Real Money Online Games – Where To Find Them in 2022
Casino games are gambling games of luck, skill or both that punters can try on all devices for free or for real money, once they register on a licensed casino platform.
Casino Games Explained
As suggested by the name, the games found in land-based or online casinos are called casino games. To partake in them, you can either stake real money online, use cash or casino chips if you visit in person or play entirely for free, using demo credits (for example, if you join a social casino).
Back in the day, gamblers had a very limited offer on their hands – and, if you remember those times, you probably know – all you had to choose from were a few slot machines with fruits and sevens and a couple of roulette tables. Doesn’t sound all that exciting, right?
Well, today, things are very different – the average casino games list you can find online at most licensed operators includes thousands of titles with state-of-the-art mechanics, special effects and lots of cool bonus features!
Why Play Casino Games Online?
Whether you’re a beginner and want to try out some games of luck for the very first time or you’re ready to play online casino games with real money, there are many reasons why they’re worth taking for a spin, such as:
- They’re fun – perhaps not the most objective argument, but it still holds ground, especially in the modern age, wouldn’t you say so? Online casino games offer unparalleled entertainment, bright visuals, special symbols and exciting bonus rounds, such as free spins, which makes playing them an absolute blast for anyone!
- They’re thematically diverse – both online slots and live slots feature hundreds of themes, such as ancient civilizations (e.g. Book of Aztec), animals (e.g. Fluffy Favourites), lucky diamonds (e.g. Starburst) or sevens and bars (e.g. Couch Potato Slot).
- There are many types to choose from – the vast array of online casino games on offer today means you're more than likely to find something to your taste, whether that’s the newest 3D slots, a round of American Roulette or even arcade games, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the old days!
- You can win real money – as opposed to other types of online games where there are no prizes to be won, gambling games allow you to win real money and even make the process more entertaining for you via slots tournaments or weekly competitions.
- You can interact with other players – there is an undeniable social component to many casino games in general, especially if you join an interactive poker room or live dealer casino because you can talk to other players via live chat and the dealer, too.
- You can try them from anywhere – players can enjoy the greatest degree of flexibility in modern times, as casino games grow and evolve: nowadays, they are available anytime, anywhere, on all devices (desktop, tablet, smart-phone with Android/iOS).
- They are easy to find – thousands of casino games are available one Google search or click away, as the number of licensed operators on the market that distribute them is only expected to increase in the following years – you can find real money slot sites or poker rooms in seconds!
- They fit any budget and risk tolerance level – not all players are the same, wouldn’t you agree? We all have different budgets, betting styles and risk tolerance levels – luckily, there is a list of casino games that specifically caters to all of the above, such as high stakes slots or low volatility slots.
The Most Popular Types of Casino Games in 2021
If you’re new to the gambling scene, sorting through the many games on offer at an online casino can be a bit of a hassle.
But don’t worry, we’ve come to the rescue with a practical and in-depth casino games guide:
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Online Slots
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Most punters are familiar with the old mechanic slot machines found in bowling halls or gaming rooms that used coins, cash or vouchers.
Well, online slots are the digital equivalent of that – they produce games of chance for the players and the result of each spin is determined mathematically, using RNG technology (Random Number Generator), in accordance to the pattern of symbols on the reels.
The bottom line is that each software provider brings their unique twist in terms of structure, paylines or prizes, to these casino games – some of the most popular on the market right now are video slots, branded slots, Megaways slots, cascading reels slots, Cluster Pays slots and Bonus Buy slots.
Many online slots like to maintain a dose of realism, which is why they draw inspiration from real life games, movies and TV shows – e.g. Monopoly slots and Deal or No Deal. Some love to tackle cultural myths, such as the luck of the Irish – e.g. Rainbow Riches.
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Table Games
Depending on the definition you use, table games can either refer to any type of casino games which are played on a table (or similar surface) or a particular category of games of chance, which includes blackjack, craps, roulette and real money baccarat.
As opposed to slot machines which involve the use of a mechanical device, table games will typically use balls, counters or decks of cards to determine a winner. If you partake in table games, your goal will be to beat the casino.
The most popular types of table games out there are real money roulette and real money blackjack, both of which can be played in dozens of different variations, depending on the casino and provider (e.g. European Roulette, Single Deck Blackjack, VIP Blackjack etc.).
Other titles in this category include well-known card games such as Casino Hold’Em Texas Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Macau Baccarat, Casino War, Red Dog, Spanish 21 or Punto Banco Baccarat.
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Live Dealer Games
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Live dealer games are an important component of every modern online casino – players love to visit this section to enjoy HD live transmission, increased interaction and an authentic experience that resembles the atmosphere of a land-based casino.
