If there’s one thing you can say about casinos, it’s this: you’ll never run out of stuff to do. There’s no shortage of games to play. And new games are coming out all the time.
This is great if you play online, because with just a few clicks of your mouse, you could be playing a different, unique, or brand new game — one of hundreds (if not thousands) available at any ONE casino.
The question we have for you now is this: do you know all the casino games that are available to you? All the variations you can play? If not, then start with this brief guide. We’ll fill you in on all the types of casino games you can find and play online and at land-based venues.
Overview of Casino Game Types
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Let’s start with an overview of the games you’ll usually find at a casino.
But before we list the games, we want to quickly explain how an online casino might list them on their website. That way, you know exactly where to find the games you’re most interested in if playing online.
Each casino will list their games differently. Here’s an example.
- Slots — This includes all variations, like 3D or progressives.
- Table Games — This includes all card games, like blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker. It also sometimes includes dice games like craps, as well as roulette.
- Video Poker — This includes all poker games played on a machine similar to slots.
- Specialty Games — This includes anything that doesn’t fit in the categories above, such as keno, scratch tickets, lottery games, and bingo. It may also include roulette or craps.
Some casinos also have an arcade or games section. Others list bingo or scratch card games separately. Some might have their own, unique categories.
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Generally speaking, though, what we’ve listed here broadly covers all the main types of casino games.
Many popular casino games come in several variations. These variations sometimes come with just minor differences, while others have more significant differences.
Let’s take a look at some of the main variations of the most popular casino games. Many of these are available at both online casinos and land-based venues, while some are only available at one or the other.
Slots
- 3, 5, 7 reel machines
- Classic slots
- Video slots
- Fruit machines
- 3D slots
- Progressive slots
- Single and multiple payline slots
There are more, too. And then there are the various features that you’ll find with some slot games but not others. These included multipliers, free spins, cascading reels, and bonus rounds.
You could even add licensed slot titles to the list. This would expand to cover licensed movie, video game, celebrity, and board game slots. In short, slot games come in MANY variations.
- Perfect Pairs
- Spanish 21
- Pontoon
- Blackjack Switch
- Chinese Blackjack
- Super Fun 21
- Atlantic City Blackjack
- Bonus Blackjack
- European Blackjack
These are just a few examples, and there are several other blackjack variants. You’ll also find payout variations such as 6:5 or 3:2 for a natural blackjack.
- Bonus Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker Deluxe
- Double Jackpot Poker
- Jacks or Better
- Joker Poker
- Loose Deuces
Again, these are just a few examples. In many land-based casinos, especially the large ones in Las Vegas, you might find dozens of different video poker games. Most of the online casinos we’ve reviewed have at least ten or so, and many of them have a lot more.
Some common video poker variations you’ll find everywhere, while others are exclusive to a specific online casino or software provider. Other variations also include progressive and multi-hand video poker machines.
- American Rouette
- European Roulette
- French Roulette
- Live Dealer Roulette (online only)
- 3D Roulette
- Multi-Ball Roulette
- Multi-Wheel Roulette
Almost hard to believe a simple game like roulette could have so many variations, huh?
Anyway, these casino games have the most variations. Most other games either don’t have variations, don’t have nearly this many variations, or don’t have variations you’ll find at more than one or two casinos.
Other than what’s listed above, here are the most popular casino games you can play today.
- Baccarat
- Pai Gow Poker
- Craps
- Let Em Ride
- Caribbean Holdem
- Caribbean Stud
- Three Card Poker
- Vegas Three Card Rummy
- Keno
- Scratch Cards
One of the biggest variations you’ll find with these games (the table games, at least) will be side bets. They’re often exclusive to brick-and-mortar casinos, but you will find side bets for these games at some online casinos. In terms of value for money, they’re hit or miss.
Other than side bets, other types of variations or twists to casino games you’ll find include the following
- Live Dealer — Available online. A real person deals and the action is streamed live. Read more here.
