Types Of Gambling Games
Slot machine games are a cash cow for any casino, and they consistently outperform table games and other forms of gambling. In 2013, American players lost an estimated $119 billion through legal gambling, while Australian gamers led the pack in the biggest losses per person. In either case, you can bet that slot machines played a large factor in their misfortune.
On the other hand, slots can change a person’s life for the better with just a single spin of the reels. In 2003, for example, a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles walked into the Excalibur in Las Vegas, put $100 into a Megabucks machine, and went home with a record win of $39,710,826.36.
While most players will never win a fraction of that amount, it doesn’t keep them from playing and dreaming. A life-altering payout is always just one spin away, and this promise of instant wealth allows slots to maintain a permanent place at the top of the casino gambling mountain.
In the early days of the industry, the phrase “slot machine” only referred to one simple mechanical game of chance. This game had three spinning reels, each of which was marked with a few different pictures of fruit. Prizes were small, replay value was non-existent, and they were considered little more than a distraction.
- Oct 24, 2007 Poker is a card game base on a 5 card hand. The ranking of hands from lowest to highest are high card, pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. The player with the best hand wins.
- Everyone loves to have a gamble from time to time (myself included). Unfortunately we don’t always win, but the real fun is in the playing, not the winning. Here is a list of the top 10 Casino games. Bingo is a game in which players try to match randomly selected numbers to the numbers on their card.
- Electronic gambling machines and Internet gambling are the most addictive types of gambling games out there. The first thing to consider when asking the question about the most addictive types of gambling is that not all gambling problems are created equal.
Blackjack is by far the most popular casino card game. Almost everyone has either. It also includes exclusive games or titles. Since many casinos work with different and/or multiple software companies, you’re likely to find a different selection of casino games at every casino you join. This will also affect game rules, payouts, and odds – but on a much lower scale. And it’ll affect the number of games you can play.
Fast-forward to the modern world. The slot machine is such an adaptable game style that the sheer variety of available styles can intimidate the first time you step onto the gaming floor. Don’t stress out, though. Once you’ve learned the basic game styles, the rest is just a matter of exposure.
In this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the various types of slot machine games. Whether you’re interested in slot payouts or slot bonuses, there should be something here to pique your interest.
Categories of Slot Machines
While the focus of this article is on traditional slots, there are a number of games that qualify as part of the slot machine family. Before we delve into specifics, let’s pause for a moment and look at the overall category. Keep in mind that all of these variations of slots enjoy tremendous popularity in some part of the world, even if you’ve never heard of them.
Slots
The driving force behind this article, traditional slots are the lifeblood of gambling cites such as Las Vegas, Macau, and Atlantic City. Each game has three or more spinning reels, and players are paid when they achieve a winning combination of symbols. These machines allow their owners to enjoy huge profits, and they account for about 70% of the revenue for the average American casino. Games are known as “pokies” in Australia and “fruit machines” in the UK, although their function is largely the same.
Video Poker
Based on Five-card Draw, this game gives five virtual cards to players and challenges them to make the best possible poker hand. Payouts are tied directly to the strength of the hand, with a pair of jacks or better usually being required to finish in the money. While traditional slots always give the house an advantage, some video poker games allow the house edge to be eliminated (through a combination of perfect play and the right pay table).
Video Bingo
Instead of the reel-style of play available on traditional slots, this type of game features an electronic video card. The two most popular types of game are Latin and American bingo. Latin bingo uses a 3×5 card, 75 balls, and enjoys a major following in Mexico and Europe. American bingo, meanwhile, uses a 5×5 card, 90 balls, and is primarily played in the United States and Canada.
Pachislo
The name of this game is arrived at by melding “pachinko” and “slot machine,” and it can be found in Japanese arcades and pachinko parlors. According to the laws of the nation, these games must feature three reels, a three coin maximum wager, and buttons that allow the player to manually stop a spin. Since reels can be stopped within 0.19 seconds of pressing a button, these games are beatable by skilled patrons. Most machines offer a payback percentage in the 90% range, while a loose machine in the hands of a veteran gamer can award as much as a 200% return.
Slot machines are a major source of revenue for online and land-based casinos, and they remain among the most popular forms of gambling on the planet. While traditional slots are at the top of the heap, virtual cousins such as video poker also have a devoted following. Some types of slots, such as the pachislo machines in Japan, even allow players to enjoy major profits thanks to skill-based elements.
Types of Traditional Slot Machines
Slot machines come in a wide variety of options, from the basic to the downright complicated. No matter what your area of interest or experience level, there’s a game that’s been designed to give you hours of enjoyment and a chance at a respectable payday. The following are the most common types of slots to looks out for.
- MULTI-COIN/MULTI-LINE
- MULTI-LINE
- BUY-A-PAYS
- HIDDEN BUY-A-PAYS
- STRAIGHT MULTIPLIERS
- BONUS MULTIPLIERS
- PROGRESSIVES
- COMBINATION SLOTS
Multi-coin/Multi-line
This type of slot first gained popularity in Australia, but in the last 20 years it’s grown to be a major part of the American market. Gamers can choose how many paylines they want to play, as well as the number of coins to risk per line. Most slots veterans recommend playing a coin on every payline, as this keeps you from missing out on any possible winning combinations. Be sure to look at the paytable, though, as some games have bonuses that only activate when you’re playing the maximum number of coins per line.
