Top 10 Most Popular Casino Games in the World

Roulette Wheel, Dice, Poker Cards

Many people wonder what are the most popular casino games in the world. You’ll get a lot of different answers to this question based on various factors like online vs. live gambling, region, and more.

And yet, certain games are universally loved pretty much everywhere. You can find them on my list of the top ten most popular casino games below. I provide some info on each of them, so you can understand what makes them fan-favorites.

Casino Game #1 – Slots

The slot machine is more of a modern invention compared to other popular casino games. Slots made their first appearance in the late 1800s, thanks to the inequity of a mechanic based out of San Francisco.

Slots are fun and mindless – they don’t require any sort of strategy on your end to play the game. They also often feature casino graphics and themes for you to enjoy.

To play slots, just drop a coin into the machine, press the button (or pull the lever), and the machine will reveal a combination of symbols. Depending on the combination, you win or lose. In some cases, you can hit a progressive jackpot that can change your life in seconds.

You also don’t have to spend a lot of money to play slots.

For example, with penny slots, you won’t have to burn through all your cash, and you get to enjoy a full day of gambling.

The online version of slots features thousands of different options with all sorts of mechanics and graphics. They usually come with juicy bonuses and promotions too, so feel free to try the slots sites below.

Casino Game #2 – Blackjack

Blackjack is a casino game that you can find anywhere around the world, no matter the venue. Blackjack originated in France during the 1700s, and it’s an adaptation of a similar card game.

Blackjack requires a lot more skill than you think – playing the game often entails that you use your best judgment.

Here’s how the game works: The hand you’re dealt needs to have a value that’s as close to the number 21 as possible. Any hand that exceeds 21 is a bust. Face cards also typically have a value of 10.

Listed below are a few versions of blackjack:

  • Face Up 21
  • Spanish 21
  • Classic Blackjack
  • Perfect Pairs
  • European Blackjack
How did blackjack become such a popular game?

One of the main reasons is that If you play well, the house edge is extremely low.

Here’s how it looks like in the best variations of the game with optimal strategy.

  • Blackjack Switch – 0.17% house advantage
  • Spanish 21 – 0.38% house advantage
  • Traditional Blackjack – 1% house advantage

Research shows that the most popular table games often have rules that are easy to understand. Blackjack certainly is up there, and anyone can learn to play in a minute or two.

Furthermore, a quick look at the most popular casino games in the U.S. shows they include slots, blackjack, and poker. That pretty much proves my point.

Blackjack is available in most in-person and online casinos. If you want to try the latter, check the page below.

Casino Game #3 – Roulette

Roulette is a popular table game found in most casinos – it involves a spinning wheel with individual slots with numbers that range from 1 through 36. The slots also feature alternating colors of red and black.

To play the game, you must bet on a certain number or color (or both) before the wheel is spun. If the ball lands in a slot that corresponds to your color or number, you win the game.

Like blackjack, roulette has several different popular versions, which include:

  • American Roulette
  • European Roulette
  • Double Ball Roulette
  • Multi-Wheel Roulette
  • Rapid Roulette

All variations of roulette involve the spinning wheel with numbered slots that alternate in color. However, the main difference is in the rules and pacing of the games.

Note:The American version features two zeros which increases the house edge dramatically. If you want to try roulette, you should try to play variants that only include one zero.

Why is roulette so popular? It’s easy to play and accessible for all casino-goers. Also, as you continue to play the game, you’ll learn how it works better, thus increasing your probability of winning.

If you want to give it a go from the comfort of your home, we’ve selected some top-rated roulette casinos for you.

Casino Game #4 – Baccarat

Another fun casino game to play is baccarat – the name derives from the word “baccara,” which translates to “zero” in Italian. The game originated in Italy during the 1400s, putting it among the oldest card games in the world.

Similar to blackjack, the purpose of baccarat is to have a hand with a total value at or near nine (instead of 21). In the game, all face cards and tens have a value of zero.

The main difference here is that you don’t make any decisions on how to get to the best score. The rules of baccarat predetermine if another card will be added to the player’s hand or not.

You can also bet on the dealer or the player in baccarat and even back the draw. In blackjack, you play with your hand.

Important:Many people enjoy playing baccarat because the casino only has a 1% advantage over players. That’s only if you bet on the dealer, though; the house edge is much bigger if you back the player and downright abysmal if you go for the draw.

It’s interesting that baccarat is known as the most popular game for high rollers. Something in baccarat attracts the biggest players in Vegas, Macau, and other gambling destinations all across the globe.

If you want to try and figure out what that is, check out the page below.

Casino Game #5 – Video Poker

Another popular casino game that you can find both online and in real life is video poker. It’s based on traditional poker in the sense that you try to build the strongest five-card combination to win.

The rules are easy, and the house edge is very low if you make smart decisions. Video poker is one of the casino games where strategy matters. There are different variants available, so make sure to check the rules and the paytable before you start playing.

One of the cool advantages of video poker is that there are different prizes. You hit small wins regularly, but there are opportunities for huge hits from a single round too. It’s a nice combo similar to slots.

If you want to try video poker on the internet, we’ve got you covered.

