A Guide to Popular Online Casino Games

This guide provides a complete overview of the most popular online casino games available to players in the United Kingdom. It covers the essential rules, game mechanics, and strategies for each category. We also highlight the best UK casinos for specific games, helping you find the right place to play.

Casino Games at a Glance

The table below offers a quick summary of the major game categories. It helps you compare the risk, reward, and requirements of each type before reading the detailed sections.

Online Video Slots

Video slots are the most widely played games in online casinos. They attract players because they are easy to understand and offer the potential for large payouts from small bets. Unlike table games, slots do not require complex strategies or prior knowledge of rules. You simply press a button and wait for the outcome.

Rules and Basics

The core concept of a slot machine is matching symbols across a “payline.” A payline is a line that crosses the reels. If winning symbols land on this line, you receive a payout based on the game’s pay table.

Modern online slots use a piece of software called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This program ensures that every spin is independent of the last one. It generates thousands of number sequences per second. When you press “Spin,” the RNG stops at a specific millisecond to determine the result. This means that a slot machine is never “due” for a win.

Mechanics and Variations

Slots have evolved significantly from the mechanical machines of the past.

• Classic Slots: These games mimic old-school fruit machines. They usually have three reels and a small number of paylines (often just one or five). The symbols are traditional items like cherries, lemons, bars, and sevens. They are simple and fast-paced.
• Video Slots: These are the modern standard. They typically feature five reels and multiple paylines. They include detailed graphics, animations, and storylines. Themes range from ancient Egypt to futuristic sci-fi.
• Megaways: This is a popular engine created by Big Time Gaming. Instead of fixed paylines, the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin. This can create up to 117,649 ways to win. These games often feel more dynamic than standard slots.

Features

Modern slots include special features to keep gameplay interesting.

• Wilds: These symbols act like jokers in a deck of cards. They substitute for other standard symbols to help form winning combinations.
• Scatters: These symbols usually trigger bonus rounds. Unlike standard symbols, they do not need to land on a specific payline.
• Free Spins: A bonus round where you get to spin the reels without using your own money. These often come with extra benefits like multipliers.
• Multipliers: These features boost your winnings by a set amount, such as 2x, 5x, or even 10x.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots are prize pools that grow every time a player makes a bet. A small percentage of each wager is added to the pot.

• Local Jackpots: These prizes accumulate only from bets made at a specific casino or casino group.
• Network Jackpots: These are pooled across hundreds of different casinos. Games like Mega Moolah link players worldwide, allowing the jackpot to reach millions of pounds.

Strategy Tips

• Check the RTP: Look at the information file for the game. A higher RTP (over 96%) is generally better for the player.
• Manage Volatility: High volatility slots pay out less often but offer bigger wins. Ensure your bankroll can withstand dry spells.
• Ignore Hot and Cold: Remember the RNG makes every spin unique. Past results do not influence future outcomes.

Best UK Casinos for Slots

• • PlayOJO is distinct because of its “fair play” policy. They often offer 50 free spins to new players with absolutely no wagering requirements. This means anything you win from the spins is paid in cash and can be withdrawn immediately. They stock over 3,000 slots from top providers. Read our full PlayOJO Review and its sister sites here.

• All British Casino – This site is designed specifically for UK players. Their standout feature is “Always 10% Cashback.” If you have a losing session on slots, you can claim 10% of your net losses back in cash. This applies to all deposits where no bonus was taken.

• MrQ focuses on speed and transparency. Like PlayOJO, they offer wager-free spins. They are known for having a very clean, easy-to-use interface that works well on mobile. They frequently add the latest Megaways titles.

• Pub Casino launched recently with a massive library of over 2,000 games. They feature a British pub theme and offer a solid welcome bonus, typically a 100% deposit match up to £100. This gives you extra funds to explore their extensive slot catalog.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game that balances luck with skill. It has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, meaning the odds are closer to 50/50 than in most other games. This makes it a favorite for players who enjoy making decisions that affect the outcome. Check out our comprehensive Blackjack Casinos guide for more.

Rules and Basics

The objective is simple: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. You compete only against the dealer, not against other players at the table.

• Card Values: Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what benefits your hand most.
• The Deal: You start with two cards. The dealer also gets two cards, but usually, only one is face up.
• Dealer Rules: The dealer has strict rules they must follow. Typically, they must draw cards (“hit”) until they reach a total of 17 or higher. They cannot make strategic choices like you can.