Multi-line
The predecessor to the multi-coin/multi-line machines discussed above, these games have largely fallen out of favor in North American casinos over the last few decades. While the number of paylines can be selected by the player, they’re limited to wagering just one coin per line. Most gamers have become accustomed to being able to risk multiple coins per line, which is the main reason for the sagging popularity of these machines.
Buy-a-Pays
In this type of slot, each additional coin wagered unlocks extra winning combinations. The availability of combinations greatly influences the hit frequency of the game, and sometimes the difference between an 84% and 100% payback can be a single coin. Due to this fact, it’s always suggested that players risk the maximum number of coins on a buy-a-pay machine.
Hidden Buy-a-Pays
The name for this type of game was coined by gaming guru John Robison, and it refers to any slot featuring bonus events that are only accessible by playing the maximum number of coins. While the game might otherwise have an average payback percentage, playing the maximum can boost it into the high nineties (or even 100%). You can spot this type of machine by examining the paytable and looking for any sort of bonus that requires max coins to activate.
Straight Multiplayer
This member of the slot machine family allows the player to activate all winning combos by risking a single coin, and any additional coins serve to increase the winning multiplier. That means three coins would pay triple that of a single coin wager, four coins would be quadruple, etc. While some players insist that risking the maximum amount is the way to go, most experts recommend sticking with a single coin wager.
Bonus Multipliers
Just like the straight multiplier games, these machines activate all combinations with a single coin. Additional coins multiply any winnings, but there’s also a bonus payout (usually on the top jackpot) that can be activated only with maximum coins. Since this bonus amount is rarely going to come into play, most slots veterans suggest sticking with a single coin wager.
Progressives
Each time a player makes a wager on one of these slots, a small percentage goes towards increasing the top prize. The jackpots on these games start at a certain dollar amount, and they continue to climb until someone hits the required symbol combination. The game then resets to the base jackpot amount and begins to build again. This form of slot is best if you’re looking to become an instant millionaire, although most machines require you to play maximum coins in order to be eligible for the progressive.
Combination Slots
These slots combine two or more of the types listed above. This could be a multiplier and a buy-a-pay, or it might be a multi-line progressive with a hidden buy-a-pay. When it doubt, always examine the machine’s paytable for more details (or conduct some online research). Ultimately, most experts suggest risking just enough money to activate all possible payouts.
While most players think all slot machines are the same, there’s actually a great deal of diversity to be found. Some games require multiple coins in order to activate every payline, while others have massive jackpots that can only be won by playing maximum coins. No matter what version you’re searching for, a close look at the game’s paytable should provide the necessary details.
Types of Slot Machines Jackpots
Playing slots can be a lot of fun, but the ultimate objective is always to win some extra money. When a player is able to accomplish this goal, they’ll find that slots have two distinct ways of offering jackpots. Both of these are discussed below.
Flat Tops
Slots with a fixed jackpot are known as “flat tops.” These machines don’t offer jackpots worth millions of dollars, but the odds of hitting one are also better.
Progressives
If you want to become instantly wealthy, these are the jackpots to shoot for. Each time a player puts money into the machine, a percentage of their wager is used to increase the progressive. It continues to grow until someone wins it, at which point the prize resets to a predetermined amount. While these machines can change your life overnight, the frequency of top payouts is on a par with winning the lottery. Progressives can be divided into three distinct types.
- Standalone
- Linked
- Wide Area
This game is not connected to any other machines. When you put money into it, the only jackpot being increased is the one tied to that individual game.
Multiple machines are linked together. These games are usually located in the same establishment, although they’re sometimes spread across multiple casinos owned by the same company. Each time money is fed into a linked machine, the shared progressive jackpot increases. Once someone wins the top prize on one of the machines, the jackpot on all linked games drops to a starting level and begins to build again.
A large number of machines are linked across an entire jurisdiction or state. The payouts on these games are tremendous, and the most famous is Nevada’s Megabucks.
Slot machine jackpots are either set at a fixed amount or continue to increase until they’re been won. The former are known as “flat top” machines, while the latter are the famous progressive slots. Both types can offer significant payouts, although progressives are renowned for turning players into multi-millionaires with just a few spins of the reels.
Slots by Location
No matter where you play slot machines, they can be placed into two main categories regarding location. These are land-based and online.
Land Based
These are slot machines that can be physically interacted with by the player. Even if their reels are virtual, they still fall into this category if they’re located in a real-world casino. Games of this type can also be found in a variety of other locations, from airports and bars to hotel lobbies.
Online
A more recent invention, online slots provide the excitement of casino gambling without having to leave the privacy and comfort of your own home. The majority of these games are found on virtual casino websites, although a number can now be downloaded to mobile devices in the form of an app.
Player Position
When a player enters a land-based gaming establishment, he or she is likely to be confronted with an ocean of slot machines on the casino floor. These games fall into two major categories in regard to design; low level and upright.
- Low Level Slots
- Upright Slots
Also known as “slant top slots,” these machines are meant to be played by someone sitting down, which is why a chair is attached to the game (or provided by the casino).
Also referred to as “stand up slots,” these games are meant to be enjoyed by players standing on their own two feet. These tend to be played by young and middle-aged gamblers, as older patrons may experience difficulty standing for long periods of time.