- 3D
- Progressive — Every (max) bet contributes a small portion to a single jackpot that can be won at random by someone making the max bet.
- Video
- Multi-line
The options you have will vary from casino to casino. Online, the variations depends on the software provider(s) being used.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some games will have a different name due to licensing and/or copyrights. For example, tri-card poker is identical (or nearly identical) to 3-card poker.
When reading or talking about casino games, you might hear someone refer to them as skill games or games of chance. For example, blackjack is considered a skill game. Slots are a game of chance.
The difference between skill games and games of chance is there’s more or less a right and wrong way to play games of skill, and if not right or wrong, then definitely optimal and not optimal. You can learn these by studying various books and websites, then practice what you learned at the casino.
But games of chance? These are totally random. There’s not anything you can really do outside of cheating to gain an edge playing those.
That all said, skill games are only skill games if you yourself become skilled at them. Otherwise, they might as well be games of chance.
On top of that, few games can truly be beaten for a profit. Blackjack is one of those games. Some video poker variations can be, too.
Other games, such baccarat, pai gow poker, or craps, have strategies or optimal plays or optimal bets you can make to get the house edge down. Add in some bonuses, and you might turn a slight profit. But you shouldn’t count on it.
We point that out because unless you choose a game that can be beaten for a profit — and you’re willing to put in dozens or maybe even hundreds of hours learning it, and hundreds or probably more like thousands of dollars practicing it live — you’re unlikely to become skilled enough to beat the house for a profit.
Our point? We just recommend that you don’t choose a game for any other reason than that you like to play it. Because you’re most likely going to lose while playing it — at least in the long run.
Finding and Playing Casino Games Online
Let’s talk a minute about finding casino games online.
Most casinos will have the same options — blackjack, various table games, video poker, and slots. There are few exceptions.
Those exceptions include variations, like live table games, 3D slots, or something “rare” like multi-wheel or multi-ball roulette.
It also includes exclusive games or titles. Since many casinos work with different and/or multiple software companies, you’re likely to find a different selection of casino games at every casino you join.
This will also affect game rules, payouts, and odds — but on a much lower scale.
And it’ll affect the number of games you can play. Some casinos only have a few dozen games. Others have hundreds. Some more than a thousand. Seriously.
Then you’ll have casinos that offer full-blown mobile casino apps (for smartphones and tablets), while with others you might be lucky to have five or ten mobile friendly games. Some casinos — if you can believe it — won’t have any.
The point of all this is that you’ll have to do some research if there’s a specific game or variation you want to play. One of the best things you can do is join a casino that works with several software companies.
That way you have a wide variety of games to choose from.
There are so many types of casino games you can play. It can be overwhelming.
If you already know what games you like to play, and want to play online, we highly suggest looking for software companies that have them. From there, find out which casinos work with those software companies. Then read our casino reviews.
For everyone else?. Find a casino with LOTS of games to play. Then get busy. You’ll find the type of casino game you like to play in no time. Here are some of our recommended casinos that have a great selection of games, and they all offer bonuses too new customers, too.
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The casino gaming industry is constantly in a state of influx because of untapped markets and rapidly changing technology.
Potential goldmines like Japan and Brazil offer opportunities for major land based casinos to continue growing. And virtual reality gives the online gaming world a new dimension.
You can be sure that publicly traded casino companies will try to take advantage of upcoming technology and/or new markets.
That said, let’s look at 7 public casino companies that are eyeing major growth over the coming years.
1. Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands is the world’s largest casino company with over $14 billion in annual revenue.
This makes it seem like they don’t have much room for growth. And Sands has recently struggled because their Macau properties were stuck in the middle of a casino recession.
But the Sands Corp. is poised to take off in the future for two major reasons:
1. Macau’s gaming market is on the rebound.
2. Sands never stops looking for new areas to expand to.
Beginning with the first factor, Macau started their downturn in 2014. This is the point when the Chinese government began cracking down on money laundering and government corruption.