Players no longer try to beat the casino or computer software – instead, live dealer games are played with a human dealer or a croupier that punters can interact with in real time.
The action is then streamed from luxurious studios located all around the world (Asia, Europe etc.).
The most well-known live dealer options that will surely make any respectable top 10 casino games list are live dealer roulette, live dealer blackjack, live dealer poker and live dealer baccarat.
Game shows and live slots are other immensely popular recent additions to this category, as they implement elements of online slots with a live twist and tons of jaw-dropping bonus rounds! They are also coordinated by a human host in real time – e.g. Dream Catcher, Crazy Time, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt Live.
Some great perks of playing live casino games in general is that you can enjoy localized experiences in terms of culture, language and studio setting. Some examples of games that manage to ace these aspects are Lightning Roulette, Greek Quantum Roulette, California Roulette or Teen Patti.
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Bingo
There is a reason why new bingo sites get launched every year – this game of chance is incredibly popular among women and in particular geographical areas, such as the UK.
The rules of the game are simple – players need to match the numbers on their paper cards with those called by the host, which are drawn at random.
If a player matches the right sequence of numbers on a row, they call out ”bingo” and get rewarded with a prize or jackpot.
There are many types of bingo games you can find online (e.g. 30 Ball Bingo, 90 Ball Bingo or 80 Ball Bingo).
The best online bingo sites such as 888 Ladies or Gala Bingo will typically feature all of these games and more.
Slingo, for example, is an interesting game variation which can also be found at a number of high quality bingo sites.
Slingo is a unique single and multiplayer game that contains elements of both online slots and bingo – e.g.: Slingo Rainbow Riches, Slingo Deluxe, Slingo Adventure.
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Lottery
Lottery is one of the oldest forms of gambling out there that involve the drawing of random numbers to determine a winner.
In many countries around the world, lottery is state-owned – for example, Powerball is the most famous American lottery game, organized in 45 states.
However, you can also find online lottery offered at reputable casinos like William Hill or Betvictor. These operators connect players with the biggest lotteries around the world in real time (e.g. Canadian, Australian, Irish etc.).
Keno and scratchcards are also frequently included in most modern casinos and state lotteries. These lottery-style gambling games award players with instant payouts if they either choose the right numbers or reveal a prize underneath the card surface after scratching with a metal object.
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Dice Games
As you probably suspected reading their name, dice games use one or more dice to determine outcomes and generate random numbers. Each of the six faces seen on a dice cube will feature a number of dots from 1 to 6.
Many contemporary gambling games use dice rolls as a central component – one of the most played ones is craps. The game of craps uses two dice thrown simultaneously and players must place wagers on the total value of the two dice.
Other dice games you can typically encounter at most online casinos are Pai Gow and Sic Bo.
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Crypto Games
Crypto games can be seen as regular casino games, for the most part – the only notable difference is that players can deposit and withdraw their winnings in various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash or Cardano.
These games can be found at regular online casinos that also accept FIAT deposits like Fortune Jack or Bitstarz, but also on decentralized platforms that use blockchain technology and provably fair algorithms (e.g. Crypto.Games or Blockchain.Poker).
You can find a large variety of crypto games on these platforms, many of which have very low house edge of only 1-2% on average – dice, roulette, blackjack, video poker, plinko, lottery or minesweeper.
Themes for Online Casino Games
The reason why so many of us love spinning slot reels is because they take us to another world, thanks to new developments in technology that add so much wonder to the graphics and sound effects.
Just like choosing a movie, you’ve now got a ton of themes to play so that there’s always something new to try out.
Some of the most popular slots to play are branded slots which usually include themes incorporating famous TV shows, movies or even our favourite musicians – things that we know and love already.
You can expect a new branded slot game to take the reins every time something big takes over pop culture, for example a new TV slot centered around Game of Thrones.
Quirky, cute, fluffy, and sometimes, just downright weird, animals always seem to make it as the next viral internet sensation.
It’s no wonder, then, that you’ll find plenty of animal slots to play at online casinos too – you may even find a game for your favourite species!
If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky slot to play, then you’re bound to find something fun when browsing for animal slots.
Whisk yourself away to another land and enjoy the tranquillity of botanical gardens with Asian slots. It’s no surprise that Asian-themed slots make our list, as there are so many traditions representing good fortune; you’ll also come across your fair share of oriental dragons.
You’ll also find manga slots available to play if that’s more your thing, representing the iconic and popular Japanese comics.
Adventure slots encompass a range of different themes into one, meaning that you’ll certainly find something exhilarating to play.
When it comes to adventure slots, there’s always a story to tell, and that usually involves seeking out something precious.
This theme spans many different genres, including Aztec-themed slots and mythology slots. You’ll find all sorts of exciting games to play, including the Age of Gods series and Gonzo’s Quest.