Casino Game #6 – Craps

When it comes to craps, which is another popular casino game, you roll a pair of dice and place wagers on the outcomes.

Here’s how you play the game: You have the dice board where everyone involved in the game places their bets. The ultimate goal of the game is to guess the correct combination that someone rolls.

The dice can fall in a lot of different ways, and the combinations are numerous. When someone is rolling for the first time, this is known as the “come-out roll.”

There are many different wagers in craps.

For ExampleBettors can choose to pass or not pass the line when placing bets.

If the come-out roller lands a 7 or 11 with their dice, the person who passes the line will win, and the person who doesn’t pass the line will lose.

If the come-out roller lands a 2, 3, or 12, the person who passes the line will lose, and the person who doesn’t pass the line will win.

The game also has many other intricacies to the rules. You can play craps according to several different strategies, but ultimately, you’re either betting for or against the shooter.

Here is some additional terminology you’ll need to know when it comes to playing craps:

  • Inside numbers
  • Outside numbers
  • Snake eyes
  • Shooter
  • Boxman

It’s important to know that the house edge for each wager is different. Some markets are terrible for the player, but the advantage of the casino is down to only 1% or so for the best ones.

Feel free to try online craps, so you learn more about the different options.

Real Money Casinos for Craps

Casino Game #7 – Keno

Although Keno is among the most popular casino table games, it flew under the radar for many years. It originated in China before rising to prominence in the United States during the 1930s.

Similar to bingo and the lottery, you choose 20 numbers between 1-80 before placing your bet. A drawing then takes place, and 20 numbers are pulled. The payouts, however, will vary according to the rules of the game.

Like other popular casino games, there are several variations of keno and different ways you can play it. For example, you can choose up to 15 numbers instead of the standard 20. However, you usually have to place a bet on each number that you choose.

The big issue with keno is that the house edge is relatively high in most cases. On the bright side, the game is simple, and you could hit a large jackpot if a good chunk of your numbers come up. You can see for yourself by checking the best Keno casinos below.

Casino Game #8 – Bingo

Before arriving and gaining popularity in the U.S., bingo has a unique history that you can trace back to Europe in the 1500s. It is now offered in many casinos and bingo rooms throughout the entire world.

Bingo is also fairly simple to play – You’re given a card with multiple columns of numbers (your standard bingo card has a five-by-five structure). Numbers are then drawn at random, and you mark your card according to the corresponding numbers that are called.

The person who wins is the first person to mark five consecutive spaces either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Note:Most bingo cards typically include a “free space” in the middle, upon which you can place a marker.

You also have the pleasure of calling out “bingo!” when you have a winning bingo card.

Many different versions of bingo are available to play online, so feel free to check them out.

Casino Game #9 – Pai Gow

Originating from China, Pai Gow is also a type of poker game. In the Americanized version, you place a bet before the dealer before you’re issued seven cards.

With these cards, you have to create two poker hands: the five-card “high” hand and the two-card “low” hand. Then, every player reveals their cards.

To win the game, your five-card and two-card hands must beat whatever the dealer has. Pai Gow often results in draws for most players.

According to the rules, your five-card hand must have a better value than your two-card hand. In every game, you’re also playing against the dealer. However, these rules tend to vary.

Pai Gow is offered by many online casinos, but we found the best ones for you.

Real Money Pai Gow Online

Casino Game #10 – Poker

What would this list be without poker? I’m talking about the version in which you face real opponents, not the casino itself like in video poker. The house charges the players a small chunk of the money on the table and leaves them to fight each other for the rest.

The casino took the internet by storm at the start of this century – you can play your favorite poker games from the comfort of your own home.

And that’s the thing – you have a lot of different poker games that you can play, which include:

  • Texas Hold ‘Em
  • Seven-Card Stud
  • Five-Card Draw
  • Chinese Poker
  • Omaha

Each of these poker games has a few common elements: You place your bet on the hand you have, or you can fold them. You will then receive additional cards to try and improve your hand. In the end, the person with the best hand wins.

Poker is a fun game for gamblers because it requires a lot of skill and technique. Each poker player has a different strategy for how they approach the game and gain advantages over their opponents.

With poker, however, you also have to recognize patterns and rely on your instincts to win games.

Keep in mind that luck isn’t as big of a factor when it comes to playing poker.

You can check how good you are against real opponents online.

Where to Play the Most Popular Casino Games

Instead of going to in-person casinos, you can always gamble with real money online. You have access to many reputable websites that are safe to use and offer fast payouts.

The top online casinos also have tables with live dealers, provide cash bonuses when you make several deposits, and accept Bitcoin. That’s only a chunk of their advantages.

Take the opportunities they offer to enjoy playing some of the most casino popular games of your choice!

Petko Stoyanov
Get in touch with Petko
About Petko Stoyanov
My name is Petko Stoyanov, and I've been a gambling writer for more than ten years. I guess that was the natural path for me since I've loved soccer and card games for as long as I can remember! I have a long and fairly successful history with English Premier League betting and online poker, but I follow many other sports. I watch all big European soccer leagues, basketball, football, and tennis regularly, and I keep an eye on snooker, volleyball, and major UFC events.