Many Asian high rollers were targeted during the money laundering investigations. Eventually, Chinese high rollers stopped pouring into Macau over fears that they’d be hassled.
The good news, though, is that the anti corruption campaign is slowing and Macau casinos are rebounding. This works for Las Vegas Sands, which owns the following casinos in the special administrative Chinese area:
- Sands Cotai Central
- Sands Macao
- The Parisian
- The Venetian Macao
The Sands Corp easily survived the Macau recession because they’re so focused on diversification. They have properties in Las Vegas, Macau, Singapore, and the American East Coast.
Blackjack mini. And they’re looking to expand their reach to both Japan and Brazil in the future.
Japan is the most realistic venture because the country legalized casino gambling at the end of last year. Las Vegas Sands has pledged to build a resort worth up to $10 billion.
Japan has 127 million residents and the world’s third largest economy. This is why many see the Land of the Rising Sun as the world’s next big casino market.
Sands is also looking into Brazil as a potential casino destination.
The only problem is that Brazil is years away from legalizing casinos. But this is still a country worth lobbying in because they have 207.7 million people.
2. MGM Resorts International
MGM is the biggest rival to Las Vegas Sands because they earn $9.5 billion per year and have properties in both America and Asia.
MGM is especially dominant on the Las Vegas Strip, where they own everything from casinos to arenas. Here’s a look at their Vegas Strip properties:
- Adventuredome
- Aria Resort & Casino
- Bellagio
- Circus Circus Las Vegas
- CityCenter (jointly owned with Dubai World)
- Delano Las Vegas
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandarin Oriental
- Mandalay Bay
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center
- Mandalay Bay Events Center
- MGM Grand Las Vegas
- MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Monte Carlo
- New York New York
- Skylofts at MGM Grand
- Slots A Fun Casino
- The Mansion at MGM Grand
- The Signature at MGM Grand (jointly owned with Turnberry Associates)
- The Mirage
- T Mobile Arena (jointly owned with AEG)
- Vdara
- Veer Towers
Casino gaming isn’t booming on the Vegas Strip, but entertainment and other ventures are. This is why MGM is poised for success with venues like their new T Mobile Arena, which hosts concerts and conventions.
The company has done well at expanding across the US. They own casinos in Atlantic City (Borgata), Biloxi (Beau Rivage), Detroit (MGM Grand), Maryland (MGM National Harbor), and Massachusetts (MGM Springfield).
Where MGM looks to really gain the most growth is their Macau properties. They own Grand Macau and will soon open Casino Cotai.
As covered before, the Macau casino market is on the upswing. And this means that MGM could earn some major profits in the coming years.
MGM is also under consideration for a Japanese casino license, which would be very lucrative.
3. Amaya Inc.
The online gaming company Amaya made waves in 2014 when they purchased PokerStars for $4.9 billion.
The Canadian business didn’t immediately capitalize on their investment because online poker’s popularity has been steadily decreasing over the years.
It also didn’t help that former CEO David Baazov stepped down after he was indicted on insider trading allegations.
Amaya weathered the storm, though, and have been diversifying their assets over the past few years.
The company is focused on building their casino and sportsbook products while keeping internet poker steady. The plan is working too because their casino and sportsbook now account for over 25% of their revenue.
The entire reason why Amaya purchased PokerStars for such an outrageous price is that they saw value in the customer base. The company’s number of registered users has grown to over 108 million.
It appears that Amaya’s strategy of offering more than just poker is paying off. And they’re also in the midst of changing their image too.
The company will soon change its name to the Stars Group and move their headquarters from Montreal to Toronto. This should help in distancing them from Baazov’s insider trading scandal.
4. Wynn Resorts
Wynn Resorts has done a fine job of creating a luxury casino resort brand that spans from Las Vegas to Macau.
But Wynn has also struggled too because of their Macau properties. They own the Wynn Macau Resort, Wynn Palace, and Encore at Wynn Palace — none of which were immune to the Macau recession.
