Casino Games: The Ultimate Guide to Online Gaming.
Playing online is one of the best choices a gambler can make when seeking both value and game variance. Not only do online casinos offer the best bonuses, deals, and gaming from any location, but you’ll also find more choice with thousands of titles to pick from and play- instantly. Gambling has never been more diverse or thrilling; whether it’s spinning the reels of a Slot or going for gold in a hand of Blackjack- there’s something for everyone when playing online.
Not sure where to start, which games offer the best odds or how to play? Then keep reading our casino games guide for Indian players. From the highest paying titles to understanding odds; we’ve got it all covered and will even tell you the best online casinos in India!
Modern casino gaming is in its golden age; with a plethora of games, innovation, and exciting concepts that push the boundaries of gambling further than ever before. In this section, we’ll be exploring the most popular types of online Indian casino games, the best techniques for playing them, and the basic rules. Whilst we can’t offer sure-win tactics, our top playing tips will certainly improve the way you play, and help you understand key terms like the house edge and how to use odds to improve your advantage.
Slots Machines: The Game that Everybody Loves
Slot Machines are the world’s favourite casino game, dazzling players with thrilling gameplay and abig prizes since the late 1800s. Whilst land-based Slots are restricted in possibilities and paylines (due to physical considerations), Online Slots offer immersive, imaginative and exciting gaming options with almost limitless opportunities.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
Online Slots are run via computer software and a random number generator. They contain reels, paylines and symbols of different values. When a bet is placed, the reels spin. To win, a player must land matching symbols on an active payline when the reels come to a stop. Players can select their bet size from large to small, depending on how many paylines they wish to play (the more you play, the bigger your chance of winning), and if at the end of the spin there are matching symbols on the reels the game will payout according to the paytable.
Different Slot games offer different themes, features, paylines, reel design and prizes, as well as payout percentages (RTP). Online Slots, unlike land-based games, are not bound by physical considerations and can offer more unique features and bonus rounds!
What Type of Online Slots Can I Play?
Classic Slots:
These are styled in the classic fruit machine format, with 3-5 reels, a lower number of paylines, high payouts and few to no bonus rounds. As there are fewer paylines, the chance of winning on each spin is higher than with a video slot, but in contrast, they are seen as offering less excitement.
Every online casino stocks a range of classics and games in this category include Jackpot 6000, Triple Dragons, Double Wild (pictured below) and 3 Hit Play. Players love Classic Slots because for relatively small bets they offer high payouts, and are the perfect place for new slot players to learn the basics.
Video Slots:
Video Slots are by far the most played type of casino Slot, so there are hundreds of titles to pick from in this category. Video Slots increase the excitement offered by the classic variant by offering more gameplay options and complexity. Video Slots tend to have between 15-30 paylines, and have plenty of bonus features that are activated from the base game, like multipliers, free spins, re-spins, bonus wheel, prize drops and more. Video Slots feature the best graphics, can be 3D and are available to play on any device.
Some of the most popular video slots are Gonzo’s Quest (pictured below), Immortal Romance, Top Gun, Starburst, Book of Ra and Avalon II. If you’re seeking exciting games with plenty of action and dramatic backdrops then Video Slots are the game to play.
Progressive Jackpot Slots:
These tend to be Video Slots, but with a bonus jackpot round that is progressive and can reward life-changing prizes. A progressive jackpot grows with each spin, as a percentage of every bet is added to the jackpot prize, which is either triggered at random or through the successful completion of the bonus round. The two most popular jackpot slots, Mega Moolah and Age of the Gods Fate Sisters Slot Review are both record-breakers, making multi-millionaires.
New Slots:
More recently, there’s been a revolution in Slot design with features such as Megaways™(where the reels change and grow with every spin), Must Fall Jackpots (where the jackpot prize must be won daily), and tumbling or cascading reels (which reward re-spins and bets boost or feature buys, that mean players can increase their chance of winning by boosting their bet or paying for a special feature). New Slots are at the forefront of gambling innovation and the sky’s the limit, delivering highly exciting games like Bonanza Megaways, White Rabbit Megaways and Aztec Gold Megaways!
Table and Card Games: Put Your Skills to the Test
Unlike Slots, which are based on the luck of the spin, Table and Card games involve skill and strategy- although to varying degrees. They offer high-stakes gameplay, the fun of vegas in your front room, and a challenge. Played on a table layout and run via online software, there are multiple variants of each game available, but to best leverage the odds of winning, you must make sure you know how to play before diving into this category of casino game. Non-live table games are run via computer software and random number generators, which mean that there’s no way to predict the next card, how the dice roll or where the Roulette ball will fall. Generally, they offer fantastic graphics, distraction-free gameplay and suave casino ambience.