We’ve come a long way since Spaghetti Westerns landed on our screens, but this genre will remain beloved by many.
Wild West slots are popular for a reason, and that’s because they’re full of thrills!
By far, the most famous Wild West slot has to be NetEnt’s Dead or Alive – it was so successful that they’ve even released a sequel.
What’s more exciting than travelling through the seas to discover secret treasures? You’ll certainly get your fair share of excitement when playing these incredible slot games.
You never know – spinning the reels of a pirate-themed slot may just lead you to winning a prize! You’ll soon be singing ‘Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me’ once you’ve successfully claimed your prizes.
You might have noticed yourself that most of these slots love depictions of treasure, gold, gems, jewels and all the riches you can think of.
There certainly won’t be any shortage of gold when playing Egyptian-themed slots – they’ll be filled to the brim with treasure!
Let’s not forget that the most famous online slot game in the world, Play’n GO’s Book of Dead, encompasses the grandiose Egyptian theme.
We’re not talking about sports betting here, but actual sports-themed slot games, of which there are plenty.
You’ll definitely spot a rise in demand in sports slots when there’s a new international championship, as game developers will have got something ready to commemorate the special event.
We’ve all heard of the luck of the Irish, so it’s no wonder that Irish slots tend to be very popular at casinos.
You’re bound to spot a giddy Leprechaun at your side, and you might even win yourself that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
While some of these Irish slots remain very minimalistic in nature, it doesn’t mean they’re not packed full of fun.
Fruit machines are instantly recognisable – they’re the whole reason why slots rose in popularity, after all, you’ll spot all the identifiable symbols, including cherries, bars, sevens and diamonds!
This theme may not seem too exciting for some, but online fruit machines can come with a whole host of fantastic bonus features and high RTP rates.
You know what they say, sometimes it’s the simple things in life that bring us joy.
It’s beginning to look a lot like the perfect time to play seasonal slots!
Whether you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, hoping Cupid will shoot his arrows your way or you’re excited to find all the Easter eggs delivered by the Easter Bunny, seasonal slots are a great way to celebrate events.
You’ll find anything from popular Christmas slots, to even moustache-themed slots to celebrate Movember.
How To Win At Casino Games
Winning at casino games will largely depend on a few things – your level of experience, your strategy and the type of game you play.
Casino games can be split into two broad categories – games of luck or chance and games of skill. What it’s important to remember is that all casino games involve some degree of luck, however, it’s the proportion that separates the two.
For example, online slots are considered the most straightforward example of a game of luck, since the odds are entirely random and decided mathematically. They also have a fixed RTP score that the player can’t alter. However, games like poker are widely regarded as skill-based, although they also contain a small element of chance.
We’ve outlined the main differences for you in our table below so you can best choose what fits you and increase your chances to win:
| Games of Luck | Games of Skill |
| Don’t require any special knowledge | Require the expertise of the player |
| Odds are fixed and determined mathematically | The player can influence the odds with the right strategy |
| Usually played against the house | Usually played against other players |
| Examples: online slots/roulette | Examples: online poker/chess/backgammon |
If you’re looking for more advanced tips & tricks to take your casino strategy to the next level, we invite you to take a look over our dedicated pages for each game – baccarat strategy, online slots strategy, roulette strategy and online blackjack strategy.
These terms may sound complicated at first glance, but don’t worry, they are fairly easy to understand in practice and can help you boost your chances of success at most casino games:
- RTP = Stands for ”Return to Player” and it refers to the percentage of the wagers that return to the player on a specific game. The RTP score is calculated with a simple mathematical formula: the amount returned to the players divided by the total amount wagered
- House Edge = The house edge refers to the percentage of the player’s bet which returns to the casino (or, in simpler terms, the casino’s profit)
- Hit Frequency = Refers to how often a casino game will trigger a winning combination. For example, online slots with a 25% hit rate will provide a payout on roughly ¼ of the total spins
- Volatility = this term describes how often or how rare players can win big or small prizes on casino games (e.g. low volatility = frequent prizes of low value, high volatility = big prizes triggered with a low frequency)
Most Rewarding Casino Games
As a general rule of thumb, the most rewarding casino games will either feature a low house edge, an above average RTP score, a high prize pool or other in-game features that increase the player’s chance for a payout (e.g. wild and scatter symbols, free games, cascading reels, linked reels etc.).
Progressive jackpot slots are believed to be the holy grail of rewarding casino games, as their prize pools often hit the 6-figure range.
NetEnt and Microgaming are known providers specializing in jackpot slots – their creations tackle lots of popular themes, such as mythology or riches (e.g. Mega Moolah or Mega Fortune).
