How Casino Games Work: A Beginner's Overview

Online casinos offer hundreds of games, but most of them fall into a handful of categories. Knowing how each type works helps you understand what you are playing and what to expect. This page gives a clear overview.

Slots

Slots are the most played games in online casinos. You choose a stake, spin the reels and win if matching symbols land in the right positions. Modern video slots have themes, bonus features and sometimes jackpots. Every spin is decided by a random number generator. Read more in online slots explained.

Roulette

In roulette, a ball spins around a wheel and lands in a numbered pocket. You bet on a single number, a group of numbers, a colour or whether the number is odd or even. European roulette has 37 pockets (0 to 36). American roulette adds a double zero, which raises the house edge.

Blackjack

In blackjack you try to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You make decisions during the hand, such as whether to take another card. Because of these choices, the way you play affects your long-term results.

Baccarat

In baccarat, two hands are dealt: the player and the banker. You bet on which hand will finish closer to 9, or on a tie. The cards are drawn according to fixed rules, so you make no decisions after placing your bet.

Poker-based games

Casino poker games, such as three card poker or casino hold'em, are played against the house rather than other players. They combine poker hand rankings with fixed payouts.

Live casino

Many of these games are also offered with a real dealer, streamed live from a studio. Read how that works in live casino explained.

What all casino games have in common

Every casino game has a built-in advantage for the casino, called the house edge. The size of that advantage differs by game and by rules. Learn how it works in RTP and house edge.

No game can be beaten in the long run, so treat casino games as paid entertainment. Set a budget, play only at licensed casinos and only if you are 18 or older. Tips are on our page about responsible gambling.