single-hand and multi-hand formats. In multi-hand mode, one can bet on between 5 and 100 hands at a time. Most online variations are based on the forefather of all video poker games, Jacks or Better. Other widespread variants you can enjoy from the comfort of your surroundings include Tens or Better, Aces and Faces, Aces and Eights, Double Bonus Poker, Joker Poker and Pick’em Poker, among others.
Roulette
Roulette is among the most iconic mainstays in casinos worldwide, so it only makes sense that it has found its way into the catalogues of all respected online casinos as well. There is something enigmatic about the Devil’s wheel, and roulette is indeed the game of choice for millions of online players. This immense popularity can be attributed to the game’s simplicity, but the impressive number of betting options further enhances its appeal.
The objective of the game is simple: players must predict which number the ball will land on. The pockets on the wheel contain numbers 0 through 36, but there is an additional double-zero pocket in American roulette. There is nothing one can do to make a correct prediction, though, since roulette is based on independent trials. The numbers that have previously hit have no effect on subsequent outcomes.
The bets in roulette can generally be divided into two categories. With outside bets, players wager on properties of the numbers, while inside bets involve wagering on individual numbers or groups of numbers. The return each type of bet offers is largely based on the mathematical probability of winning with it.
Some of the most commonly played online variants of this enigmatic game include French, European and American Roulette, all offered across hundreds of virtual casinos. The majority of roulette fans favour the French and European variations because of their single-zero wheels, which reduce the house advantage to 1.36% and 2.70%, respectively. The American variations have increased volatility, because the additional zero pocket almost doubles the house edge to 5.26%. Some online variants, such as Mini Roulette and Multi-Wheel Roulette, are also sought after because they offer players an interesting twist.
Craps
Players who are interested in skill games like poker, for instance, sometimes argue that the best way to throw a pair of dice is to throw them away. Nevertheless, millions of craps fans beg to differ, as this enticing game of chance has advantages of its own. The number of bets one can make in craps is truly overwhelming, and the goal of all players is to predict the outcomes of the rolls or of a series of rolls of two dice. The most commonly placed bets that offer a greater return over the long run are the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come and Don’t Come wagers.
Shooting the dice online is actually more advantageous to players, since there is no sophisticated and confusing table etiquette to follow, as is the case at land-based casinos. Other than that, the rules of the game and the bets are exactly the same, but the authentic graphics and sounds will make you feel as if you are sitting at a craps table in a brick-and-mortar venue. All big names in the online gambling industry have contributed their own bespoke creations, and at web-based casinos it is possible to find variants by leaders like Betsoft, Microgaming and Playtech.
Blackjack
The game of 21 is a favourite of many players, as it offers a relatively low house edge, especially if they incorporate various advantage-play techniques like card counting and shuffle tracking. These techniques, however, are impossible to apply in virtual games of blackjack, largely because the cards in the shoe or deck are reshuffled automatically after each hand. One can reduce the house edge by using basic blackjack strategy, though.
The rules of the game are quite easy to learn, as the goal is to obtain a hand that comes closest to 21 without going over, or “busting”. When players are dealt their starting hands, they are given several options. If the total is low, they can choose to Hit and be dealt additional cards by the dealer. The other option is to Stand (or Stay) and decline additional cards. When players are dealt two cards of the same value, they can choose to Split them and play the two new hands separately. It is also possible to Double Down, in which case players are entitled to draw only one additional card. Surrendering one’s hand is also an option in some online blackjack games. Do keep in mind, however, that doubling down and splitting involve making additional side bets.
The great thing about playing blackjack online is that players can come across some progressive variants and potentially bag huge payouts. Other than that, the most commonly played blackjack variants at online casinos include Blackjack Switch, Atlantic City Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, Duel Blackjack, Double Exposure and Blackjack Surrender. These are normally available in multi-hand mode as well.
Poker
Many casino fans are interested in poker but are intimidated by the casino environment and by more experienced, skilled opponents. The solution is simple, as poker is available across an impressive number of online casinos where one can play against the RNGs. This is also a viable option for those taking their first steps towards learning the game. Some of the most common variants in which you can play against a virtual dealer include Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, Oasis Poker and Texas Hold’em.
In addition, online casinos provide players with the opportunity to partake in various tournaments, and there is often the option to enter such an event with a very small buy-in.
Baccarat
Baccarat, or Punto Banco, is one of those casino staples that one cannot help but associate with luxury and sophistication. The game resembles blackjack to a certain extent, but the types of bets are different. There are two principal wagers – Banker and Player. It is also possible to bet on a Tie between the two, but such bets are rarely made and some players avoid them altogether because they are not as profitable.
Online casinos offer different table limits, as there are games designed especially for high rollers, while other titles target more risk-averse players. All major software providers in the industry have created their own takes on baccarat, with contributions from Playtech, Betsoft and Microgaming being among the most sought-after options.
Arcades and Scratch Cards
Many people lack sufficient experience, skill and understanding of classic casino games like poker, baccarat and blackjack. The needs of this group of players are taken into consideration by leading gambling operators, which typically offer a separate category of games spanning numerous arcades and scratch cards.
Oftentimes, number games like keno are available in multiple variants, so there is something for all interests and preferences. A reputable online casino would normally host a separate bingo room where players can also participate in a range of tournaments.
Live Dealer Games
Those who are willing to give their skills and casino knowledge a shot in a game against an actual flesh-and-blood croupier can easily do so from the comfort of their surroundings. The majority of well-known gaming operators have dedicated Live Dealer sections on their websites. These are home to a number of traditional mainstays like baccarat, poker, roulette and blackjack, which are all hosted by friendly and attractive croupiers in real time. The games are broadcast via high-definition streams either from the dedicated live studios of leading software developers or from the floors of sophisticated venues such as the Portomaso in Malta, for instance.
This allows for more interactive gameplay, since players can converse with one another as well as with the dealers thanks to the useful chat functionality. On many occasions, it is also possible to select either Asian or European croupiers to deal the cards or spin the roulette wheel for you.
Beginner Tips for Playing Casino Games Online
One of the most important things players need to do is to find an online casino which bears the stamp of approval of a respected regulatory body, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority or the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Such casinos value their players and strive to provide them with a secure and fair gaming environment they can trust.
Once you have found a reliable gaming provider, you need to invest time and effort in learning suitable strategies for your favourite games. Knowledge and understanding of the games will increase your chances of turning a long-term profit tremendously. Another way to boost your overall odds of success is to partake in promotional offers and claim the bonuses offered by your preferred casino.
Hunting for the most lucrative offers is highly recommended, as the bonuses normally have a rollover that needs to be covered before players can submit a withdrawal request for the winnings associated with their bonus. Choose bonuses with low wagering requirements – some casinos impose a rollover that is nearly impossible to clear. Another great idea is to pick bonuses that allow you to play your favourite casino games. Some operators have dedicated bonuses for roulette and blackjack, while others offer a set number of Free Spins on some of the hottest video slots in their collections.
Checking the RTP of the games you intend to play for real money is also worth your while, as it will give you an overall idea of the theoretical profits you may generate in the long run. This is especially important when it comes to slots, since their payout percentages vary greatly. Some slots have a low RTP of 89%, for instance, while others offer a significant return that comes close to 100%.
Last but not least, make sure you build a bankroll that is reserved solely for playing your favourite games, and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Avoid progressive betting systems altogether, as these are generally ineffective. Adapt the size of your stakes to your means – if you have a bankroll of £500 for the month, it would be unwise to stake £50 on each dice toss, for example.
