Choosing the ultimate casino game to play is not only a matter of your personal preferences. A casino best game, whether online or offline, is the one that combines comprehensive mechanics, unique and creative rounds, and a high visual quality, especially when it comes to digital titles. There are many popular casino games, both in land-based casinos and across online platforms, but it doesn’t mean that each one will be to your taste.
In this guide, we will explain which factors to consider when choosing a casino game to play and provide a list of the most popular titles of different themes and mechanics that you can choose today.
Why Casino Games Remain Popular Worldwide
Time flies, but the popularity of gambling in the world doesn’t fade out. This is because gambling is one of the oldest pastimes, and recently, it has evolved and become even more exciting thanks to the emerging technology. Now, people can experience the thrill of online gambling from any corner of the world, thanks to online casinos and digital platforms.
Key factors behind popularity
There are multiple aspects that make gambling so popular in the world. The most prominent reasons include:
- The adrenaline rush that people get from the thrill of risk and reward;
- The entertainment value, since those games help people get distracted from their routines and relax, while having a chance to win real money at the same time;
- The social component, as many people use casino spaces to connect with other players and find new friends, as well as for the competitive value.
Overall, the global popularity of gambling is only growing. Thanks to the new technologies, casino lobbies all over the world now offer unique game types, unseen-before graphic quality, and new opportunities for competition and communication.
Slot Machines — The Most Played Casino Game
As the gambling sector grows, slot machines, or slots, for short, remain the most popular game type. When you look for the top 10 casino games online, it’s likely that more than half of them will be slots. This is the most evolved sector of online gambling, and new slot machines from renowned global providers are launched nearly every single day.
Why slots attract players
The main reason why slots attract casino players so much is their simplicity. There are no complex rules that require intensive thinking, unlike in blackjack or craps. In a slot machine, you simply set your bet according to the limit, press the “Spin” button, and wait for luck to be on your side.
In addition, popular casino slot games always offer unmatched diversity. Whether you’re a fan of historical, mythological, adventurous, mystical, futuristic, or classic fruit slots, you will always find a wide choice of games that suit your preferences. Finally, a lot of slots offer the possibility of mind-boggling jackpots, often available even if you are playing at the lowest stake.
Starburst
This unique Arcade-like slot by NetEnt catches the eye with its vibrant cosmic background and sparkling colorful gems on the reels. It has a moderate combination of a 96% RTP and low volatility, which makes it perfect for beginner players. Unique mechanics include Expanding Wilds, Respins and the Win Both Ways grid style.
Free the Dragon
Set against a misty Asian mountain landscape, this slot involves elements like golden coins, ancient scrolls, and a fearsome dragon that acts as a bonus symbol. It is ideal for players who enjoy chasing a specific bonus round, such as free spins with Roaming Wilds and exciting win multipliers. Players should be aware of the slot’s high volatility, though.
Fat Fish Festival
This title is known for its exceptional casino game design. While it is cartoonish, it is exceedingly immersive as you get further into the depths of an underwater coral reef. There are universally loved collection mechanics, expanding symbols on the reels, and even a pick-em bonus game.
Sweet Rush Bonanza
Developed by Pragmatic Play, this slot takes players to a land made of candy. In the world of gummy bears and lollipops, players can spin the reels and get to the top win of 21,100x the bet. The journey is made more thrilling by the Tumble feature, free spins with Multiplier Bombs, and even Ante Bet options.
Gates of Olympus Super Scatter
This is an exciting new variation of the renowned Gate of Olympus slot, in which you get extra bonus trigger mechanics thanks to the Super Scatter symbol. At the same time, the game retains the characteristics of the original, such as the Tumble mechanic and free spins with accumulating multipliers.
Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War
This exquisite mythological slot lures players in with exciting mechanics from the very beginning. What’s remarkable about this game is that its volatility is adjustable and can go from high to very high, which is useful for players chasing big wins. The total win of 15,000x the stake is definitely worth a shot, especially paired with beautiful visuals and an immersive soundtrack. The table below summarises the described games and their main properties that might be of use for players.
| Slot Game | Theme | Developer | RTP | Volatility | Max Win | Key Feature |
| Starburst | Gems/Cosmic | NetEnt | 96.09% | Low | 500x | Expanding Wilds & Re-spins |
| Free the Dragon | Asian Mythology | Ruby Play | 96.35% | High | 10,000x | Free Spins with Roaming Wilds |
| Fat Fish Festival | Underwater | Push Gaming | 95.80% | Medium | 3,000x | Collection Mechanics |
| Sweet Rush Bonanza | Candy/Sweets | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | High | 21,100x | Tumble Wins & Multiplier Bombs |
| Gates of Olympus SS | Greek Mythology | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | Very High | 5,000x | Random Multiplier Orbs (up to 500x) |
| Zeus vs Hades | Battle/Mythology | Pragmatic Play | 96.07% | Adjustable | 15,000x | Expanding Multiplier Wilds |
All of these games are available across online gambling platforms like Leon casino in Greece. There, you will be able to play these and a thousand other slot games, benefit from regular bonuses, and even download a mobile app for on-the-go connectivity and practicality.
