Online slots are the undisputed juggernauts of the casino world, pulling in players with their bright lights, thrilling themes, and the chance to win big with just a click. They’re digital descendants of the classic one-armed bandits, evolving from levers and gears to screens and software. Yet, the online casino landscape is vast, and there’s a whole other world of excitement beyond the hypnotic spin of slots.
In this article, we’re switching gears from the slots to introduce you to 4 other types of casino games. Whether you’re looking to test your mettle against the dealer or outsmart fellow players, these games offer new challenges and excitement.
Crash Games
A recent phenomenon in the online betting world, Crash games have been introduced as a fresh and dynamic way to engage with digital gambling. They revolve around a simple yet captivating concept: a multiplier that increases as a graphical line ascends on the screen. Players place their bets before takeoff and watch as the potential winnings grow. The catch, however, lies in predicting when the line will crash. If you cash out before the crash, you win your stake multiplied by the number displayed; wait too long, and you could lose it all.
Titles like “Aviator” by Spribe and “Bustabit” capture this essence but add unique twists. In “Aviator,” you’re part of a social sphere, witnessing other players’ bets and cash-outs in real-time, adding a layer of communal experience. “Bustabit,” on the other hand, offers a raw, minimalistic interface, making the experience more intense and focusing purely on the rising curve and the moment of crash.
Both games require technical acumen beyond simple luck. They test your ability to analyze patterns, albeit the randomness, and manage your risk threshold. Timing is everything. Each game round is algorithmically generated, ensuring fairness and unpredictability, while a player’s decision must be swift and precise, often based on a mix of intuition, previous outcomes, and, sometimes, the collective behavior of other participants in the game.
Live Game Shows
Live game shows are the perfect amalgamation of TV-style entertainment with the thrill of real-time gambling. These games stand out with their high production values, charismatic hosts, and interactive features that immerse players in an experience that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new.
Unlike traditional table games that are focused on the gameplay itself, live game shows are designed to create a spectacle. They often feature elaborate sets and are hosted by professional presenters who engage with the audience, adding a personal touch that’s reminiscent of a TV show host. This format draws players into an immersive narrative, where the vibrant personalities and the shared experience with other players amplify the excitement.
Providers like Evolution Gaming lead the pack with titles such as “Dream Catcher” and “Monopoly Live.” These games blend RNG (random number generator) elements with physical components like a spinning money wheel or a real-life Monopoly board, respectively. “Dream Catcher” is straightforward – players bet on the number they think the wheel will stop on, with a direct correlation between the number’s frequency on the wheel and its payout odds. “Monopoly Live” adds layers to this, with augmented reality segments and a bonus game that expands on the simple wheel spin.
Other titles, such as “Deal or No Deal Live” and “Lightning Roulette,” introduce additional gameplay mechanics. “Deal or No Deal Live” replicates the suspenseful decision-making process of the TV show, where players must decide whether to accept a cash offer or hold out for what might be in their chosen briefcase. “Lightning Roulette” combines the classic roulette game with RNG-based lucky numbers and lucky payouts, giving players the chance to multiply their winnings in a flash of lightning effects.
Keno
The game of keno translates the classic lottery-like gambling play into a digital format, allowing users to enjoy it from the comfort of their own devices. Its core remains unchanged: players select numbers, typically between one and 20, out of an 80-number grid, and then a Random Number Generator (RNG) draws the winning numbers. The more of a player’s chosen numbers match the drawn numbers, the higher the payout.
Technically speaking, online keno employs sophisticated RNG algorithms to ensure each number drawn is completely random and fair, echoing the randomness of the live version. The interface typically features a digital iteration of the keno card, a paytable that shows the potential winnings based on the number of matches, and a display of the drawn numbers. Some versions also offer multi-race cards, allowing players to use the same selections over a series of games.
The attraction of playing keno online lies in its straightforward mechanics, quick gameplay, and the transparency of its randomness, with each draw being independently and algorithmically determined. Furthermore, online casinos often enhance the game with graphics and sound to replicate the excitement of watching the numbers pop up, as they would in a physical keno lounge. Despite its simplicity, the game commands a devoted following due to its relaxed pace and the dream of a significant payout for a small wager, all preserved and presented in the digital realm with precision and accessibility.
Bingo
A digital renaissance has been embraced by the classic game of chance, bringing together virtual communities across the globe. Online platforms offer a plethora of variations, from 75-ball to 90-ball and beyond, each with its own set of rules and patterns that cater to diverse player tastes. At the core, these games all revolve around the random drawing of numbers and the anticipatory act of players marking these numbers on their cards.
In 75-ball bingo, the card is a 5×5 grid with 24 numbers and a free space in the center. Players can win by completing lines horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The 90-ball version, favored in the UK, features a 9×3 grid with five numbers and four blank spaces in each row. Wins can occur by completing one horizontal line, two lines, or a full house, which covers all numbers on the card.
Each variation of online bingo maintains the essence of the game while adding unique features. For instance, online platforms may introduce power-ups or special bonuses, which can affect gameplay, such as granting a free space or automatically marking off numbers. The pace can also vary; some games offer rapid draws for a quicker game, while others maintain a traditional, leisurely pace to preserve the social aspect, which is facilitated through integrated chat features.