Player Actions

Once you receive your cards, you have several options:

• Hit: Take another card to increase your total.
• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive exactly one more card. This is a strong move when you have a good starting total (like 11).
• Split: If you have a pair (like two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands. You place a second bet equal to the first to cover the new hand.

Variations

• European Blackjack: The dealer receives only one card face up and does not check for blackjack until the players have finished their turns.
• American Blackjack: The dealer takes a “hole card” (face down) and peeks for blackjack immediately if their up-card is an Ace or a 10.

Strategy Tips

• Use a Chart: Basic Strategy charts show the mathematically correct move for every card combination. You can find these online and use them while playing.
• Avoid Insurance: If the dealer shows an Ace, you are offered “Insurance.” This is a side bet that the dealer has blackjack. The math shows this is a losing bet in the long run.
• Split Aces and Eights: A common rule of thumb is to always split a pair of Aces or a pair of 8s.

Best UK Casinos for Blackjack

• All British Casino – This site is excellent for table game players. They host high-limit tables for experienced players and offer speed blackjack for those who want fast rounds. Their cashback offer also applies to blackjack losses, which is rare.
• Grosvenor Casino is a trusted name with physical casinos across the UK. Their online site features exclusive blackjack tables. They often run promotions where you can deposit £20 to play with £50, giving you extra chips to sit at the live tables.
• Pub Casino is great for casual blackjack players. They offer a range of RNG (digital) blackjack games where you can play at your own pace without a live dealer. Their table limits are flexible, starting from low stakes. Read our full review of Pub Casino Sister Sites here.
• Seven Casino offers a modern, fast interface. They are a good choice if you prefer playing on a smartphone. Their lobby includes “Speed Blackjack” by Evolution, where the dealing order depends on who makes the fastest decision.

Roulette

Roulette is perhaps the most iconic casino game. It features a spinning wheel and a small white ball. It is popular because the rules are very simple, but the variety of bets allows for different play styles.

Rules and Basics

The goal is to predict which numbered pocket the ball will land in. The wheel contains numbers 1 through 36 and a green zero slot.

• Inside Bets: These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They have high payouts but low odds of winning. For example, a bet on a single number pays 35 to 1.
• Outside Bets: These are bets placed on larger categories, such as Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low. These pay 1 to 1 (even money) and cover almost half the wheel.

Variations

The type of wheel you choose matters significantly.

• European Roulette: Has a single green zero (0). The house edge is 2.7%.
• American Roulette: Has a zero (0) and a double zero (00). This increases the house edge to 5.26%. You should avoid this version if European tables are available.
• French Roulette: Uses the single zero wheel but adds rules called “La Partage” or “En Prison.” If the ball lands on zero, you may get half your stake back on even-money bets. This lowers the house edge to 1.35%.

Strategy Tips

• Stick to European/French: Playing on an American wheel simply gives the casino more of your money over time.
• Play Outside Bets: If you want your bankroll to last longer, stick to Red/Black or Odd/Even. You will win smaller amounts but more frequently.

Best UK Casinos for Roulette

• BetMGM brings a Las Vegas feel to the UK. They have exclusive “Gold” roulette tables and a substantial welcome offer, often including a deposit match up to £200, which can be used to explore different roulette variants.
• Casushi has a fun, vibrant theme. They offer “Double Ball Roulette,” a variation where two balls are shot into the wheel, creating new betting opportunities and potential for large payouts.
• LeoVegas is known as the “King of Mobile.” Their app is award-winning and makes placing bets on a roulette table very easy on a small screen. They offer a wide range of live roulette tables from top providers.

Visit our Roulette Casinos hub for exclusive bonuses and tips.

Poker and Video Poker

Poker in a casino setting is different from the poker you see on TV tournaments. In casino poker, you generally play against the house rather than other players.

Rules and Basics

• Casino Poker: Games like Casino Hold’em or Caribbean Stud put you head-to-head with the dealer. You both receive cards, and the higher poker hand wins. You need to know standard hand rankings: Royal Flush is the best, followed by Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, and so on.
• Video Poker: This is played on a digital machine that looks like a slot. You are dealt five cards and choose which ones to hold and which to discard. The machine replaces the discards, and your final hand determines your payout.

Variations

• Three Card Poker: A fast-paced game where you only receive three cards. You just need to decide whether your hand is strong enough to play or if you should fold.
• Jacks or Better: The most common video poker game. You need at least a pair of Jacks to win money.