Blackjack:
Loved by players across the world, Blackjack, is one of the easiest casino card games to learn how to play. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting either 21 or as close as possible, without going over. Highly popular, due to the low house edge, there are plenty of winning opportunities in this game and the optimal game strategy is easily learnt to best leverage the odds of winning. The most common online variants are Classic, European Blackjack and Perfect Pairs.
Baccarat:
Made famous by the likes of 007, Baccarat is one of the oldest casino games and is highly popular with Indian players. Unlike other table and card games, it doesn’t involve skill or much strategy as you must simply bet on your hand or the dealers. If you’ve banked on the right side, you’ll win.
Roulette:
Roulette is one of the most famous Table games and multiple variants are available at any online casino. The aim of the game is to correctly guess and bet on the corresponding number, colour or grouping that the ball will land in. To start the gameplay, lay a bet. The computer software will then launch the roulette ball onto the spinning roulette wheel. When the wheel comes to a stop, the space in which the ball has landed determines the winner. Whilst the outcome of the game is based purely on luck (not influenced by a player’s actions), players need to understand the odds and payouts of each outcome- so a betting strategy is needed. Roulette is a game loved by both new players and professionals and it requires less skill than other table games. There are multiple variants available online, but European Roulette offers the lowest house edge so we recommend you stick to this variant for the best results.
Video Poker:
Video Poker is almost always modelled on 5-Card Draw Poker and is played via a machine, not table. The objective is simply to make the best hand possible, with better payouts linked to higher hands. Cards can be kept or discarded and strategic thinking is required to know when to do this, meaning players can reduce the chance of the house winning by better understanding the rules and strategy of the game.
Poker:
Like Video Poker, the aim of the game is to beat the table by having the best hand and leverage your bet along the way to increase your return. There’s a huge selection of online poker tables to play at. All require skill, strategy and game knowledge to best leverage the chance of winning. Whilst offering a minimal house edge for those who know how to play, we do not recommend Poker games for novice players, as those who are not skilled in this game will find their return to player decreases- sometimes greatly. Common online poker variants include: Texas Hold’em, Red Dog, Omaha Hi/Lo, Aces and Faces 3-Card Draw, Let it Ride and Pai Gow.
A favourite for Indian players is Ezugi Live Dealer software as games such as Andar Bahar and Jhandi Munda are available, but it’s more likely that you’ll come across Evolution Gaming software as they are the market leader in live gaming and offer the aforementioned game show variants.
Want to get a better feel for this type of casino game? Take a look at some of the most exciting Live Blackjack variants from Evolution Gaming!
Live Dealer Games: The Real Casino Deal
Live Dealer Games are a newer and more realistic way to play Casino Table, Card and Dice games. Offering the same perks (high stakes gameplay, strategic thinking and lower house edge) as Table games, but using real-life dealers and real-time gameplay (instead of computer software and an RNG to run the game) they are the real casino deal.
The gameplay is live-streamed to the player. Scanners, barcodes, and chip readers log all of the live-action to offer the correct option of moves and outcomes to the player. Whilst you won’t be sat at the table, this is as close as online players can get to the real casino floor and you can even interact with the dealer. Filmed from live studio locations- and in some cases even real-life casinos- Live Dealer Games include Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Dragon Tiger, Sic Bo and many more classic Table and Card games. Newer variants even offer game show style options like Deal or Deal, Monopoly Live and Dream Catcher.
Games of Skill vs Games of Chance: What Type of Game Suits My Playing Style?
Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal of one type of game over another, it is advisable to match your playing preferences with the qualities offered by each type of game. For example, Online Slots are best suited to players who favour an adventure, jaw-dropping graphics, and gameplay based on luck, not a strategy. If you enjoy being taken by surprise by a wealth of bonus features and exciting themes- from the Aztecs to life on Mars- then Slots are the perfect casino game for you. Both new and experienced players enjoy Slots, but more experienced casino players tend to opt for Table and Live Games.
If you enjoy thinking strategically, controlling the odds and want a classic casino experience then you’re better suited to Table, Card and Live Casino Games. By and large, as games of skill, the return to player with skill-based games is dependent on how well you can play, and therefore, they offer the highest return to players who practice and learn strategy.
Understanding House Edge and RTP
We’ve mentioned house edge and return to player numerous times on this page already, but what do these terms mean?
House edge: The house edge is the advantage given to the casino. It’s the profit, aside from the money collected from player loses. For Table and Card Games the house edge tends to be minimal, between 1-5%, whilst for Slots, the house edge can be from 3-15% (note that the average house edge of a Slot Machine is around 4-5%, but with some Jackpot Slots it becomes much higher).
