One of the great things about today’s online casinos is the variety of gaming options at your disposal. From old-fashioned, classic slots to ultra-modern live dealer tables, there are almost no restrictions. You can play whatever you like whenever you feel like playing.
And, while this kind of variety is a good thing in general, it can also be confusing. This is especially true for less experienced players. With so many different options, what should you go for? Are you better off playing slots or live roulette?
While there is not a straightforward answer to this question, this guide should shed some light on the topic. If you’re wondering what you can expect from some of the most popular online casino games, keep on reading.
Video Slots: Entertaining & Volatile
Video slots of all shapes and sizes still remain the number one choice of a majority of casino players around the world. They’re fun, they’re simple to play, and require no particular knowledge. You set your stakes, press the spin button, and off you go.
In that sense, slots are an excellent choice for new casino players. You’ll have exactly same chances of winning on a slot as someone who’s been gambling for decades. These machines are completely random and there are no effective strategies to change anything about it.
Another good side of slots is that you can win big on them in relation to your stake. This is especially true for modern games that feature a possibility of winning 5,000 or even 10,000 your stake.
On the flip side, slots are quite volatile as you can go through many spins without a significant win. In terms of the statistical return to player (RTP), they are usually set to pay back anywhere from 95% to 97%, which means the house edge is three to five percent.
Roulette: Decent RTP but Heavy on the Bankroll
Of all table games you can find in an online casino, roulette is easily the most popular. Whether you play the electronic or live version, it’s essentially the same game. What type you prefer is more a matter of personal taste.
If we’re talking European Roulette (with the single zero), the house edge is fixed and it stands at 2.70%. This means that RTP-wise, roulette is a better option than almost any slot, save for a few exceptions.
On the flip side, you can’t expect huge wins relative to your stake from any individual spin. The biggest payout on roulette is 35 to 1 if you bet on a number and the ball lands in that number on the next spin.
If you want to play the live version, you’ll also need somewhat bigger bankroll. While you can have quite a bit of fun playing slots with say $50, the same amount won’t last long on a live roulette table. Usually, the minimum bet is $1 and while you could make it last you a while betting $1 on red or black each spin, the excitement is just not there.
Blackjack: Your Actions Matter
Blackjack is one of very few casino games where your play can have a significant impact on your results. While you still can’t beat the house no matter what, if you play perfectly, the house edge will be just around 0.5%. It doesn’t really get much better than that.
On the flip side, if you don’t know what you’re doing and are trying to wing it and play by your feelings, the casino edge can easily go into double digits.
You should definitely steer clear from blackjack tables until you’ve read about the perfect strategy for the game. Once you learn it (which isn’t that hard at all), you can give it a go. Blackjack can be a lot of fun but, like roulette, don’t expect huge wins in a single hand. You’ll need to catch a lucky streak to significantly improve your bankroll.
Scratch Cards: They’re Mini-slots, Really
There are quite a few online casinos that also offer scratch cards to their players. These games are quite similar to slots and many of them are actually themed after popular slots. They require no knowledge or strategy – you just need to get lucky.
The RTP of online scratch cards is also similar to that of video slots. You can win big compared to your stakes but you can also go on long runs without any significant wins. If you enjoy fast-paced action and instant wins, though, these might be your cup of tea.
So, What Casino Game Is the Best?
The only correct answer to this question is – it depends. At the end of the day, online gambling should be seen as entertainment, so you should play whatever you enjoy the most.
This article provides you with some numbers and insights. Clearly, blackjack is the best game if you want your bankroll to last longer. On the other hand, slots and scratch cards can sometimes produce huge wins that just aren’t possible with other casino games.
Stick to what you like and play with the money you can afford to lose. As long as you follow those two rules, you’ll be fine. There is no magic formula to beating a casino but what really counts is how much fun you have trying!