Slots are simple games of chance, but you can improve your chances of success by selecting high RTP options. Our experts have explained how to win at slots.
Online Casino Games
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The term ‘online casino games’ has now come to incorporate several casino game genres as software providers become more creative in the types of games they feature.
In this casino games online guide, we shall go through the most popular game genres and provide useful links to the best tips on how to play. We also feature trusted casinos where you can choose to play your preferred online casino game.
Popular US casino games by type
The best USA casinos offer a good range of casino game genres to ensure that different players can find a game that fits their specific preferences. Below you can find some of the most popular casino games you can find within the online gaming world:
The good news? The majority of US online casinos offer a free demo version of each casino game you decide to play. This means that you can play free slots and free live dealer games to test out the game and learn the tricks well before actually betting on real money games.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games, as they offer a simple format, fast-paced action, and the chance to win a large payout from a single spin. You simply need to choose your bet size, hit the play button, and await the result, so slots are perfect for beginners.
They also provide a great deal of variety. You can play a classic 3-reel slot with simple graphics and a low level of volatility, or you can select a new Megaways slot with more than 100,000 paylines, sharp graphics, a large jackpot, and lots of bonus features. Slots come in dozens of different themes, from Ancient Greece and the Wild West to outer space and a zombie apocalypse, so there’s something for everyone.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular table game at land-based and online casinos. The format is easy-to-understand, as you just need to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. However, it is important to learn when to hit, stand, split cards, and double down.
If you master the basic strategy, you will benefit from a very low house edge. Classic blackjack has a 0.5% house edge, and some online blackjack games have an edge of just 0.14%. By contrast, slots have a house edge of approximately 4% on average, so blackjack appeals to players seeking high theoretical payout rates.
Video Poker
Video poker games are widely available at the best casinos in the country. They provide rapid action, broad betting limits, and a low house edge if you make the correct strategic decisions. These games allow you to play against the house, rather than competing against rival players in poker tournaments or cash games.
You simply need to build the strongest possible five-card poker hand, and you can earn large multipliers by compiling hands such as a royal flush or a straight flush. There is no need to bluff or set traps when you play video poker, and the action moves along at a fast pace, so it is perfect for casual players.
Roulette
Roulette has been popular ever since it appeared at the glitzy casinos in Monte Carlo back in the 1860s. This game provides a greater sense of theater than blackjack, baccarat, or video poker, as the sense of anticipation as the ball rolls across the spinning wheel can be palpable.
There are lots of betting options, from individual number wagers to popular side bets like red/black and odd/even. Players also enjoy pursuing positive or negative progression systems, such as the Martingale and the Paroli. Roulette has a higher house edge than blackjack and video poker, but it does not require any strategic depth.
Craps
Craps is the most popular dice game at casino resorts in the United States. A craps table will often generate a raucous atmosphere, as players cheer on the shooter and celebrate each win, creating a sense of camaraderie. Online casinos have replicated the experience via virtual craps and live dealer craps games, which offer the same range of betting options.
Craps requires more strategic depth than roulette, but it also has a significantly lower house edge if you make the right bets. Our guide explains which bets carry the lowest house edge, and it highlights the sucker bets that should be avoided. This should boost your chances of success when you play online craps.
Scratch Cards
Online casino scratch cards are virtual versions of the actual scratch-off lottery tickets you buy from dedicated shops. From your online casino, you can find a variety of scratch cards, generally listed under ‘Instant Games’. The game is easy to play – you simply “scratch” a digital to reveal hidden symbols or numbers,. Any matching combinations means you land wins.
Scratch cards have become a US popular casino game choice mostly because they are fast and easy to play. The advantage of online scratch cards over physical ones is that some games incorporate bonus features or multipliers to boost winnings.
The most popular casino games to play
Slots, blackjack, online poker, and roulette are the most popular types of casino games, but there are lots of different variations to consider. We have highlighted the top games within each category below.
1. Divine Fortune – Most popular slot game
Divine Fortune is a progressive jackpot slot from NetEnt, which is available at most real money online casinos in the United States. The theme is Ancient Greek mythology, with symbols such as a Minotaur, Pegasus, and Medusa appearing on the reels.
This 5-reel, 20-payline slot has a return to player (RTP) rate of 96.59%. That equates to a 3.41% house edge, which is lower than the average slot. The progressive jackpot can exceed $1 million at some online casinos, so this game is popular with players hoping to earn a large reward from a single spin.
2. Zappit Blackjack – Most popular blackjack game
This is an entertaining blackjack variant, which allows you to “zap” your hand if you are dealt 15, 16, or 17. The round then ends, and you get your money back. That is a useful feature, as those hands are unappealing.
However, there is an extra rule when you play Zappit Blackjack: you will not win if the dealer goes bust on 22, as your bet will be graded as a push instead. That increases the house edge to 1.13%, so you will benefit from a lower house edge if you play classic blackjack instead.