But like the Sands Corp. and MGM, Wynn should rebound nicely along with the Asian gaming destination’s economy.
Another move that will help the company experience more growth is their upcoming property in Massachusetts. Evan williams black label vs jack daniels white. Wynn is currently building Wynn Boston Harbor just outside downtown Boston.
The $2.4 billion venue will feature 629 hotel rooms, restaurants, retail outlets, convention space, and a spa.
Wynn hasn’t forgotten about their Las Vegas roots either.
CEO Steve Wynn announced that he’s overhauling the Wynn Las Vegas by 2020. The renovations will include more nongambling activities along with a clear water lagoon.
5. Net Entertainment (a.k.a. NetEnt)
Net Entertainment has been running internet casinos and supplying online software since the mid-1990s.
This makes them one of the oldest companies in online gaming. And they don’t show any signs of slowing down in the near future either.
NetEnt has produced a number of top online slots hits over the years. Here are some of their most popular games:
- Aliens
- Arabian Nights
- Blood Suckers
- Blood Suckers II
- Dead or Alive
- Drive: Multiplier Mayhem
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Guns N’ Roses
- Hall of Gods
- Jack Hammer
- Jack Hammer 2
- Mega Fortune
- Mega Joker
- Starburst
- Wild Wild West: The Great Train Heist
Net Entertainment has also done a great job of entering the live dealer gaming space. They now feature different variations of live blackjack and roulette games.
What makes NetEnt stand out among other online gaming providers is their attention to detail and quality.
They’re also quite good at adapting to industry trends.
This is why we see Net Entertainment continuing to lead the internet gaming world for years to come.
6. Genting Group
No casino company is more international than the Genting Group.
The Malaysian business has properties in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Caribbean, the UK, and the US. Here are some of their notable establishments:
- Resorts World Manilla
- Resorts World New York
- Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore)
- Crockford’s Club (London)
- The Colony Club (London)
- Genting Chinatown Casino (London)
This company has also planned projects in South Korea, Las Vegas, and Miami, Florida.
Based on their experience in navigating international casino waters and continued growth, we expect the Genting Group to continue spreading their brand.
7. Boyd Gaming
Boyd Gaming is different from the other companies on this list because they have a narrower focus. Specifically, Boyd Gaming builds regional casinos in the United States.
Casino Trading Name Tags
They currently feature 22 casinos throughout eight states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and New Jersey.
Boyd’s diversification has set them up well to avoid downturns in major casino markets like Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore.
The company did have one major hiccup in 2006 when they were building a Las Vegas Strip casino. But they were forced to abandon the project and sell the property for $350 million.
In hindsight, this was a good turn of events because Boyd avoided opening a Vegas casino during the American recession (2008 10). Since then, they’ve continued to thrive by serving different regions in the US.
Boyd Gaming also has an internet gaming partnership with California’s Pala Interactive and GVC Holdings (under former bwin.party brand). This puts the business in a good position to take advantage of the US online gaming market when it finally expands.
Conclusion
The casino gaming world is far from reaching its peak. This is why publicly traded companies continue to invest in new properties and lobby governments to legalize gambling.
The question remains which of these companies gain the most from budding casino markets and new technology.
Las Vegas Sands has proven successful at winning over government officials and earning casino licenses. This includes when they won the right to build the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore over MGM.
Both companies will square off in Japan again with another casino license on the line.
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Another thing to watch in the publicly traded gaming world is the development of Amaya.
I covered how the internet gaming giant has been diversifying to casino gaming and sports betting. Will they eventually become a giant in the online casino world?
It’ll also be interesting to see how Genting World’s new projects come along because they’re set for expansion in Miami, Vegas, and South Korea. Perhaps they can grow to the level of MGM and Sands Corp if these projects go well.
I’m also interested in any up and coming businesses that could break into the upper echelon. That being said, it’ll be fun to watch these developments in the coming years.
Casino Trading Names
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