The fierce competition and popularity of online casinos have resulted in the establishment of several iGaming studios. Most companies make slots for online casinos, while fewer create virtual table and card games. A handful of studios stream live dealer games and game shows, while more and more developers create instant win games, arcades, and provably fair titles.
The above development has brought numerous gaming options into your hands, even more than what the largest casinos in Vegas deliver. Although this is a positive aspect of modern online gambling sites, how are you supposed to select a couple of games to play from thousands of titles?
There is no straightforward answer to this, and Bonus1 provides a broad range of tips and recommendations based on different gamer types. Let’s get to it.
Game types featured at online casinos
90% of online casinos’ lobbies comprise slot machines. A wide range of themes, game mechanics, payline systems, jackpots, and other parameters are classified under the same umbrella term.
Virtual table games, where you play against the house in a single-player format, are the second most prominent online casino game category. All sorts of gaming types fall under this, including:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Poker
- Baccarat
- War
- Craps
- Hi-Lo
- Dragon Tiger
- Sic Bo
Like with slots, variations of each table game bring additional betting options, alternative payouts, and the like. Live casino lobbies are also prominent at gambling sites. Such games are streamed from real studios and cover similar gaming categories to the virtual tables. Game shows inspired from TV are usually featured under live casinos, too. Some examples of live dealer games are Lightning Roulette, VIP Baccarat, No Commission Baccarat, Monopoly Live, Adventures in Wonderland, and Coinflip.
Less popular gaming options you still encounter at most online casinos include bingo, keno, scratchcards, fish games, betting with streamers, and slingo. All games I covered so far, except for live dealers, operate using random number generator software which determines the outcomes.
A new gaming niche has been emerging lately that moves away from this system and embraces provably fair technology. Some of the ‘Original’ titles you will find at online casinos include Plinko, Limbo, Mines, Aviator, Rocket, Crash, and Chicken Run.
On average, good online casinos feature over 1,500 games covering most of the above options.
What games to play based on your expectations and experience
Rookies and gamers looking for big wins usually gravitate towards online slots. This gaming category encompasses a broad range of titles that match different playstyles.
- Classic slot machines – excellent for players with little prior experience who can spare at least $100.
- Video slots – ideal for users who understand basic slot mechanics and look for simple games with free spins bonuses. These games can be usually played from $0.1 a pop and pay up to 1,000x your bet or more.
- Slots with unique game mechanics – the vast majority of new online slots do away with paylines, include more reels and incorporate multiple special features in their gameplay. They are risky but can pay over 10,000x your wager, which is significant even when staking the smallest amount per spin.
- Jackpot slots – the majority of progressive jackpot slots are based on simple slot game mechanics and provide extremely high pots to the few lucky players that manage to win the grand prize. They usually pay less over small sessions, for the chance of landing that big win.
- Bonus buy slots – paying a hefty fee to instantly enter the slots bonus round is a new feature many games share. Players who like to take risks and cannot waste time spinning for base game wins should check those at casinos.
Gamers with experience in table and card games who are searching for luck-based gameplay with near 50/50 odds should play blackjack, dice, baccarat, Dragon Tiger, or specific bets on roulette. These gaming practices are great if you are looking to double a hefty wager or play a prolonged session with less than $5 on the line per round.
Skill-based games rarely promise hefty wins but are extremely fun and can help you turn a profit at the casino. Online poker, bingo, slingo, blackjack, and fish games are considered to be the only not purely luck-based games at casinos.
You should also keep in mind that unless you are playing card and table games with a good understanding of basic strategy, they are not different to slots. Side bets and extra features might promise big wins, but they do that by offering lower average returns.
The above recommendations are made on the premise that you have at least some understanding of the casino game category you are going for!
Companies behind online casino games matter
It’s not hard to find online casinos with over 150 gaming studios in their lobbies. The range of developers has surged recently, but this doesn’t mean that all gaming vendors or titles are worth your time. Our experts rank casinos with regulated gaming studios higher, actively searching for names like Playtech, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Pragmatic Play in their lobbies.
As a gamer, you should also carefully read the paytable and rules of the variant you are playing. A blackjack game powered by NetEnt might differ from the same game developed by Playson in more ways than the interface and graphics. The house edge, payouts for blackjack, side bets, and dealer rules are a few of the aspects you should verify before putting your money forward.
The same advice applies to all casino games you are playing. Following it will help you create a strategy and know what to aim for and expect during your session.
Assessing online casinos’ gaming lobbies
Players who stick to the same old games don’t need to read this section. Simply search for the titles that interest you at the casino using the search box, and if they are apparent, shoot!
On the other hand, gamers who like to switch genres or enjoy exploring new titles regularly should assess casino lobbies using the same varied criteria we do during our reviews:
- Number of games – over 1,000 is a positive sign.
- Game categories – jackpots, live dealers, and provably fair titles are some less mainstream yet good options to have aside from slots.
- Game developers – big hitters like NetEnt, BTG, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming are present at most casinos; up-and-coming studios like Hacksaw, BGaming, Play’n GO, 3 Oaks, Push Gaming, and Backseat Gaming are other names to check for.
- New games – most casinos have such a section, but it doesn’t always incorporate the latest releases by the featured studios. Make sure that the latest game releases are there if you are interested in such categories.
- Filtering options – online casinos should carefully create their lobbies and filters to provide all player types with a smooth experience. Look for filters beyond slots, new, and live casino; high RTP, Megaways, themes, bonus buy, and collections are great signifiers to spot alternative options at casinos.
Practicing vs playing real money games
Bonus1 and online casinos let you try their games for free if you want to. The option is typically branded as Demo Play, and you should employ it if you want to familiarize yourself with how everything works before using up your balance.
I am a sucker for a good-looking slot machine and often play over 50 spins to enter the bonus game, to only later realize that it wasn’t worth reaching in the first place. Don’t be like me and demo games before playing for real money.
This move can even help you develop bankroll strategies or betting systems that help you play for longer or with better outcomes.
Casino games with good odds
The payouts of casino games depend on the bets you are placing. Side bets, bonus buys, and game variations provide alternative payout rates and values. Having said that, the average payouts by gaming category and implementation of basic strategy are listed below.
- Slots – 96%
- Progressives – 94%
- Video Poker – 99%
- Blackjack – 99%
- Roulette – 97.5%
- Baccarat – 98%
- Craps – 98.5%
- Bingo – 85%
- Scratchcards – 93%
- Slingo – 96%
- Fish games – 96%
- Provably fair games – 99%
The house always wins in the long run. However, the above shouldn’t make you think that you cannot win at online casinos. You should just know when to stop and make frequent use of bonuses. Ultimately, you should stick with the gaming genre that you enjoy the most!
Conclusion
Online casinos host over 1000 games, often covering 10+ categories. The gaming options also vary based on who powers them. The odds are straightforward – table games provide superior long-term payouts than slots, yet the latter don’t require any skill and can pay thousand times your bet over.
My recommendation is playing as many games as you like for free, and only engage in real money casino gaming with a clear understanding of the rules and odds. Practice bankroll management and basic strategy where needed, and you should have a great time no matter what game you decide to play at the casino.