Slots by Payout Rate
These terms are actually myths, but we wanted to include them to make this list as comprehensive as possible. A frightening number of players buy into the false idea that machines get hot and cold, although the presence of the random number generator renders this impossible. When a machine delivers a jackpot, it has the same mathematical chance of paying out another jackpot on the next spin, but the long odds are what prevents it from doing so (not some internal failsafe).
- Hot
- Cold
A machine that’s said to be “hot,” is one that’s paying out on a consistent basis. When a player believes this to be the case, you can expect them to sit at the machine for a long stretch of time.
A “cold” machine is one that isn’t paying out. While several players may come and go from a slot that’s supposedly going through a cold phase, there may be another player lurking in the background and waiting to jump onto the machine at the right time. Such behavior can be explained by the player expecting the game to suddenly reverse its trend and start paying at regular intervals.
When you patronize a casino, you’ll find all manner of slot machines. Some are designed to be played while standing, and others are only available via an Internet connection. If you’re a superstitious gambler who ignores facts and logic, you may also believe in machines that alternate between hot and cold streaks.
Slots By Payout Frequency
Each slot is programmed to pay out a certain percentage of everything that players put in. However, this amount only comes into play over millions of spins, which means that even a slot with a high payback percentage can take all your money during a session and give nothing in return. In regards to the payback percentage, slots are usually defined in one of three ways:
- Loose
- Medium
- Tight
A loose slot machine is one that’s programmed to deliver a payback of 95% or more. These machines are highly coveted by players, which is why casinos almost always keep the actual percentage a secret. If they didn’t, everyone would flock to these machines and ignore the rest of the available games.
A tight slot machine is the scourge of gamblers, as it takes their money without offering a consistent payout in return. All U.S. states have laws regarding the minimum payback percentage that a slot can be programmed with, and you can expect a tight machine to hover in this range. Examples of legal minimums include 75% in Nevada (McCarran International Airport, for example), 85% in Florida, and 83% in New Jersey.
A tight slot machine is the scourge of gamblers, as it takes their money without offering a consistent payout in return. All U.S. states have laws regarding the minimum payback percentage that a slot can be programmed with, and you can expect a tight machine to hover in this range. Examples of legal minimums include 75% in Nevada (McCarran International Airport, for example), 85% in Florida, and 83% in New Jersey.
While we’ve attempted to define the payout percentages for loose and tight slots, keep in mind that these numbers may differ from one location to another. The ultimate test of the looseness or tightness of a slot is how it compares to other machines. For example, a 90% game wouldn’t be considered loose when surrounded by 95% machines, but it would be when compared to a bank of 86% slots.
Classes of Slot Machine
Thanks to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in the United States, games of chance are broken up into three classes. Class I involves either low-level social gaming or traditional Native-American contests, while Class II and III include slots.
- Class II
- Class III
Games that fall into this class are usually associated with bingo. In states where slot machines are illegal, casinos have found a way to comply with the law while still attracting those who want to spin the reels. The resulting Class II slots look and play like the real thing, but there’s a major difference: traditional slots pit the player against the house, while this class of slot machine matches players against one another. Each slot has a bingo card inside, and all machines are hooked up to the same computer server. This means all machines being played at any given moment are competing against one another in a silent game of bingo, and the winning slot pays out its player.
This class includes most forms of casino-style gaming, such as roulette, blackjack, craps, and slot machines with a random number generator. Tribal casinos are allowed to offer Class III games, assuming the owners follow the necessary regulatory procedures and the games are legal within the state.
If you’ve played in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, then you’ve experienced the thrill of full-fledged slot machines categorized as Class III. In states where those slots are illegal, however, casinos have developed Class II games that emulate slots while essentially being nothing more than an electronic game of bingo. When you play a traditional slot machine, it’s also important to remember that games with a high payback percentage are considered “loose,” while “tight” machines are less likely to offer significant wins.
Slot Machines by Denomination
The original slot machine denomination was a nickel, as this was what it cost to play the 1891 gambling machine invented by Sittman and Pitt in Brooklyn, New York. Over 120 years later, slots have evolved far beyond what their inventors could imagine, offering a wide range of denominations for players of every economic level.
The most common and popular games are the penny slots, which means you can enjoy a spin of the reels while only risking a single cent. These games are perfect for those on a fixed budget, as well as those who want to play for long periods of time without risking a sizable chunk of their bankroll.
For those who are a little more ambitious, denominations of five cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents can be easily located. If you have even greater amounts of disposable income, you can graduate up to denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, and $25. For the true high rollers, casinos sometimes include $50, $100, and even the occasional $1,000 game in roped-off VIP areas.
Most modern slots accept multiple denominations. They also accept multiple coins or bills per payline, so a penny slot can be played for more than the base amount.
Types of Reels on Slots
Reels are a vital part of the slot machine experience. As soon as the spin button is pressed, the reels begin rotating at a high rate of speed. Once they stop, the player’s level of success or failure is revealed (although the true results of the game are determined internally). No matter where you play in the world, slot machine reels can be divided into two categories.