Blackjack — The Classic Card Game
When it comes to the best games to play when bored, blackjack remains the ultimate, unrivalled classic. Players love it because it provides a perfect, accurate blend of luck and skill. In blackjack, you have to beat the dealer’s hand by getting a count as close to 21 as possible without busting. Blackjack is very different from slots, because here, the player’s decisions directly influence the outcome of each round.
Roulette — Iconic Casino Wheel Game
Different from blackjack, roulette is a game of pure chance. This is a classic game that is often associated with casinos. It has a variety of betting options, such as betting on single numbers for high payouts or choosing safer, “outside” bets. The most popular variants of this game are European and American Rouellte (with a double zero).
Poker — Competitive Casino Game
Poker takes a separate spot on the rating because it’s usually played against other people. At online casino platforms, however, you can also play poker against the house or even engage in video poker games, where you compete against the computer. Right now, the most popular variation of poker is Texas Hold’em.
Craps — Dice Game with High Energy
Craps is perhaps the most energetic game at a land-based casino. It might look daunting at first glance because of the complex table layout. However, the process is quite straightforward. Players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice. Here, the “Pass Line” bet is a fundamental wager. There are many online alternatives to the classic land-based craps game.
Baccarat — High-Stakes Favorite
Baccarat is extremely popular across Asian markets and the best live casinos. The playing process is unusually simple: you bet on which of the two hands (the Player or the Banker) will reach a total value closest to nine. Baccarat offers a very low house edge, especially on the Banker bet.
Video Poker — Hybrid of Slots and Poker
Video poker is a unique combination of slots and poker. If you prefer to enjoy this highly intuitive game in solitude, video poker on online platforms is definitely worth a try. At the same time, unlike slots, where odds are often hidden or imprecise, you can always calculate video poker odds based on the paytable.
Keno — Lottery-Style Casino Game
Keno is a slow-paced casino game that is a lot like a lottery. Players select numbers (usually between 1 and 80) and a card. Then, the casino randomly draws 20 numbers. The more numbers you match, the more you win. Even though keno has a very high house edge, it has a good potential for massive payouts even on small wagers. Everything depends on how lucky you are on a particular day.
Live Dealer Games — Real Casino Experience Online
Another popular pastime for gambling fans all over the world is the live casino experience. It has been a major trend for a while now. Live casino features high-quality streams of the games with real human dealers, and anyone can participate without leaving their house. You interact with the dealer via chat and watch physical cards being dealt in real time. This natural social interaction creates a realistic feeling of a land-based casino, but you only have to use your computer or mobile device to access it.
Other Popular Casino Games
While we have covered the absolute favorites when it comes to casino gambling games, there are also some niche options that you probably haven’t even heard of or tried. Regardless, they can still be extremely fun and offer a fresh perspective.
Pai Gow
This is a slow-paced and relaxing card game that is based on Chinese dominoes. You get seven cards, and you have to split them into two hands, beating both of the dealer’s hands. Pai Gow offers a high possibility for a tie, which makes your bankroll last longer.
Three Card Poker
This is a fast-paced variant of classic poker that you play against the dealer. The rankings are simpler because you only need to worry about three cards. You often get side bets that offer high payouts for strong hands.
Bingo
In case you are looking to play casino games online for fun, bingo can be a good option. It is a social game of chance, in which you have to mark off numbers on the bingo card as they are randomly drawn by a caller. Once you complete a pattern, you win. Bingo is perfect for relaxation, since you don’t have to think about complex game mechanics and tactics.
How to Choose the Right Casino Game
When you look for the best game to play at casino, you must take many factors into account. But, in the end, a huge part of the choice depends on your personality and goes. You can rely on the following guide:
- Start by assessing your bankroll and defining which game will suit it best. Don’t go for high-roller tables right away, especially if you have little experience. Start with low or medium-volatility slots or games like Pai Gow and increase the risk moderately;
- Decide if you want to influence the outcome of the game or not. If yes, choose blackjack or poker. If you prefer to depend only on luck, slots are the answer;
- Always check the key characteristics of the game, such as RTP, volatility, and additional mechanics you need to know about.
Remember to always choose the games that appeal to you in terms of themes and visual looks. There’s no point in playing even the most elaborate casino game if you don’t enjoy its vibe.
Casino Game Trends in Modern Gambling
Right now, we see a lot of emerging trends in the global casino games development. Perhaps the most visible change is the use of AI to improve the visuals, mechanics, and overall performance of online casino games. In addition, more and more platforms are actively testing VR spaces for a fully immersive experience for their customers. While these developments are still at the very start of their implementation, we will likely see even more advanced casino spaces in the future.
FAQ
Which casino game has the best winning odds?
Usually, blackjack, but only if you’re playing with the basic strategy. In addition, certain variants of video poker offer the best house edge, sometimes as low as 1%.
Can online slots be rigged?
No, not if you’re playing them on a licensed and credible gambling website. All legit slots use RNGs (Random Number Generators) to ensure that the outcomes are random and fair at all times.
What is volatility in casino games?
Volatility in slots refers to the risk level. High volatility means that payouts are big, but it’s harder to catch them. Low volatility, on the contrary, means that rewards are smaller but happen more often, which makes the course of the game more predictable.
