Online casinos have revolutionised the way we play casino games – from the classic table games we all know to the more modern options like themed Slots.
With so many online casino games to choose from, you may want to know more about the most popular options before you try a spin of the Roulette wheel or take on three-reel games of Slots, for example.
In this article, we’ll explore three of the most popular online casino games – Blackjack, Roulette, and Slots – and give you a rough breakdown on how to play each one.
Blackjack Overview
Blackjack is a timeless card game with one simple goal – to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21.
How to play
- Card values: In Blackjack, the numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and Aces can count as either one or 11, depending on what suits your hand better.
- The deal: Both you and the dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is face-up (the “upcard”), while the other remains hidden.
- Player decisions: You can choose to:
- Hit: Take another card to improve your hand.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double down: Double your initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after one more card.
- Split: If your first two cards are of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands.
- Payouts: You receive a payout when you have a hand total higher than the dealer’s without busting (going over 21). A “Blackjack” is achieved when your initial two cards total 21 straight away – typically an Ace paired with a 10-value card.
Roulette Overview
Roulette is a game of chance with its iconic spinning wheel and ball. The aim is to correctly predict where the ball will land once the wheel stops spinning, with different betting options.
How to play
- The wheel: Roulette wheels are marked with numbers from 0 to 36 (and sometimes including a double zero in American Roulette). The numbers alternate between red and black, except for the green zero(s).
- Placing bets: Players have a variety of betting options:
- Inside bets: Wager on specific numbers or small groups of numbers for higher payouts.
- Outside bets: Bet on broader categories such as red or black, odd or even, or high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers, with better odds but lower payouts.
- The spin: After bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and releases a small ball into play. When the ball lands in a numbered slot, payouts are made according to the correct bets on where the ball stops.
Slots
Overview
Slots are the one of the most fast-paced and varied games available in online casinos. Their various themes and simple mechanics make them a top choice for many.
How to play
- The basics: Online slot machines feature a set of reels that spin when you place your bet. Symbols on these reels align to potentially create matching combinations.
- Paylines: Slots typically have multiple paylines, and these determine what the matching combinations of symbols are that receive payouts.
- Bonus features: Many modern Slots can include bonus rounds, free spins, and multipliers that can enhance gameplay.
- Progressive jackpots: Some Slots are linked to progressive jackpots that accumulate wager amounts over time, offering the chance for more substantial payouts.
Whether you’re interested in Blackjack, Roulette, Slots, online casinos offer a wide variety of games to suit every taste.
Check your chosen provider’s game library to see what styles and variations of games you could try.