- Mechanical
- Virtual
Slots of this type include physical reels, and they arrange themselves in a horizontal line after the player presses the spin button or pulls the lever on the side of the machine. The reels have various symbols on them, and the configuration of these images determines whether or not the player receives a payout. Mechanical slots are almost a thing of the past, and you’re unlikely to find them in most modern casinos.
Instead of physical reels with symbols, this type of slot instead offers a virtual representation. All online slots fall into this category, as do the majority of games found in modern gaming establishments. Since the game isn’t as limited on the number of symbols, this allows more icons to be displayed and additional winning combinations to be offered.
Reels are a defining element of slot machines, and they come in mechanical and virtual versions. The latter has become the industry standard, and online gamers may have never experienced a mechanical reel in their lives. Slots also come in a wide range of denominations, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their current economic level. While slots with higher denominations offer larger jackpots, smaller denomination games are known for issuing more frequent payouts.
Whether mechanical or virtual, each slot has a number of reels displayed on the face of the machine. While we’ve come across some oddball games that offer six or seven reels, games with three and five reels make up the overwhelming majority of options found at any casino.
- Three-Reel Slots
- Five-Reel Slots
These tend to be more simplistic in design, and this layout was common in classic versions of the game from the 1940s through the 1980s. While no longer in the majority, these machines are still created in surprising numbers thanks to players who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience. Betting options are often limited, as well, making them a perfect option for anyone on a budget.
Virtual slot machines have allowed designers to add all manner of bells and whistles to their creations, and an increase in the number of reels is one of the more noticeable changes. The addition of two extra reels has made more paylines possible, increasing the level of customer excitement and allowing casinos to rake in more cash in the process. Some virtual slots even feature expanding reels, allowing the screen to lengthen and increase the number of lines.
Number of players on a machine
When slots are created, there are two ways to design player participation. These include the following.
- Standalone
- Community
This is easily the most common form of slot, with each individual customer playing on their own machine. This allows players to concentrate on the game, as well as enjoy a bit of privacy.
This new type of video slot has enjoyed a certain degree of popularity in recent years. Seats are situated close together near a large screen, with smaller screens available for the regular phases of the game. During certain bonus rounds, however, all players participate at the same time on the larger video display. Examples of this sort of game include Monopoly Big Event and Wheel of Fortune Super Spin.
Licensed vs Unlicensed Games
When a game is developed, its creators can go one of two directions in regard to creativity. These include:
- Licensed
- Unlicensed
The slot incorporates elements from a licensed property such as a TV show or film. In such cases, the developing company must pay a licensing fee to use names and likenesses.
The content of the game is original, not requiring any sort of licensing fee or agreement.
Most slots have three or five reels, although a minority may include a larger number. While the majority of slots are standalone games, community gaming is becoming more popular. When slots are being designed, the company may choose to create an all-new theme or pay a licensing fee to use material that’s been previously developed.
Methods of Slot Payments
When you manage to win on a slot machine, there are two distinct ways that you can receive payment. They are covered in this section and include the following:
- Coin Tray
- Hand Tray
Money within the machine is contained in a coin hopper and deposited onto the coin tray following a big win or the customer pressing the “cash out” button.
This type of payment occurs when the player receives money directly from a casino employee. This usually happens when the size of the win exceeds the amount that the machine is programmed to pay out, often around the point when tax paperwork has to be filled out.
Methods of Player Payments
As we all know, slot machines aren’t free. The player must pay for the chance to win additional funds, and this can be accomplished in one of the two following methods.
- Cash
- Ticket
In older versions of the game, the player inserted their money into a coin slot (which is where the name “slots” originated). In modern machines, customers have the option of inserting either coins or paper currency. Slots don’t currently accept credit or debit cards, although a handful of designers have been pushing for this over the last few years.
Thanks to the TITO (ticket in, ticket out) system, players receive a paper ticket with a barcode once they’ve won at a slot machine. The ticket can then be redeemed for cash at a teller window or automated kiosk, or the player has the option of inserting the ticket into another machine and playing with the credits that have already been accumulated.
Slots by Bonus Rounds
When you play a slot machine (progressive or otherwise), the top prize can sometimes be triggered instantly. In most cases, however, it’s only obtained after a bonus round becomes available to the player. Some machines guarantee a payout after a bonus round has been activated, while others only provide the opportunity.
These rounds are the result of specific symbol combinations, and even missing out on a major jackpot can still lead to free spins and credits. The following are the most common types of bonus rounds found within such games:
- Spin the Wheel
- Skill Based Game
- Pick and Match
- Pick to Win
- Free Spins
The player sets in motion a wheel that’s divided up into sections representing prizes such as winning multipliers or free credits. The prize is determined by where the wheel stops.
The player must utilize hand-eye coordination to succeed at the bonus round, much like a traditional video game. These are becoming more common, and some casinos offer entire games based around such a concept.
A number of items are hidden behind icons such as treasure chests, and the player must match two in order to win that prize. Some machines have symbols representing various jackpots, as well, so this type of round can be quite profitable.
Triggered at random or when a player lines up a certain number of symbols, this type of bonus requires players to select various icons on the screen. Each has a hidden item behind it, and uncovering one allows the player to win it. This might be as simple as free spins or instant credits, or it might be a multiplier that’s immediately applied to the base game.