3. French Roulette – Most popular roulette game
French roulette offers a house edge of just 1.35%, which is significantly lower than European roulette and American roulette. Whereas American roulette wheels feature a single zero and a double zero, there is only a single zero pocket on a French roulette wheel.
Some French roulette games have a rule called la partage, which earns you a 50% rebate if the ball lands on the single zero. Others have a rule called en prison, which gives you the chance to win your money back on the next spin if the ball lands on zero. Those rules are unavailable on European roulette games, so the French version is the best option.
4. Game King – Most popular video poker game
Bonus Poker, Bonus Poker Deluxe, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, Triple Double Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, Deuces Wild Bonus Poker, and Joker Poker.
The basic idea is always to create the best five-card poker hand, but the payout rates and odds vary according to which variant you select. Deuces Wild is the game with the lowest house edge (0.28%), and Jacks or Better is the most popular video poker variant.
5. Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em – Most popular poker variant
Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em is the most popular table poker game at online casinos. This game is similar to video poker, as the goal is to create a strong five-card hand, but your hand is compared to a dealer’s hand at the end of each round. You will receive two cards, and there will also be five community cards, so this game appeals to Texas Hold’em fans.
This game is slightly more complex than video poker, Caribbean Stud, and 3 Card Poker, and it also gives you the chance to bet aggressively if you like. The house edge is just 0.73% if you make the right strategic decisions.
Live dealer casino games
These games allow you to connect with a real dealer, who will be located in a professional studio or a land-based casino. They are designed to replicate the experience of visiting a physical casino, but you can play on your phone or computer whenever you like, so they are more convenient.
You can make your plays and watch each round unfold in real time. The host will deal the cards or spin the wheel, and a chat box will allow you to communicate with the dealer and your fellow players. These are some of the most popular games to play at best live dealer casinos.
Live dealer blackjack
You will find a wide range of blackjack games at leading online casinos such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and Caesars Palace. They range from classic blackjack to fun variants like Lightning Blackjack and Quantum Blackjack.
Another popular option is Infinite Blackjack, which ensures you will never need to wait for a seat to become available. If traditional online casinos are not legal in your state, you can play live dealer blackjack with standard or coins at High 5 Casino, Chanced Casino, Stake.us, Fortune Coins, or McLuck.
Live dealer roulette
Many players prefer live dealer roulette to virtual roulette games, as they do not rely on a random number generator to provide the results. They also tend to provide a more interesting visual spectacle than their virtual counterparts.
The best real money online casinos for live roulette include FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars Palace Casino, and BetMGM. They offer American and European variants, plus games like Lightning Roulette. If you are not in a state with traditional online casinos, you can play live French roulette, European roulette, and auto roulette at Chanced Casino.
Live dealer craps
Craps is another popular live dealer game. The dealer will use a mechanical shooter to throw the dice down the table, and you can place wagers such as /don’t , come/don’t come, multi-roll bets, and single roll bets.
There is typically just one live dealer craps game, which is supplied by Evolution Gaming. You can play this game at apps like BetMGM, BetRivers, and DraftKings in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. If you are outside of those states, a social casino called BetRivers.net allows you to play live dealer craps for fun.
Where to play casino games online
Our experts have identified the top five online casinos in the United States. We have included three traditional online casinos, plus two sweepstakes casinos, which are available in most states.
BetMGM Casino
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- More than 4,300 games in New Jersey, lots of options in other states
- Available in MI, NJ, PA, WV
BetMGM offers a wider range of slots than rival online casinos. The range includes lots of exclusives, many of which have large progressive jackpots, and players can benefit from regular bonuses and loyalty rewards too.
Caesars Palace Casino
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- Hosts approximately 900 games in some states
- Available in MI, NJ, PA, WV
Caesars Palace Casino provides a large welcome bonus, an excellent rewards program, fast payouts, as 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat. The app does not have as many games as BetMGM, but it is easy-to-use and ideal for beginners.
BetRivers Casino
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- More than 2,300 games in New Jersey, strong range in other states
- Available in MI, NJ, PA, WV
BetRivers is another elite online casino that offers a wide range of games, lots of ongoing bonuses, and instant payouts. This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking slots with daily progressive jackpots and a wide array of live dealer games.
WOW Vegas
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- More than 1,000 video slots available
- Legal in every state except for ID, MI, NV, and WA
WOW Vegas is the best social casino for slots players in the United States. You can play more than 1,000 video slots from a wide range of providers via the highly-rated WOW Vegas app or the website.
McLuck
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- Hosts more than 750 games
- Legal in every state except for AL, GA, ID, KY, MI, MT, NV, and WA
McLuck is another high-quality social casino that offers regular bonuses and a smooth experience. You can play approximately 750 slots at McLuck, and it also hosts live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat games.
How to play casino games
You can learn how to play the most popular online casino games at PlayUSA. Our experts have explained how each game works in simple , and they have also provided their top tips to boost your chances of success.
