Exploring Different Gaming Options

There's nothing quite like going to a casino. The sights, the sounds, the community amongst players. It's an experience that is truly unlike any other. And the highlight of any trip to the casino is, what else, the games! Casinos offer a variety of games for players to enjoy and it's always fun to see which games players prefer over others. What tips and 'can't miss' ways to win at casino games or the superstitions players use to win. Now, mind you, none of that guarantees you a win, but it's always fun to experiment with different betting strategies. The gaming options offered by a casino are the backbone to any casino operation. That's why today, we're going to take a closer look and examine all the different gaming options casinos offer to players. We'll take a look at how to play the games, the kinds of games offered, the variations and everything else players can expect. So what are we waiting for! Let's get right to it!

Slot Machines

There is no casino without slot machines. Slot machines have that allure that other casino games do not. They're easy to play - probably THE easiest - and come with the chance of hitting huge, life changing jackpots. You add those two factors together and you get some of the most popular - if not THE most popular - casino games of all time. Slots are player friendly and don't require any special skills or strategies. That makes them perfect for both new and seasoned gamblers.

And slots have the flare and presentation that other games do not. There's sights, themes, sounds, animations - it's truly an immersive gaming experience. These games are fun, easy and can lead to some life changing wins with just one single spin of a penny. You can't get that with any other type of casino game.

Slot machines have come a long way as well. They can be traced back to the late 1890's with Charles Fey's 'Liberty Bell' slot. This simple, 3 reel slot with horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and, of course, the Liberty Bell, would pave the way for the slot machines we all know and love today.

Of course, today, slots have been aided by evolution. They feature more reels, more graphics, sights, sounds, animations and bigger payouts. The themes have also advanced to include things like horror, adventure, action, movies and TV, animal, nature and dozens of more. Players can spend an entire day at a casino and enjoy dozens of different themed slots. The options seemingly never end!

And it's not only the themes that have expanded in number. The types of slots themselves have also grown, giving players even more chances to win big. Let's take a look at some of the different options slot machines offer…

Classic Slots

These slots are in the vein of the 'Liberty Bell' slot. They typically are 3 reels and feature a limited amount of paylines - usually one to three. They'll feature the classic slot symbols like cherries, bells, 7s, bars and others. These slots are perfect for players who prefer that special nostalgia feel and don't need a fancy presentation. These slots are simple as simple can be.

Modern Video Slots

These are the slots that now dominate the casino floors. They feature more reels, usually 5, and feature more paylines as well, which means more chances of winning. These slots can have 3, 5, 7, 9 or even 15 paylines. Or they can have various winning combinations ranging from 234 to 1080 ways to win. They come with themes like horror, music, adventure, animals, nature, sports - pretty much anything you can think of. They are a fully immersive gaming experience with animated graphics, sounds and gameplay. These slots also feature more wild symbols and give players more chances to win with special features like bonus rounds and free spins. These are incredibly popular and they only keep getting better.

Megaway Slots

Megaway slots are a special type of modern slot that gives players a different number of ways to win with each and every spin. This adds a certain level of excitement because you never know how many paylines you'll get on any given spin. A big draw of megaway slots is that one spin can last multiple rounds. That's because winning combinations will disappear and be replaced by new symbols. So as long as there are winning combinations, one spin can last and last - meaning players will rack up big wins. And when you add in the game themes and overall presentation that megaway slots give, it's no secret why they're rapidly becoming one of the most popular slots out there.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpots are modern slots, usually featuring 5 reels, but have an ever changing jackpot that goes up as players play. That's because a small portion of each bet will be added to the jackpot. The jackpots are usually a mini, minor, major or grand. These progressive jackpots will sometimes reach into the millions of dollars and will trigger randomly, meaning that any player could win life changing money at any time. Because of this chance, progressive jackpots are incredibly popular amongst slot players. Progressive jackpots are very rare to hit, so players shouldn't expect to win one every time they play. But it's the randomness in which they will trigger that keeps players coming back.

No matter what type of machine you prefer, there's a slot machine for you. They've come a long way since the 'Liberty Bell', and now offer players dozens of ways to win, bonus rounds, various betting sizes, more paylines, jackpots and an immersive gaming experience that just isn't able to be duplicated by other games. They're simple to play as well, making them the perfect game for any level of gambler.

It's because of this unique allure that slot machines will continue to be popular with players no matter what. There's just something about hitting a big spin, the machine flashing its lights, blaring its alarm and other players celebrating with you. Slot machines will continue to be a central and important part to any gaming experience.

Table Games

Table games have a completely different allure that sets them apart from the other gaming options offered by casinos. Slot machines are typically a solo experience, you're sitting at a machine by yourself and playing. They're also luck based, meaning you don't need to implement any strategies. You just hit the spin button and hope for the best.

Table games are a different animal. First off, you're playing against a dealer and at a table with other players. There's a sense of community and a social aspect to table games that isn't there with slot machines. They also require more skill and strategy - coupled with luck of course - that makes them more appealing to some players. You're going head to head with a dealer and these are the perfect type of games for both new and seasoned gamblers.