Return To Player: This is the amount of total stakes a game returns to players over time. It is an average of ALL stakes and ALL payouts- not reflective of each person’s experience. This explains why it is possible for one Slot player to win a jackpot prize and another to experience a losing streak. When playing games of skill, you will only play at the advertised rate of RTP, if you are playing an optimal strategy. Whereas with Slots, the return to player depends purely on the luck of the spin.
Games by Odds: What is the Best Casino Game to Play?
Game
Typical House Edge (to calculate the average RTP minus the house edge from 100%)
Video Poker: Jacks or Better
0.5%
Blackjack
1%
Baccarat
1.10%
European Roulette
2.7%
Texas Hold'em
2.19%
3-Card Poker
3.37%
American Roulette
5.26%
Video Slots
2-7%
Progressive Jackpot Slots
2-20%
Detailed in the table above is the base rate of the house edge, but there is room for deviation depending on how you play the game (for games of skill). Therefore, house edge and RTP should be used only as an indication of what it is possible to win with each game, and not what you should expect to win. Often, the best game to play depends both on your skill as a player and which you enjoy the most.
Top Strategy Tips for Playing Online
Always read the game rules before you start playing. This will stop you from making basic errors due to not understanding how to play and is vitally important in games of skill.
Do some research about the game you want to play and learn the top strategy tips for that variant. For example, in Blackjack, it is possible to use a strategy chart, which tells you the optimal move for each hand.
Play games with a lower house edge as they offer the highest potential wins.
Do not chase losses. As the majority of casino games use an RNG and algorithm to decide the winning patterns, the win you are waiting for cannot be predicted or sequenced. Play responsibly and always keep to your budget.
Boost your bankroll and reduce the risk of losses by using casino bonuses.
Making Your Money Go Further: Using Casino Bonuses
From welcome bonuses to loyalty deals and limited-time promotions, casino bonuses are one of the best ways to make your money go further at the casino. By gaining freebies, you can maximise the chance of winning more, by playing for less. Discover the best online bonuses at Indian Casinos.
Find A Casino and Start Playing!
Now that you have all the need-to-know information regarding the most common types of casino games, you’re in good stead to start playing. But first, why not find a top-rated casino to play with? At India Casino Reviews, our experts analyze the top sites to play at and present them to you in our casino reviews. Take a look, you’re sure to be surprised at what the best sites can offer to enhance your online gambling experience.
Casino games are tested and tried to ensure that the advertised house edge and RTP are accurate. This is done by third-party testing laboratories, who are impartial, and ensure that casino games are not rigged or unfairly advertised.
What is the best casino game to play for real money?
The best casino game to play for real money depends on your preferences, skill level, budget and the game payouts. If you are seeking the highest paying games they are Video Poker and Blackjack, but the payouts of each game are dependent on the skill of the player.
What is the most popular casino game in India?
The most popular games for Indian players are Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Poker and Slots.
What casino game is best suited to new players?
The best games for new players are Slots as they do not require skill and are based on luck. If you would like to play Card and Table Games then try out Baccarat or Roulette as both offer easy to learn rules.
Can I play casino games for free?
Yes, you can play online games for free but not for real money prizes. If you want to try a game, play first in demo mode at your casino (if offered) or check out our collection of free play casino games. This is the best way to try different types of casino game, without spending a rupee.
Can I win real money with online casino games?
Yes, when you play with real money you can win real money. The details payouts can be found in the paytable or game rules of each game. Casino games are not fixed and each is tested to ensure that the prizes and payouts are as advertised.
How do Online Slots work?
Online Slots are made up of reels, symbols and paylines. When a player makes a bet, the virtual reels spin, when they stop, if there are matching symbols across an active payline then the player wins the amount shown in the paytable.
Can I play online games on my phone?
Yes, almost all casino games are mobile-ready. Written in HTML5 code, they can be played via mobile phone, tablet or desktop device. This means your favourite games are always by your side and you can play whenever the urge hits! Find out more about mobile casinos including the best options for playing!
Do I need to pay taxes on my casino game winnings?
Gambling winnings are taxed at 30% in India. An online casino may retain and pay this tax for you when you process a withdrawal.
What bonuses can I claim whilst playing online?
You can claim online casino bonuses from the moment you sign-up to an online casino. The welcome offer is usually the biggest. After this, you can expect regular offers, free spins, reload bonuses and loyalty schemes. The exact deals, how often they are given, and their value depends on the casino you play at, which is why it is important to find the best deals!
Do I need to download software to play online casino games?
You do not need to download casino software unless you want to play via a mobile app. Desktop download casinos used to be common, but as internet speed and connectivity have improved they’ve been phased out by live play sites.