This bonus is often triggered by getting a certain number of scatter symbols during the regular phase of the game. Once this happens, the spins play out using the same wager and paylines and the base game that triggered them. The major difference is that bonus spins often come with a multiplier, greatly increasing each payoff.
Bonus rounds are one of the reasons why modern slot machine games are so popular with players. In addition to the usual credits that can be won during the base game, bonus rounds present customers with the chance for multipliers, free spins, and even progressive jackpots. Some even offer skill-based games, which puts the fate of the player directly in their own hands.
Number of Paylines
Imagine the payline as an invisible line running across the reels. While these lines are often horizontal, they can also be vertical or even zag-zag. If a winning combination appears on a line that’s been activated by the player, then a cash reward is issued.
Old-fashioned machines only had a single payline, which made it easy for players to figure out whether or not they’d won. Modern slots are far more complicated, although the machine always displays winnings paylines for the convenience of the customer.
Since the 1990s, multi-payline machines have become increasingly popular. Three to five paylines are commonplace, but 15, 25, and even 243 are available. Most machines pay on winning combinations from left to right, although some machines now deviate from this tradition.
Players can activate a slot machine with cash or a barcode ticket. There are numerous types of paylines offered, from one all the way to 243. If the customer manages to win, they’ll ultimately receive their money directly from the machine or from the cashier’s window.
It’s the age of the internet and mobile devices, and gambling is bigger than
ever before.
Despite that, the ways to gamble haven’t really changed that much, although
the ways to access gambling games and services most definitely have.
If you’re new to gambling, this snapshot of all the different ways to do so
will serve as your guide through the jungle of gambling. Think of it as a sort
of summary, taking all the different threads of betting and gambling and weaving
them into one easy-to-understand tapestry which you can scan quickly to decide
what’s for you and what’s not.
If you see something you like, feel free to delve further into it by clicking
the associated buttons, where you’ll find more in-depth information on each way
to bet.
So, let’s get started with casino gambling. We’ll then look at sports
betting, poker, numbers games, and even the global stock and commodities
markets.
Casino Gambling
Playing casino games is without a doubt the most fun way to make and lose
money ever invented.
Whether shooting dice, spinning reels, or playing card games, casinos both
online and in the real world offer lots of ways to entertain yourself while
giving you a shot at walking away with money in your pocket, too.
The move online has revolutionized
casino gaming forever. It’s
now possible to play slots and other games from literally anywhere, whereas
before you would have had to make tracks to wherever the casino was.
Some of the key differences between playing at online casinos and land-based
ones are:
- Online casinos almost always
offer a much bigger selection of games. Some have literally thousands of
slots titles alone. - The minimum bets are usually
lower at online casinos. This is directly related to the lower cost of
operating. - Online casinos give almost
everyone a bonus and ongoing comps, whereas land-based casinos reserve those
perks for the high-rollers only. - It’s possible to jump around
from one online casino to another, claiming bonuses as you go, without
having to move from your sofa. - Despite these advantages,
many players do still prefer the land-based casino experience. It’s hard to
beat the tasty food, cold beer, and the “vibe” in a fun, well-run casino.
Types of Games
Different Types Of Gambling Games
Whether you decide to play online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, you’ll
need to know the differences between the various games. No two are exactly
alike.
This section will help you develop a better understanding of how each game
works. If you see something you like and want to learn more, each game has a
button linking to a much more detailed page on that game.
Slots
Slot machines are pretty much the same online as they are in the real world,
with the objective of creating lines of matching symbols to score cash prizes.
The range of online slots today is incredible, from classic 3-reel games with
one or two ways to win to flashy, movie-themed slots with hundreds of ways to
win and multiple bonus features such as “free spins rounds” and “picking games”
offering instant cash prizes.
Jackpots also vary greatly and can range from a few hundred clams to several
million.
If you fancy something which doesn’t require much thought or strategizing,
but which can still get your adrenaline pumping, slots are the way to go.
To learn more about slots, such as how to pick the games with the biggest
jackpots, click the button below.
Blackjack
There are only a few games in the casino which involve skill, and blackjack
is one of them. In fact, there are professionals who make a full-time living
playing blackjack online.
If you don’t know how to play already, you’ll be glad to know it’s incredibly
simple. You play against the dealer and will be dealt a number of cards, and
whoever gets closest to 21 without exceeding it will win the hand.
Of course, there’s a little more to it than that, such as what number value
each card is assigned in the quest to hit 21.
In all blackjack games, you’ll initially be dealt two cards, and can request
to either “hit,” which means to take another card, or “stand,” which means to
play with the two initial cards you’ve been dealt. Be careful if you choose a
“hit,” because exceeding 21 means you automatically “go bust,” or lose.
Learn more about the incredibly popular game of blackjack by clicking the
button below.
Roulette
Sometimes it’s nice to not have to think about your next move and to just
relax, have fun, and let Lady Luck do her thing.
Roulette is the ideal game if you like the sound of that. The objective of
this game is to throw a ball onto a spinning wheel and bet on which number,
color, row, column, or square it will land in.
If that sounds complex, don’t worry; it’s extremely easy once you start
playing. To begin, you can just bet on red or black and learn from there.
Most roulette players agree that there are few feelings more thrilling than
going on a run and watching your money double several times in a row. On a
streak of five wins, a $10 starting bet could be worth $320 in under a minute.
