When the first casino, Il Ridotto, opened in Venice in 1638, it was intended as an exclusive venue that would only be open to the nobility of the time. Even the name comes from the Italian ‘ridurre’ meaning ‘make private’, and the strict dress codes and high stakes did a good job of keeping out ordinary members of the public.
The fact that casino games have been effectively endorsed by the government lent them an air of legitimacy that increased the popularity of the games played there, many of which are precursors of the most popular games played in casinos today. It wasn’t for another couple of hundred years that casinos would become an option for a wider demographic, but when gaming houses were legalized in Las Vegas to counter the economic effects of the Great Depression, a new era of gaming was born.
Suddenly, anyone could go into a casino and place a bet and the variety of games available meant that any budget could be accommodated. From the high-roller to the awestruck onlookers, there has always been something about the atmosphere of a casino that has an almost universal appeal.
The role of online casino gaming
Although modern casinos welcome players from all walks of life, the advent of online casino gaming made it possible to play some of the most popular games in the world from the comfort of your own home. Then mobile gaming allowed players to download the games they liked most as apps, so they could play on the move.
With truly on-demand gaming opportunities, the market for online casino games has grown swiftly, with more and more becoming available each year, including:
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Roulette
- Craps
- Slots
- Baccarat
- Keno
Players can find any of their casino favorites online, often with a variety of different versions, a range of themes, and sometimes live-action casino gaming live-streamed to players across the globe.
Whether you prefer luck or skill, there’s a game to suit anyone and any playing style.
Roulette
Roulette is one of the simplest casino games going, and players need no special knowledge to place a bet. At its simplest, you only have to choose between red and black, but there are a variety of other bets that you can place, many of which are based on the design of the cloth on which the bets are placed, known as the ‘layout’:
- Straight – choose a single number to bet on
- Split – bet on two adjacent numbers
- Street – bet on three consecutive numbers
- Corner/square – bet on all four numbers in one corner
- Trio – A three-number bet that includes a zero
- First four/Basket – A bet on the first four numbers on the wheel, which will vary depending on whether it’s a single or double zero layout
Experienced players, however, will learn the complexities of the odds involved in roulette and the potential to maximize your chances of winning, depending on the type of wheel in play.
Poker
At the other end of the skill and strategy scale is poker, where some basic knowledge is required to stand a chance of winning. Players that are good at calculating and re-calculating odds over the course of a game can use their knowledge of probability to increase their odds of winning in a poker match.
However, it’s the more ethereal skill of reading other players that really make the difference between a good player and one who consistently wins. From identifying an opponent’s ‘tells’ to pulling off an audacious bluff, players soon develop skills that allow them to hold their own in one of the most exciting casino games.
Livestreaming has made online poker an even more exciting game, so anyone who wants to play can enjoy the thrill of pitting their wits against other players with the convenience and flexibility of playing online.
Slots
From casino regulars to total newcomers, everyone can have fun playing the slots. With the simplicity of the spinning reels combined with the thrill of a potentially instant win and the elements of entertainment that are included in online slots, there’s something for everyone.
There are so many online slots to choose from that any player can find one that appeals to them, from their favorite TV show to the band they most admire. There are also plenty of mini-games, bonus rounds, and other elements that make them fun to play for anyone who likes a fast-paced game with plenty of chances to win.
Blackjack
For those that want to play cards without having to worry about bluffing, blackjack is a great choice as everyone plays against the dealer rather than the other players at the table. The goal is simple and players can win simply by following their best instinct, although experienced players will develop skills that will increase their chances as they play.
Blackjack is ideal for those with an understanding of statistics, or a good memory, who can calculate the odds of winning and bet accordingly. There are plenty of options to choose from, including traditional games, themed alternatives, and live-streamed games that give players the full casino experience.
Whatever kind of game you like, whatever your budget, and whatever your availability, you can find a casino game that will provide you with all the fun and entertainment you want from a casino site.
