The difference between three popular casino games
What games do you immediately think of when you hear the word casino? There are a few classic casino games that most commonly crop up when people think about that question.
Today we’re going to examine three of those popular casino games and what sets them apart from each other. All three of these are available to play in both land-based and online casino platforms, which is part of what has helped them stay so popular among players for all this time.
Blackjack
First up, Blackjack remains the dominant card game in many casinos. With its combination of simple gameplay mechanics and player decision-making, it’s no surprise why Blackjack has been a staple of casino tables for so long.
The basic premise of Blackjack is simple, with players aiming to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer. But if their hand value ever exceeds 21, they go bust and are out of the game.
Each card has an assigned value, with numbered cards worth their face value and face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) all worth 10 a piece. The only cards that are the exception to this rule are the Aces, which can be worth either one or 11, depending on which is better for the overall hand.
In terms of player agency, Blackjack is a game with more decision-making than many other popular casino games. Players must decide on actions during their turn, whether to take additional cards with the aim of improving their hand value and whether they want to leave their hand as it stands.
Roulette
Out of the various table games offered by casinos, Roulette is perhaps the most unique. Rather than using playing cards or dice, play revolves around the iconic Roulette wheel.
The specific design of the Roulette wheel can vary depending on which format of Roulette is being played, with the American Roulette wheel having an extra pocket (the double zero). But the basic gameplay remains the same across various formats, as the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball around its rim in the other.
At the start of a game players decide on their wager, betting on which of the wheel’s pockets the ball will ultimately stop in. As well as specific, individual numbers players may also stake their wager on wider groups of numbers or properties such as whether the number is high/low, odd/even or red/black.
Beyond the initial wagering, there is little player input during a game of Roulette as players simply wait to see the result of the spin.
Slots
Slot machines rose through the ranks of casino games over the course of the 20th century, emerging as one of the most popular gaming options among players. These are very different compared to the classic table games, with play centred on the spinning of reels.
While the core gameplay of slot games is simple, developers have created many variations and new varieties over the years. These days, players can find a wide array of slot options, with unique theming and mechanics.
As you can see, the range of popular games you can find on offer at casinos is quite broad. And we’ve only covered three games here – between options like Poker, Baccarat and Craps, there is even more variety to explore among casino games.
