Forecasters expect the global online gambling industry to reach a value of over $72 billion by the end of 2021.
This staggering 12% CAGR is largely due to social distancing concerns in brick-and-mortar casinos. Yet, it’s also attributed to the convenience, ease, and variety offered by these platforms.
Are you curious to discover what all the fuss is about? Keep reading for more about the types of online casino games driving this trend.
The Main Types of Online Casino Games
Most online casino games depend purely on chance since you’re at the mercy of advanced algorithms that determine the outcome. This intricate software works according to the usual house edge for each game, so the casino can’t cheat.
Yet, those who base their next move on the reactions of others around the table might find themselves at a disadvantage. Instead, you’ll have to make your next move based on the bets of other players, or using statistical information.
There are three main types of casino games, with some sites dedicated to only one kind. Many of the best online casino sites, like Red Dog Casino, mr.play Casino, and Intertops Casino, offer a wide selection to choose from.
These are the major categories of games you can play online:
Online Poker Games
Some of the most popular casino games are dozens if not hundreds of years old at this point. Card games especially have always been a favourite of casino-goers, poker no less than any other. Online poker is a great way to experience a game enjoyed by generations of people, made easier with big wins and instant withdrawals from the comfort of your own home.
Some of the most popular types of online poker include:
- Texas Hold’em
- Five Card Draw
- Triple Draw
- Badugi
- Razz
- Omaha Hi
- Stud Poker
Some casinos host lucrative tournaments both online and in-person for the best players. These take place either monthly or on weekends, and sometimes boast prize money to the value of thousands of dollars. Online casinos (or casinos enlinea, as they’re called in Ecuador) are often generous when it comes to bonuses; you should find a similar casino that operates in your country.
Keep in mind that some states still classify poker as an illegal activity and only allow online games like slots and table games.
Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting involves a little more skill, with a good dash of chance thrown into the mix. It revolves around predicting the outcome of sporting events like soccer, football, golf, or horse racing.
So, if you’re knowledgeable about sports, you’ve got a better chance of winning these real cash payout games. Fantasy sports are always good choices with fantasy football being the most popular of them all. Football fans submit their top NFL picks and if they choose correctly, can turn their passion into profit.
Some of the best-known online sports betting sites include:
- NFL
- NASCAR
- E-Sports
- XFL
- NCAAF
- UFC
With online sports betting, there’s no middle ground – you either win or lose.
If you predict the outcome successfully, you receive a percentage of your winnings according to the odds at the time of placing your bet. If you don’t, you lose your entire bet.
Online sports betting is illegal in some states, but there are some free fantasy sports betting sites. On these platforms, you can enjoy the fun of this kind of gambling without betting money.
It’s a good idea to get in some practice on these sites before you try the real thing.
Online Casino Games
This section includes all the other types of gambling games you can play online. Slots are the most popular and easiest type of online casino game, but there are many others, including blackjack and roulette.
When you play slots, you can choose from 3-, 5-, or multi-reeled slots as well as various odds, themes, and creative designs.
Video poker is a type of slot game that uses elements of classic poker in a slot-machine format.
These games, based on the five-card draw format, look like slot games and have similar interfaces, so they’re a good introduction to the intricacies of poker.
Games like blackjack and baccarat are easy to play, with attractive odds and the option to interact with other players online. If you stick to the basic principles of these games, you’ve got a good chance of decreasing the house edge in your favor.
Some of the specialty games you can play on these sites include bingo, craps, and keno.
Most of these gaming sites offer sign-up bonuses and regular promotions, so you can maximize your enjoyment, while others have live dealer options.
Ways to Play Online Casino Games
There are two main types of online casinos available for your enjoyment. These are web-based casinos or download-only casinos, with some platforms accommodating both options.
Web-Based Online Casinos
These casinos allow players to enjoy online gaming straight from their browsers. You need a stable internet connection to enjoy these sites, and they work with all the common web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera Mini.
Download-Only Online Casinos
If you want to enjoy gaming on these platforms, you’ll need to download their software first. These casinos tend to run faster than web-based casinos, since the software caches the graphics and sound, taking the strain off your internet connection.
Play Anywhere Options
Some online casinos offer the option to use an app on your mobile phone to play their games. In this way, you can take the fun with you wherever you go and fill dull moments with exciting gaming options.
Playing It Safe
Each casino offers unique versions of these types of casino games and a host of lucrative bonuses. Thanks to this you’ll never run out of things to play, or ways to win, when you gamble online.
Always make sure to check each casino’s credentials and reviews before you hand over your credit card information.
More importantly, a smart gambler knows when to stop. So, if you feel you’ve lost control of your gambling, reach out to a counselor for advice and assistance.
Are you keen to discover more entertainment options? Bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates on the latest news and trends to help you live your best life.