If you want to know more about this seriously fun game of pure chance, click
the roulette button below.
Craps
Gambling games featuring dice are about as old as civilization itself, and
the undisputed king of casino dice games is craps.
To put it as simply as possible, the objective is to place your bets on the
craps table, picking from a number of possible outcomes once the dice are
rolled.
For example, on the “come out roll,” you simply bet on either the shooter or
the casino to win. The shooter then rolls the dice and either wins or loses, and
that’s literally it.
Be aware that the craps table is enough to make most people’s heads spin when
first encountered, but this game is a lot simpler than it first seems. Don’t be
intimidated by the slight learning curve involved, because this is one of the
most rewarding casino games of all.
To learn more about how to play craps and the odds and intricacies of the
game, click the button below.
Video Poker
Video poker is one of the only games in the casino which, if the right
variant is played with perfect strategy, can return over 100% to players in the
long run.
Yes, you read that correctly. You can beat the house when playing these
simple 5-card poker machine games.
As with all poker games, the aim of video poker is to make the best possible
5-card hand, combining cards you start with and cards you trade for. As always,
the Royal Flush is the best possible combination and will pay most relative to
your initial bet.
Winning video poker depends on A) which variant you are playing, and B) your
video poker strategy. Get started learning about both by checking out the
in-depth video poker page below.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a simple card game which has been preferred by the rich,
aristocrats, kings, and people of importance throughout history. It’s known as a
favorite game of high-rollers. Yet today, anyone with any sort of bankroll can
play baccarat online.
It’s a remarkably simple game. You bet on either the player, the banker, or a
tie, and when the cards are dealt, whoever has nine (or the closest to it
without exceeding it) wins. Tens and face cards are worth zero, so if you got a
King and a five, your total would be five.
This is one of the few card games you don’t participate in but simply bet on
the outcome of.
There are a few little intricacies, such as the banker’s cut and baccarat
card values, that are worth knowing about before you start playing. Click the
button below to learn the rules, the odds, and how to play baccarat.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is probably the oldest form of gambling of them all. From
early cavemen betting on fights and horse races to ultra-modern stadiums packed
full of elite athletes, sports betting has evolved into a global mega-pastime.
These days, it’s possible to bet on just about anything sports-related. The
most popular sports to bet on are horse racing, soccer, American football,
basketball, baseball, cricket, and combat sports.
Sports betting has taken on a new lease of life in the mobile era, and it’s
now possible to bet on all sorts of propositions through “in-play” betting. For
example, when a soccer team gets a penalty kick, it’s possible to bet on the
outcome in real time.
Types of Wagers
There’s a little bit more to sports betting than simply throwing your money
down on an outcome. There are a few different types of bets you need to be aware
of. Let’s take a look at some of those now.
Moneyline
This is the simplest form of bet and the one you’re most likely already
familiar with.
All that needs to happen for you to win a moneyline bet is for the team or
athlete you pick to win.
For example, if Arsenal FC is playing Manchester United and you pick Arsenal,
who then wins 3-1, you win.
Pay attention to the odds of any moneyline bet you are thinking of placing.
Bets on the underdog will always pay more than bets on the favorite.
Continuing with our previous example, if Arsenal is 2/1 (+200.00) to win and
you bet $10 on it, you’ll win $20, whereas if they had been 4/1 (+400.00), you
would have won $40 from the same $10 bet.
Totals
Total bets are sometimes called over/under bets, and the concern here is what
the combined score/points will be at the end of the game or match.
For example, in the Manchester United vs. Arsenal example, a total bet could
look like this.
You’ll need to pick whether Arsenal is likely to score more than three goals
in the entire match. You can pick over or under, and bets will pay accordingly.
If they score exactly three, this is called a “push,” and the bet is refunded.
Total bets are notoriously hard to predict, but some betting wizards sift
through historical data and notice opportunities. It’s your call as to whether
or not you engage in this type of betting. It’s always optional.
Point Spread
When you first encounter point spread betting, it can seem a little
confusing, to say the least.
Yet once understood, this type of bet is both popular and highly lucrative.
Let’s say the Steelers are playing against the Cowboys in a football game.
The point spread might look something like this.
In this case, the Steelers are the favorites. Don’t worry about how realistic
this scenario is; it’s just an example!
Types Of Gambling Games In Vegas
So, if you bet on the Steelers to win, they’ll need to do so by a margin of
more than 6 points for the bet to come good. For example, they’ll have to win
40-33.
Likewise, if you back the Cowboys and they lose the game by less than 6
points, your bet will still pay. It will also pay if they win outright.
Point spread betting is a little more complicated than straight-up moneyline
bets, but this type of betting is incredibly popular because there are lots of
hidden opportunities for knowledgeable bettors.
For example, if you see a team marked as the clear underdog with a large
point spread and you definitely don’t agree, then that’s a good opportunity to
make some money. Bet that the game will be a lot closer than the bookies
indicate with their spread, and if you’re right, then count your cash.
Prop Bets and Specials
Live betting has changed the nature of sports betting forever, making it
possible to bet on an endless number of outcomes while the game or match is
still unfolding.
For example, going back to our Arsenal versus Manchester City example, let’s
say Arsenal is awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute. You can place a single
bet, unrelated to any other bets you’ve made, as to whether or not they’ll score
the penalty.