Strategy Tips

• Queen-6-4 Rule: In Three Card Poker, the optimal strategy is to play if your hand is Queen-6-4 or better. If it is lower, you should fold.
• Read the Pay Table: In video poker, the pay table tells you how much each hand is worth. Look for “Full Pay” machines that offer 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush (often called 9/6 machines).

Best UK Casinos for Poker Games

• Bet365 is a global giant with a robust poker section. They are reliable and offer excellent software. They host many tournaments and “Sit & Go” tables for players of all budgets.

• 888 Casino – 888 is famous for its poker product. They often provide a no-deposit bonus for new poker players, allowing you to try the tables without risk. Their 888 Poker software is distinct from their main casino site.
• BetVictor offers a simple, high-quality experience. Their Casino Hold’em live tables load quickly and run smoothly. It is a good choice if you want to play a few hands without downloading complex software. For more details, read our full review of BetVictor Sister Sites.

Baccarat

Baccarat is often associated with high rollers, but it is actually one of the easiest games to play. It has rigid rules for dealing cards, so you do not need to make any complex gameplay decisions.

Rules and Basics

There are three main bets: “Player,” “Banker,” and “Tie.”

• Two hands are dealt: one for the Player and one for the Banker.
• You bet on which hand will have a total closer to 9.
• Scoring: Aces are worth 1, cards 2-9 are face value, and 10s/Face cards are worth 0. If a total goes over 9, the first digit is dropped (e.g., a 7 and a 5 make 12, which becomes 2).

The Third Card Rule

Sometimes a third card is drawn for one or both hands. This follows a strict set of rules based on the current totals. The dealer handles this automatically, so you do not need to memorize the chart.

Strategy Tips

• Bet on Banker: The Banker hand has a slightly higher probability of winning. Even with the 5% commission usually charged on wins, it remains the best mathematical bet.
• Avoid the Tie: The Tie bet pays out 8:1 or 9:1, which looks attractive, but the house edge on this bet is very high (over 14%). It is considered a “sucker bet.”

Best UK Casinos for Baccarat

• Genting is a prestigious brand with a history in land-based gaming. They cater well to baccarat players, offering high table limits for those who wish to bet larger amounts. Explore Genting Casino sister sites for similar features and player experience.

• MagicRed focuses heavily on their live casino. They offer “Baccarat Squeeze,” a version where the dealer slowly reveals the cards to build tension. They also offer cashback bonuses on weekends for live games.
• The Vic is the online version of the famous Victoria Casino in London. Playing here offers an authentic vibe. They provide a good range of standard and speed baccarat tables.
• Rialto offers “No Commission Baccarat” tables. In this version, you do not pay the 5% fee on Banker wins (though the payout rules change slightly for specific numbers). It is a good option if you dislike calculating commissions.

Find more tables and offers in our Baccarat Casinos section.

Craps and Dice Games

Dice games bring a different kind of energy to the casino. They rely purely on the roll of the dice, and while the table layouts can look confusing, the basic bets are straightforward.

Rules and Basics

Craps is the most famous dice game.

• The Shooter: One player rolls the dice. In online games, you are the shooter.
• Pass Line: This is the main bet. You place chips on the “Pass Line” before the first roll (the Come Out roll).

• If the roll is 7 or 11, you win immediately.
• If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
• Any other number becomes the “Point.” You then want to roll that number again before rolling a 7.

Sic Bo is a simpler alternative popular in Asian casinos. You bet on the outcome of three dice shaken in a cage. You can bet on the total sum, specific triples, or simple Big/Small outcomes.

Strategy Tips

• Stick to Pass/Come: In Craps, the Pass Line and Come bets have a very low house edge (around 1.41%).
• Avoid Prop Bets: The bets in the center of the table (like “Snake Eyes” or “Hard Ways”) have very high house edges and should generally be avoided.

Best UK Casinos for Dice Games

• PokerStars is one of the few sites that has invested in good software for Craps. Their “Casino” tab includes a reliable RNG Craps game that is great for learning the rules.
• Virgin Games is a good destination for Sic Bo. They offer lighter, more casual gaming options and their “First Person” dice games allow you to play in 3D without a live dealer if you prefer. Read our full review of Virgin Games Casino and its sister sites here.
• Monopoly Casino – Given the board game theme, it is no surprise that Monopoly Casino is good for dice games. They offer user-friendly versions that are perfect for beginners who might be intimidated by a complex Craps table.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games bridge the gap between online play and visiting a real casino. They use real human dealers, real cards, and real wheels, streamed in HD video to your device.