Blackjack
Our beginners’ guide to blackjack discusses the basic rules and provides examples of blackjack rounds to help you understand this popular table game.
Roulette
This guide breaks down your roulette betting options and highlights the payouts. We have also delved into the different variants and explained how a round unfolds.
Craps
Craps is a complex table game, so our experts have explained everything you need to know in clear, simple . Discover the best bets to place and the various payout rates.
We offer strategy guides for the different online casino games
The more you know your game, the better the chances of landing wins. We at PlayUSA have devised specific casino guides for each game type in most online casinos. Our experts have explained the key strategic principles for anyone interested in playing slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, or video poker.
Slots strategy
Basic strategy simply requires you to familiarize yourself with the rules, features, and payout rates on each slot. Ideally, you should choose slots with high RTP rates and potentially lucrative bonus rounds.
Slots RTP
The RTP rate tells you the theoretical payout that an average player can expect from a slot over a prolonged period. Our guide explains how to find slots with the best RTP rates.
Slots bonus rounds
You can unlock multipliers, free spins, and large prizes if you trigger the bonus round of an online slot. Click the link to learn more about bonus rounds.
Blackjack
Playing free blackjack online can help you master the optimal strategy. When you play for real money, it is important to find a blackjack game with a low house edge, and you should also have a thorough understanding of the odds and payouts.
Blackjack strategy
Blackjack has a very low house edge, but only if you learn when to stand, hit, split cards, and double down. Our guide explains how to play perfect blackjack.
Blackjack odds
Blackjack odds highlight your chances of winning each hand and the payout you can look forward to. Make sure you choose a game that pays 3:2 on blackjack.
Roulette
You can click the links provided below to learn more about roulette strategy, odds, and payouts, along with our top tips for online roulette players.
Roulette Strategy
Roulette is another simple game, but you can improve your theoretical payout rate by selecting the right version. We have also rounded up the most popular roulette betting systems.
Roulette tips
This guide provides our top six tips for roulette players. We have highlighted the best games to play and discussed the importance of claiming online casino bonuses.
Roulette odds & payouts explained
There are lots of different roulette betting options, including single number bets, splits, streets, and side bets. This guide explains the payouts and probabilities on each bet.
Craps strategy
Craps is an entertaining casino game, and it also carries a low house edge if you know which bets to make and which options to avoid. Our experts have provided their top tips for online craps players and discussed how to read the odds.
Craps tips
It is important to understand the house edge on the various craps bets. This will help you avoid the sucker bets and stick to the most attractive options.
Craps table
A craps table may initially look daunting, but you will realize that the setup is actually pretty straightforward after reading our guide.
Craps odds
Understanding the odds is paramount to mastering craps. Our experts will explain how to read craps odds and discuss why they are so important.
Video poker
Video poker has become another option for players who like to indulge in a more immersive experience when trying their hand at poker. We at PlayUSA have provided a guide for our players in the US. More details below.
Video poker
This in-depth guide lays out the perfect strategy for anyone interested in playing Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild video poker games.
Casino games players also like
Baccarat
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- Popular table game, which is available all leading online casinos
- Best sites include BetMGM, DraftKings, and Chanced Casino
Baccarat is a simple, elegant table game that offers fast-paced action. This game is very popular in Asia, but it is also widely available at US casinos. You can bet on the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or a tie, but the banker bet has the lowest house edge.
Let It Ride
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- Poker-style game invented by Shuffle Master founder John Breeding
- Available at traditional online casinos such as FanDuel and DraftKings
This table game is a variation of five-card stud, which is based on three player cards and two community cards. The format is straightforward, and you can win up to 1,000x your bet if you get a royal flush, so Let It Ride is popular with poker players. However, it has a higher house edge than video poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Mississippi Stud
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- House-banked poker game introduced by Shuffle Master CEO Mark Yoseloff
- Available at BetMGM, BetRivers, and other leading online casinos
Mississippi Stud is a table game that was created to capitalize upon the poker boom of the 2000s. This game is different to most other house-banked poker games, as your hand is not compared to a dealer’s hand. In this regard, Mississippi Stud is similar to video poker, and it has a low house edge too.
3 Card Poker
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- Debuted at Mississippi’s Grand Casino Gulfport in the 1990s
- Available at casino apps such as BetMGM and Caesars Palace
This is a straightforward poker-style game in which you are dealt three cards. There are two popular side bets: Pair Plus and 6 Card Bonus, which offers payouts of up to 1,000x. You can play virtual 3 Card Poker at most traditional online casinos, and some offer a live dealer version of the game too.
Ultimate Texas Hold’em
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- Offers more betting options than most other table poker games
- Play it at BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Palace, or DraftKings
This popular house-banked poker game allows you to bet more aggressively than 3 Card Poker and Mississippi Stud. You can bet 3x or 4x the ante after receiving your two starting cards, which gives you the opportunity to capitalize upon strong hands. If you play correctly, Ultimate Texas Hold’em has a house edge of just 0.73%, which is competitive.
