Vegas Casino Games
Las Vegas opened its first casinos in the 1930s with the very same games that remain popular today: craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette. So the development of new Vegas casino games has been more about refining and improving the existing games rather than creating entirely new attractions.
The iconic mechanical slot machines, for example, slowly transformed into incredible electronic spectacles, and games like poker and blackjack traveled onto computerized systems. And why not? The house has always had an edge in just about every circumstance.
Player's Guide to Vegas Casino Games Online
The popular variants of games like video poker are also now online as are the various wagering options for craps and roulette. So, let's take a closer look at each major game category, and how it compares to Vegas casino floors.
Slots
Nevada casinos are required to file an annual report of revenue from their different gaming categories, but they aren't required to report which machines they have and in what quantities Since they generally don't bother to volunteer this information, it’s difficult to determine which specific slot machines are the most popular on Vegas floors.
The best way to determine what's hot on Vegas floors is to visit and wander around. From casual observation over the past few years, there are a few safe generalizations to make.
First, video slots are definitely king, having all but chased traditional three-reel slots entirely from gaming floors. The most ubiquitous machines that draw the biggest crowds tend to be based on popular licensed properties, have flashy graphics and audio, and tantalize the player with gigantic progressive jackpots.
Sure there are fads, but there are also a few bedrock games that have retained popularity for years. Among these are the Buffalo variants, Wheel of Fortune, Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, Batman, Cleopatra, Kitty Glitter and Mega Moolah. The good news? It's possible to play all of these online, though currently, only free versions of Titanic and The Wizard of Oz are available.
So the experience will be identical to the live casino version. And if you're still a fan of the three reels, you needn’t scour the Strip anymore because there's a much wider variety available online.
Video Poker
All the popular video poker variants seen on traditional Vegas casino game floors are also available online. You'll find Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, the various Bonus Poker games, Hot Roll, Joker, Triple Play and Ultimate X among others. Multi-hand games are also available. Video poker games don't tend to change much, and they're the easiest of all to replicate online, so you're getting virtually the same experience that you would on a Vegas casino floor.
Vegas Casino Table Games
Online table game developers have not been able to replicate the live casino experience completely. The social aspect of a roulette or craps table is missing on a device. But there have been some interesting developments. For example, many online craps games use audio samples to call out the craps lingo, and some even have each player take turns controlling a virtual arm to simulate rolls. The solution? Online table games compensate for the loss of interpersonal interaction by giving you better odds than any Vegas table.
Vegas Casino Poker
Live poker tables are not readily available online, it seems to be a game that only the “big names” of the industry offer. The protocol is to have players wait in a virtual “lobby” until there are enough people to form a new table. They also host periodic tournaments. The big advantage for players is during freeroll tournaments, those with no entry fee but real winnings, are much easier to find online than they are in any Vegas casino game!
Online Casinos: They Do What Vegas Doesn't
Vegas is an awesome place to party, catch shows, enjoy amusement park rides and eat and drink to your heart's content. These days, it just doesn’t provide a good gaming experience, Playing Vegas casino games online puts a much wider range of options at your disposal, many of which are more favorable to the player than anything on a Strip gaming floor.
These casino table games offer the highest probability of you winning:
- Las Vegas Blackjack – Has the best odds, with a house edge of just under 1% in most casinos. It’s a simple casino game that’s easy to learn. Plus, learning basic strategy and even card counting will tip the odds even further in your favor.
- Las Vegas Roulette – If you stick to betting on red or black, you have a 50/50 chance of winning. Pro-tip: Avoid American Roulette, which has an extra double zero slot. Only play European Roulette, which features a single zero slot.
- Las Vegas Craps– With a house edge of 1.4%, it’s the old-school Vegas casino game with high chances for winning … and it’s a blast to play! It can be a little scary at first, with all the different boxes to bet on, but it’s easy to learn and you’ll love the thrill of the tumbling dice.
Sin City Card Games – Mobile Gameplay
What Gamblers Should Never Do on the Vegas Strip
When you’re playing casino games, you’re probably going to make some mistakes. This is why it’s important to know the potential pitfalls.
Here are a few common mistakes Las Vegas gamblers make:
- Chasing Your losses – Before you begin playing, decide on the amount of money you’re willing to lose and don’t stray from it.
- Choosing the wrong game – Study the rules before you decide to play a big amount on a game. Bet small at first and get comfortable before raising the stakes.
- Bad strategy – Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to online gambling. Advanced strategies give you the edge you need to maximize your winnings!
- Playing penny slots – There are slot machines in every online casino. Don’t become the person that can’t resist the urge to play only play slots. But when you do, remember to max your bet and avoid the penny slots!
Start implementing these simple tips to maximize your chances of winning at a Las Vegas casino.