Rules and Basics

You place bets on a digital interface, but the game results are physical.

• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): This technology reads the cards as they are dealt so the software knows who won immediately.
• Game Shows: Evolution Gaming pioneered this category. Games like Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Dream Catcher use large money wheels. They are more like television game shows than traditional casino games.

Strategy Tips

• Volatility in Game Shows: Game shows are highly volatile. You might go many rounds with small wins or losses before hitting a big bonus round. Treat them like slots rather than table games.
• Stable Connection: Live games require more data than slots. Ensure you are on Wi-Fi or have a strong 4G/5G connection to avoid the stream freezing during a critical moment.

Best UK Casinos for Live Games

• Casushi offers a fast-loading lobby powered by Evolution Gaming. You can find all the major game shows and table games here. Their welcome bonus often includes spins, but their loyalty points can be used for other rewards.
• Fun Casino lives up to its name with a bright interface. Crucially, their “Always 10% Cashback” offer applies to live casino losses, which is a massive benefit for regular players.
• Duelz offers a unique “gamified” experience. As you play live tables, you can engage in “duels” with other players to win stars and unlock chests. It adds an extra layer of entertainment.

Browse our full list of table game casinos for more real-time action.

Understanding Casino Odds: RTP and House Edge

Before playing any game, it is vital to understand the math behind it. The casino is a business, and the math ensures they make a profit over time.

House Edge Defined

The House Edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has over the player. It is expressed as a percentage.

• If a game has a 5% house edge, the casino expects to keep £5 for every £100 bet in the long run.
• Low Edge Games: Blackjack (0.5%), Baccarat (1.06%), French Roulette (1.35%).
• High Edge Games: American Roulette (5.26%), some Side Bets (10%+), Keno (20%+).

RTP (Return to Player)

RTP is the opposite of the house edge. It shows how much money is returned to players.

• A slot with 96% RTP returns £96 for every £100 wagered on average.
• Remember, this is calculated over millions of spins. In a short session, anything can happen.

Volatility

Volatility (or variance) measures risk.

• High Volatility: Rare wins, but they are often large. (e.g., Progressive Slots).
• Low Volatility: Frequent wins, but they are usually small. (e.g., Starburst slot, Blackjack).

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment, never as a guaranteed way to make money. The odds are mathematically set against the player, ensuring the house always wins in the long run. To keep your gaming habits safe and sustainable, UK casinos provide a range of tools designed to help you stay in control. Recognizing the early signs of problem gambling is crucial. If you find yourself spending more money or time than you originally intended, or if you feel the urge to chase losses by increasing your bets, these are clear red flags. Other warning signs include using money set aside for essential bills like rent or utilities, feeling the need to lie to friends and family about the extent of your gambling activities, or losing interest in hobbies you once enjoyed because you prefer to gamble. It is important to acknowledge these behaviors early, as they can escalate quickly without intervention.

Tips for Staying in Control:

• Set a Budget: Decide exactly how much you can afford to lose before you log in, and stick to it.
• Use Deposit Limits: Most sites allow you to cap your daily, weekly, or monthly deposits. Set this up as soon as you create your account.
• Take Regular Breaks: Use the “Time-Out” feature to lock your account for 24 hours if you feel frustrated or stressed.
• Don’t Chase Losses: Trying to win back lost money usually leads to bigger losses. Accept that losing is part of the game.
• Keep it Fun: If the game stops being fun and starts feeling like a job or a necessity, stop playing immediately.

For independent support, services like GamStop allow you to block access to all UK-licensed sites simultaneously, while BeGambleAware provides confidential advice for anyone concerned about their behavior. By utilizing these tools and maintaining a balanced perspective, you ensure that gaming remains a fun pastime rather than a financial burden.

Conclusion

The world of online casinos offers an incredible variety of entertainment. From the strategic depth of Blackjack and Poker to the fast-paced excitement of Slots and Roulette, there is something for everyone. The key to a great experience is understanding the rules, choosing the right games for your budget, and playing responsibly. Whether you choose the wager-free spins at PlayOJO or the live tables at Grosvenor, always remember that the goal is to have fun.