Are you a seasoned gambler looking to take your first step into an online casino? Are you missing your weekly poker night with your friends during lockdown and wondering how you can keep your skills sharp while we wait for everything to reopen? Are you looking for ways to fill the time during the long winter evenings? Playing games online is a great way to pass the time and maybe make a little money while you’re doing so, and a little careful research will help to make sure that you’re doing so in a safe, secure environment. But when you’ve done all the background checks, figured out your budget and the amount of time you want to spend, the big question is: what are you going to play?
Many online casinos offer an incredible range of games, from the vintage classics to sport betting to a ludicrous number of online slots and for a first time, the choice can be a little overwhelming. Every site wants to provide as many different options as possible to keep you interested and coming back for more, but deciding what your game is going to be is a vital step to take to ensure you make the most out of your time, make the most money back and have the most fun. Here are a few options.
Poker
That’s right, the classic! Online poker has been around since the first casino went online and there’s a reason why gamblers all over the world keep coming back to it. If you’re a confident card sharp, the transition to playing poker online is pretty seamless and the ability to challenge others means that the thrill and the skill of the game is still present and correct. With so many tables to choose from, you can pick a stake that suits you and you can check-in and out at any time. There are also online poker schools for beginners if you want to get more confident before you log on to a high stakes table and free tables for you to brush up on your skills before you put money down.
Roulette
A favourite for those who favour chance over trying to stare deep into their opponent’s soul, roulette is a classic casino game and it’s just as enjoyable and addictive online. It also comes without the added pressure of a group of nosey voyeurs standing over your shoulder as soon as you start to get a winning streak going. As simple as roulette is, you’ll find that there are a lot of different roulette games with a lot of different variations, from graphics to pay-outs, so make sure you do your research before you put any money down. Rules will change from game to game and from casino to casino, so to avoid any disappointment make sure you know what you’re getting into. And, if you don’t trust the random number generator dealers, you can always find a roulette game with a live dealer. One thing to note: online roulette is arguably even more addictive than the real thing so make sure you set yourself some limits.
Slots
Slot games are a huge part of what makes online gambling so much fun. You’ll be truly staggered by the sheer number on offer, with almost every variation that you can think of. Whether you want a game that essentially recreates the vintage feel of pulling the arm and watching those wheels spin, or if you want a world of bonus levels, eye-popping graphics and rousing music, there is guaranteed to be something for absolutely everyone. Again, as with roulette, research is key to making sure that you find the slot site that works for you. This list of the best slot sites is an excellent place to start and will help you whittle down the many, many options available. One of the things that make slots a great place to start for beginners is that you can experiment with low stakes, finding the game that’s right for you, and the variety will mean that you never get bored.
Blackjack
Another old favourite! Blackjack, or 21 as it’s sometimes known, has been a gambling staple for centuries and was played in American saloons back in the early 1800s. It’s also one of the most popular games to play in online casinos so you won’t have a hard time finding a game that suits you. However, as with roulette, it’s important to note that the rules may vary depending on where you’re playing, and the playing styles you’ve used since you were a kid may not be as helpful as they think they will be. Be sure to read the rules and fine print carefully each time you log into a new game. You can also choose to play real-time games with a live dealer to add to the fun! Just remember: if you’re thinking of counting cards, you’re going to have a hard time: the technology is very much stacked against you.
Baccarat
While it’s perhaps not as popular as poker or blackjack, Baccarat is another classic casino staple that has moved online without much difficulty. There’s a lot of debate about when the first game of Baccarat was first played, but variations on its key theme of comparing hands have been around for centuries. As with the other card games on offer, you will have the choice of playing against a live croupier and a random number generator opponent, and there are normally two dealers to add a little tension. You’ll be seated around a virtual table with the other players, and there will be a variety of different tables on offer so you can find a stake that you’re comfortable with. Will the player win? The dealer? Or will it be a tie? Be sure to check the odds of the game before you start, and remember: online baccarat is addictive stuff so be sure to set yourself a time and money limit and step away when you need to. There are apps and support available if you need help.