This definitely adds an extra element of excitement into sports betting.
Suddenly, a boring corner kick or standard tennis serve becomes a potentially
profitable betting opportunity for those ready to capitalize.
Specials bets are a different animal altogether and don’t even necessarily
revolve around sports betting. For example, you can bet on which city will have
the coldest weather this weekend, or whether or not a certain celebrity couple
will announce a pregnancy before the end of the year, or who will win a TV
talent show.
Poker
From fat cats in pinstripe suits smoking cigars while enjoying a game of
high-stakes Texas Hold’em to Joe Poker playing against players from around the
world in an online tournament, poker is more popular today than ever before.
This is one of the most exciting games of them all since it’s possible to win
based on pure psychology and/or skill, rather than having a winning hand.
Different Types of Poker
Despite its popularity, many people don’t understand at first that there are
different types of poker. Texas Hold’em is definitely the best-known, but it’s
not the only game in town.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular poker games and how they
work.
Hold’em
This is the mac daddy of all poker games, played by legions of fans all over
the globe.
The objective is simple enough – you need to make the best possible 5-card
hand, according to Texas Hold’em poker hand ranks, using the two cards you are
dealt and five community cards on the table.
The best possible Texas Hold’em hand is a Royal Flush, which would consist of
a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit, whereas the lowest is a high
card, which would be something like a King versus your opponent’s 10.
Playing Texas Hold’em is a lot of fun, and unlike many other gambling games,
it’s one where skill and psychology are involved. This is what allows
professional poker players to make a living playing it.
7 Card Stud
This is a stud variant of poker, and while not as popular as Texas Hold’em, 7
Card Stud is still played at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) events every year.
Each player is dealt 7 cards, three facing down, and four facing up. The aim
of all poker games is to make the best possible 5-card hand, so you’ll need to
decide what your chances of winning are by peeking at your down-facing cards as
they are dealt and assessing what hands you have or are likely to make when the
up-facing cards are factored in.
Unlike with Texas Hold’em, there are no community cards in 7 Card Stud. The
seven cards you are dealt are the cards you will play with.
While all players will be able to see your up-facing cards, only you can see
your down-facing cards, and vice versa. This is where the intrigue and
excitement lies and what allows for “bluffing” and other poker tricks.
Ultimately, the poker hand ranks are the same, with a Royal Flush being the
best possible outcome. If you have one of these, you’ll want to bet big.
Sound complicated? Play a few hands, and you’ll soon pick it up.
Omaha
Omaha has some similarities to Texas Hold’em, but there are some definite
differences, too.
In this game, there are five community cards and four “hole cards,” which are
your own individual cards no other players can see.
The objective is the same as other poker games – you need to make the best
possible 5-card hand. In Omaha poker rules, this has to be done using three
community cards and two hole cards. No other combination is accepted.
Having four hole cards, as opposed to the two in Hold’em, changes the game
quite dramatically and makes it possible to make big hands more often.
If you understand Hold’em, you’re 90% of the way there to understanding how
to play Omaha poker.
Lottery Games
You’ve probably played the national or state lottery at least a few times,
but thanks to online gambling, you don’t have to wait for the weekly draw
anymore.
It’s worth noting two things here. First, there are a few different types of
lotto games. Second, these almost always offer the worst odds in the house, with
only the luckiest players making any money.
Unlike some card games and sports betting, lottery games are down to pure and
simple chance. There’s nothing you can do to alter the outcome or improve your
odds.
Scratch-Offs
Different Types Of Gambling Games
It’s estimated that in the UK alone,
52% of people buy scratch cards, and the average player spends $416 annually
on them.
That’s a heck of a lot of money for such a small country, and when the view
on scratch cards is expanded globally, there’s a truly phenomenal amount of
money being spent on them.
The objective of scratch-offs is to find matching symbols – for example,
three of the same car symbol – after scratching off a layer of (usually silver)
film. Of course, when playing online scratch cards, this is done automatically
by clicking a button.
Scratch-offs are so popular specifically because they don’t require any
thought or strategizing. They’re just a fun game of pure chance, with prizes
ranging from a few bucks all the way through to hundreds of thousands.
State Lotteries
State and national lotteries are a well-known phenomenon, and those who win
them can instantly join the leagues of the mega-rich.
The idea is simple enough – you pick various numbers (usually five or six)
from among a pool of possible numbers. If your numbers come up, you win a share
of the available prize money. The more numbers you match, the more money you
win. If all your numbers come up, you win the jackpot.
The rules of each state lottery will vary slightly, with the UK lottery being
slightly different from the New York State lottery, for example.
Again, your odds of winning are low. Think one in millions, depending on the
game.
Keno
Keno is found at lots of online casinos, but it falls squarely into the lotto
games category because that’s exactly what it is.
There are multiple different variants of keno with a few unique twists such
as extra or special balls, but the objective of all of them is the same. You
make various number picks from 1-80, place your wager, and wait for the keno
hopper machine to make the draw.
The more numbers you match, the more money you win. The hopper machine will
make 20 picks in classic keno, and the top prizes are reserved for those who
match 15. It’s possible to get paid for matching just two, though.
Despite the poor odds, keno is a highly enjoyable game, and that’s why so
many people play it.
