Top Five Casino Games: A Quick and Dirty Guide

No matter what level you are, from absolute beginner to seasoned gambler, everyone can benefit from a little extra information about their favorite games!

We’ve compiled a list of the top five casino games of all time to create a guide with a brief history and a description of the rules. It’s a great way to get back in the swing of things, or gain a bit of background knowledge about the games you’d like to start playing.

Remember: every moment you spend researching games is an investment in your future success. It’s always a good idea to spend some spare time preparing to play by learning as much as you can about the casino’s offerings.

Who knows! You might even find your new favorite.

Blackjack

The origins of blackjack are a bit mysterious, but it likely evolved from card games played in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. One of these games, called "Vingt-et-Un," was quite popular in France and had the same goal as modern blackjack: get as close to 21 as possible.

The name "blackjack" comes from the early 20th century when U.S. casinos offered a special bonus for a hand with an ace of spades and a black jack (clubs or spades), which attracted players and gave the game its name.

Blackjack is a card game that's fairly simple to understand, whether you’re playing the classic game or ultimate blackjack. You're trying to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as you can without going over it.

Here's how it works: Numbered cards are worth their face value (like 2 is worth 2 points), face cards (kings, queens, jacks) are all worth 10 points, and aces can be 1 or 11 points, whichever is better for you.

You and the dealer both get two cards to start. One of the dealer's cards is face up, so you can see it, and the other is face down. You take turns deciding whether to get another card (hit) or keep what you have (stand).

The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The dealer plays after all the players. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, you win. If your hand goes over 21, you lose, no matter what the dealer does.

If the dealer's hand goes over 21, you win. If you and the dealer have the same total, it's a tie, and you get your bet back. If you get an ace and a 10-point card in your first two cards, that's called a "blackjack," and you win automatically.

Roulette

Roulette, meaning "little wheel" in French, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was created in France, and the modern version closely resembles the game that was played in Paris casinos during that time. French mathematician Blaise Pascal is often associated with the game's invention, though it is likely based on earlier English and Italian wheel games.

Roulette eventually found its way to Germany and the famous gambling haven of Monte Carlo. It gained widespread popularity in the 19th century, and it has been a casino favorite ever since.

Roulette is a game of chance where players bet on where a small ball will land on the roulette table: a spinning wheel divided into numbered and colored pockets. The game is played with a croupier who spins the wheel and releases the ball.

Players place bets on a layout with various options, including specific numbers, colors, or groups of numbers. The two main types of roulette are European and American, differing in the number of pockets on the wheel.

European roulette has one zero pocket, while American roulette has both a zero and a double-zero pocket. After the bets are placed, the croupier spins the wheel and the ball, and the outcome is determined by the pocket in which the ball comes to rest.

You win if your bets match the outcome, and winnings are paid accordingly. Roulette offers a wide range of betting possibilities, from high-risk single number bets to safer bets on colors or odd/even numbers, making it a dynamic and engaging casino game.

Slot Machines

The history of slot machines is a colorful journey that begins in the late 19th century. The first true slot machine, known as the "Liberty Bell," was created by Charles Fey in 1895. It featured three spinning reels with five symbols: horseshoes, stars, diamonds, spades, and the Liberty Bell. This machine paved the way for modern slot games.

Over time, these machines became popular in bars and saloons, offering payouts in the form of drinks or cigars. The introduction of electric machines and the iconic fruit symbols in the early 20th century led to the "fruit machine" concept. The digital age brought video slots, which have evolved into the multi-themed, innovative slot games we see in casinos today.

Playing a slot machine is simple and purely a game of chance. You insert coins or tokens into the machine, then press a button or pull a lever to spin the reels. When the reels stop, the symbols on the screen determine if you've won or lost.

Winning combinations result in payouts, which can vary depending on the specific symbols and their arrangement on the payline. Modern slot machines feature various paylines and bonus rounds, offering more opportunities to win. Some even have progressive jackpots, where the prize grows as players across multiple machines place bets.

While there is no strategy to influence the outcome, understanding the rules and potential payouts for different combinations can enhance your enjoyment of this popular casino game.

Poker

Poker has a rich and complex history that spans centuries and continents. Its exact origins are debated, but it likely evolved from various card games played in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. The game found its way to the United States in the early 19th century and quickly gained popularity, especially during the Gold Rush.

 Over time, different variations of poker emerged, each with its unique rules and strategies. One of the most famous poker games, Texas Hold'em, was introduced in the early 20th century and is now one of the most widely played versions of the game.

Poker has become a global phenomenon, with countless variations and winning poker networks. It’s played both in casual settings and high-stakes tournaments.

Poker is a card game that combines skill, strategy, and luck. The objective is to have the best hand, or to bluff your way to victory. The game typically begins with each player receiving a hand of cards. Players take turns betting chips, checking (passing the turn to the next player), raising the bet, or folding (discarding their hand).

The basic hand rankings include high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and the highest-ranking, a royal flush. The player with the best hand at the end of the final round of betting wins the pot.

Poker games can have multiple betting rounds, and different variations, like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, or Seven Card Stud, introduce specific rules and strategies. Successful poker play involves reading opponents, managing your bets, and knowing when to fold or push your luck. It's a game of psychology, strategy, and skill that has captivated players for generations.

Craps

Craps is a dice game with a rich and intriguing history. Its origins are a bit murky, but it likely evolved from games played in Europe during the 18th century. The game's name, "craps," is believed to come from the French word "crapaud," which means "toad."

 This is because the game was sometimes played on the streets with people crouching like toads. Craps found its way to the United States and became particularly popular during the 19th century. It was further refined and standardized in the early 20th century.

Today, craps is a lively and social game, often associated with the vibrant atmosphere of casinos.

Craps is a game that involves betting on the outcome of dice rolls. The basic rules are relatively simple, but the betting options can be more complex. Players take turns as the "shooter," the one rolling the dice, and others can place bets on the outcome.

The game begins with the shooter making a "come-out" roll. If the roll results in a 7 or 11, it's a win for those who bet on the "Pass Line." If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, it's a loss, often referred to as "crapping out." Any other number rolled becomes the "point."

To win, the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7. Other players can bet on various outcomes like specific numbers or combinations.

Craps offers a wide range of betting options, making it an exciting and dynamic game, and it's known for its communal and boisterous atmosphere at the craps table.