How To Choose a Casino With The Best Games
So, you’ve decided the world is your oyster and you’re ready to try your hand at the best gambling games you can find in 2021.
The only pressing question that remains is – which casino should you go for?
Here are some tips that can make your choice easier:
- Look at the numbers – any online casino worth a second visit will feature at least a couple hundreds, if not thousands of casino games from all categories (video slots, poker, live dealer roulette etc.). There is strength in numbers so, in this case, more can be better!
- Check the new games section – ideally, this section should be updated fairly frequently, so you know the operator in question cares about keeping its players up to date with the newest launches in the industry.
- Read the fine print – the best casinos will always display key stats for their games transparently such as RTP or volatility. Steer clear of those who don’t!
- Make sure you get plenty of bonuses and promotions – they can help improve your game experience, recoup any losses and balance your budget better (e.g. sign-up offers, free spins, cash-back).
- Check licensing and security – never play on an online casino that doesn’t have a valid license from a prestigious authority such as MGA or UKGC
- Identify the best operator for a particular game – some casinos make bingo a central part of their offer (e.g. Ladbrokes Bingo, William Hill Bingo) whilst others are more suited if what you’re after is Vegas-style slots (e.g. Paddy Power Games).
Casino Games For Free vs. For Real Money
In the past, it was harder to participate in gambling since the only way you could spin at a slot machine was if you had cash or coins.
Luckily, today, the doors of online casinos are open to all virtual customers and you can play your favourite games for free, as well, without needing to deposit any money.
And, if you’re looking to learn the key differences between free-play and real money play at online casinos, we’ve got you covered:
| Casino Games For Free | Casino Games For Real Money |
| No minimum deposit is required | A minimum deposit is required |
| Can be tried with or without registration | Registration/KYC is mandatory |
| Virtual credits are used | Real money bets/wagers are used |
| You can only acquire ”paper” wins | You can win real money |
| Can be tried on all devices | Can be tried on all devices |
| Ideal for beginners | Ideal for intermediary players and veterans |
Best Casino Games Software Providers
The list of software suppliers for the iGaming industry constantly gets updated as new up-and-coming studios and developers join the market.
With that said, there are some award-winning providers with a global footprint, which are widely regarded as impactful and innovative, such as:
- EGT – EGT is one of the oldest providers of slot machines, online slots and gaming solutions, known mainly for its vintage online slots with fruits, sevens and bars, such as Burning Hot or Bulky Fruits
- NetEnt – NetEnt is a Swedish supplier of premium gaming solutions and the mastermind behind some of the most spectacular jackpot slots such as Cosmic Fortune or Arabian Nights
- NOVOMATIC – NOVOMATIC is a top producer and operator of gaming technologies, famous for its great selection of classic, Vegas-style online slots like Book of Ra, Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe or 100 Roaring Sevens
Summary
The online casino games list is constantly expanding, as licensed operators and game studios join forces to provide you with high quality entertainment.
New slot sites and games constantly pop up so you’re always connected with the latest innovations.
Whether you prefer the thrill of that Wheel of Fortune spin or you’re a master card player who conquers every poker room, there’s always something exciting in store for you!
FAQs
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To play casino games, you typically have two options – play anonymously for free on social gaming platforms that are open to anyone, without registration, or sign-up to a licensed online casino. For your safety and to enjoy more variety, we recommend the second option.
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You have higher chances to beat skill-based casino games such as poker, blackjack, chess or backgammon, than games of luck such as roulette or online slots. RTP scores and house edge will also influence your odds significantly.
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Simply sign-up to an online casino using a desktop device, a smart-phone or a tablet and verify your account. Then, you’ll have access to thousands of casino games from the comfort of your home.
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There are many tutorials and guides you can find online, all you need to do is search for the game you want to learn and specify your level of experience (beginner, intermediary etc.). Some online casinos such as Unibet or 888 also have dedicated guides for players you can access.
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Online slots are the most popular casino games worldwide, followed by table games, card games and live casino.
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Technically, that is not possible – because you play with demo credits, your wins will also be in demo credits and can’t be withdrawn. However, if you unlock a no deposit bonus from the casino, it is possible to play entirely for free and withdraw real money, once you meet the wagering requirements.
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Not necessarily. There are ways to play casino games without registration as well if you go for social casinos or free gaming platforms such as Slotomania.com, Slotozilla.com or Freeslots.com.
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Progressive jackpot slots are seen as the highest paying casino games out there because of their million dollar prizes. Many of them are so rewarding they’ve even received Guinness World Records (e.g. Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune, respectively).
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As long as online gambling is not illegal in your country and you play on an online casino with a valid license from MGA or UKGC, then you have no reasons to worry.