Bingo
The days of old ladies with blue rinses holding up bingo cards and collecting
on them are still well and truly alive, but these days it’s much more common to
find people from all walks of life playing online bingo.
There are a couple of different variants of bingo, with 80-ball and 90-ball
variants being the most common, depending on whether you’re in North America or
Europe.
Whichever type you choose to play, the objective of bingo games is to “mark
off” numbers on your bingo card as they are “called.” In the real world, this
will be done by a bingo host, whereas online it is done by a computer program in
most cases.
When you make a winning pattern, which could be a straight line across, a
diagonal line, or something else entirely (depending on the bingo variant), you
will win a cash prize.
Unlike in the real world, where you’ll need to stand up and call out
“BINGO!”, online versions will pay out cash prizes automatically.
It’s a game of pure chance, just like all lotto games, so don’t worry about
learning bingo strategy or anything like that. The objective of bingo is to have
fun, and that’s one thing that’s guaranteed.
Other Types of Gambling
We’ve already covered the most popular forms of gambling online above, but
there a few others you won’t necessarily find at an online casino or sportsbook.
These include the following.
Raffles
Most people have encountered a raffle at some point in their lives. Schools,
workplaces, and organizations of all kinds hold them to raise funds for good
causes or other purposes.
The point of raffles is simple – you buy a ticket for a fee, and if it’s
drawn from the “hat,” you win the associated prize. This could be a cash amount,
a car, tickets to a gig, or a teddy bear, depending on the type of raffle.
Raffles are a lot of fun, but they’re also a game of pure chance. You won’t
normally find them at online casinos as a game in and of themselves, but some
casinos have regular prize draws for cars and holidays, which are run exactly
the same way as raffles.
Flipping Coins
This is about as simple as gambling can get, and your odds are 50:50 – unless
a trick coin is being used, of course!
Betting on a coin toss is as simple as choosing heads or tails. If you win,
you double your money, whereas if you lose, you walk away with nothing.
We’ve encountered a few digital coin toss games at casinos online, but
they’re mostly played in the real world. Online casinos don’t tend to like games
where they don’t have an edge.
Stock Market
Warren Buffett might strongly disagree with our inclusion of the stock market
as a form of gambling, but even the Oracle of Omaha isn’t always right.
The fact is, stock trading, commodities trading, binary options, spread
betting, derivatives, and the countless other ways to play the stock market are
exactly that – gambling.
There are now countless online brokerages and platforms to play the financial
markets online, and some people have been seriously successful in making
tremendous amounts of money doing so.
However, as of yet, nobody has devised a perfect system for predicting the
stock market (not for a lack of trying, mind you). Until that day comes, there
will always be an element of chance with buying and selling stocks and shares,
trading commodities, and all of the other ways to bet money on the outcome of a
stock or asset.
Which Type of Gambling Is Best?
The best type of gambling for you really depends on what you’re looking for.
Fun
If fun is your main objective, then it’s difficult to go wrong with video
slots or roulette. These games require little thought, and the rush of going on
a winning streak is difficult to describe until it’s experienced first-hand.
Skill
If making money is your objective, it’s best to stick with a skill-based game
such as poker or blackjack. There’s no way to win any game every time, but these
are games you can improve at over time, and there are many professional players
who make a living playing these games.
Wealth
If you just want a shot at the big time, with no thought required, then
lottery games are your best bet. However, the odds of becoming a millionaire are
terrible. The odds of winning the UK lottery, for example, are approximately 1
in 14,000,000.
Action
If you’re a sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of a given sport, then
obviously sports betting is your best bet.
There are plenty of pro sports bettors (see
Billy Walters), and while nobody can predict the outcome of a sports event
perfectly, the more you know, the more success you will generally have.
Unlike casino games, where the odds are always tilted slightly in the favor
of the casino, no bookmaker can perfectly predict what will happen in the world
of sports, either, and so it’s definitely possible to win any given bet.
Problem Gambling
If you feel the fun has stopped and you’re now gambling because you need to,
rather than want to, you might be addicted to gambling.
Some signs of gambling addiction include:
- Gambling money you don’t have
or borrowing to gamble - Keeping your gambling
activities a secret from partners or loved ones - Strained relationships as a
result of gambling - Feelings of shame or
helplessness after gambling - Mood swings if you can’t
gamble - Financial problems as a
result of gambling
If you recognize any of those symptoms or are suffering in any other way as a
result of gambling, help is available. Click the button below to go to our
resources for overcoming problem gambling page.
Conclusion
As you can see, gambling is a part of human life, and we as a species have
invented a way to place a wager on the outcome of just about anything.
Just as with drinks, sports, travel, or anything else people do for fun,
there are different “strains” or “types” of gambling to suit different tastes
and types of players. Which one suits you best, only you can decide.
Remember that while it’s entirely possible to make money gambling, in most
cases the house will have an edge. This is especially true if you play casino
games, rather than play poker or bet on sports or the stock market. The main
reason to gamble is for fun, and not as a full-time money-making pursuit.
Whichever form of gambling you decide on, you’ll need a little luck to walk
away in the green. No matter what happens, though, you’re sure to have a lot of
fun along the way, and that’s why there are so many ways to gamble.
We wish you the best of luck and hope you bring down the house!