And there are many table games that casinos offer players. Let's take a look at some of the most popular ones…

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games of all time. It comes from a variety of European card games, but really took hold once Las Vegas became the gambling mecca of the world. The combination of skill, strategy and luck make it a game of nonstop excitement. The rules of blackjack are simple. You want to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players are going head to head with a dealer, who is also trying to get as close to 21, so whichever side gets closer without going over 21 wins. The cards 2-10 have a value that is the same as their number, while jacks, queens and kings are all worth 10. Aces are worth either 1 or 11, so players can make decisions based on what their other cards are. What makes blackjack so fun and exciting is the amount of skill and strategy that it takes to win. Knowing when to hit - taking another card - staying - when you don't take anymore cards - splitting - when you split two identical cards - doubling - when you double your bet and receive one more card - it's a game of nonstop strategy. And when you add in the social aspect of blackjack it's easy to see why it's so popular. Players are a tables with other players, all trying to defeat the dealer. They're rooting for each other and celebrating every big win and suffering through each loss. Many friendships have been forged at the blackjack table.

Poker

If blackjack is a table game that brings players together, poker is the one that puts them against each other. Don't get us wrong, poker brings players together. There's a sense of community that poker brings with it that is unlike any other table game. Of all the table games out there, poker is the one that comes with the most skill and strategy. But where in blackjack players are all going head to head with a dealer, poker puts them head to head against each other. That gives poker the rare combination of skill, strategy, competition and camaraderie. And while blackjack only have one way of playing, poker has various options. Games like Texas Hold 'em, Omaha, Seven Card stud and others all bring their own rules and strategies. There's something exciting and thrilling about working your other players, trying to bluff your way to a win and taking a shot that your competitors don't have the cards that would beat you. This keeps poker as one of the most popular table games around.

Roulette

Roulette is the classic casino game and typically the one seen as more elegant. It's also easy to play! There's something about the spinning of the wheel and the anticipation watching the ball bounce that gives roulette an added layer of excitement that isn't there with other table games. Players can bet on things like red or black, odd or even, or one on specific number - which pays out the most. There are many strategies in how to bet roulette, and although none will guarantee you a win, it's fun to try different betting strategies so that your coverage of the table differs on each spin of the wheel. Roulette is primarily a game of luck - there's nothing players can do but watch the ball bounce around the wheel - but the betting options that roulette offers can keep this game exciting and thrilling. There's also an atmosphere that roulette brings that isn't there with other table games. A table of surrounded by players, all watching the ball bounce around the wheel, holding out hope that it lands on your number is one of the best parts of gambling. It's a thrilling and exciting game that is easy to play. Both young and experienced players can enjoy everything that roulette has to offer, which makes it easy to understand why roulette remains one of the most popular table games out there.

Baccarat

Baccarat is another classic, easy to play table game. Players are betting on the outcome of two card hand. Either the player, the banker or will there be a tie. It's this simplicity that makes baccarat a popular table game amongst players. There are also the potential for some high stakes wagers that make baccarat a potentially lucrative game. There's a certain elegance to playing baccarat that makes it the preferred game of many high rollers. Baccarat has some pretty simple rules as well, making it easy to understand and play. If either the player or the banker is dealt a total of 8 or 9, both the player and banker stands. If the player's total is 5 or less, the player will receive another card. If the player stands, the banker will hit on a 5 or less. It's that simplicity that baccarat is a favorite amongst many players.

Craps

Craps is one of the most exciting table games on a casino floor. There's nothing quite like a table surrounded by players, all rooting for a player on a 'heater'. Cheering for the dice to bounce the right way and hit the right number is a thrill like no other. Craps isn't the easiest game to play, but once players get the hang out of it they can experience all the fun. The concept of craps is to roll a number with the two dice and then roll that same number again before a 7 is rolled. When there is a number marked by the 'pucks', that means the number is what the player will be trying to make before a 7 is rolled.

A 'come out' roll is the beginning of the game and that means there is no point established. If the next number rolled is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, then that is the point of the game. The shooter keeps rolling, trying to hit that point before a 7 is rolled. If 7 rolls before the point number, the shooter loses control of the dice and a new shooter takes his place.

Craps brings with it a sense of community and thrill that other table games don't. There's more action with rolling the dice than there is with simply watching cards being dealt. Craps is truly a casino experience that every player should experience at least once.

Sports Betting

There may not be a form of gambling that's grown in popularity as much as sports gambling has in recent years. It brings a type of excitement that is unique. Each casino has a dedicated area for sports betting called the sportsbook. This will usually include stadium like seating and dozens of screens showing various sporting events and scores. There's an atmosphere that sportsbooks have that is truly special. Dozens of players all rooting for players and teams, it's a unique experience unlike any other. It's almost like you're at a live sporting event. Sports betting has many different bets that players can place, and they each have their own set of rules. Let's take a look at some of the more popular forms of sports betting…

The Spread

The spread bet is one of the most popular bets that sports gamblers can place. The spread is a certain amount of points that the oddsmakers think a game will be played within. The favorite - the team thought to be better - will always have a negative point spread because they will be 'laying' points, meaning you will take away the spread from their final score. The underdog - the team thought to be inferior - will have a positive point spread, meaning they will be 'getting' points. That means you will add their spread to the final outcome.

Let's take a football game for example. Let's say the spread is a 5. That means the Favorite will have a -5 and the Underdog will have a +5. That means a bet on the Favorite must have them win the game by MORE than 5 points. So if they win the game 30-20, your bet would win because even after 'laying' the 5 points, the score would be 25-20. However, if the Favorite wins 23-20, your bet would lose because -5 would make them losers in the final betting score.

If you bet on the Underdog at +5, they could lose the game but you could still win your bet. So if they lose the game by a score of 23-20, you would win the bet because they are 'getting' 5 points. So the final betting score would be 25-23.

The spread bet is a fun bet because it gives players more options to win their bet with.

The Moneyline

The Moneyline bet is another classic sports bet and one that takes away all the importance on how much a team wins the game by. A Moneyline bet is simply picking a team to win outright. That's it. If you pick Team A to win and Team A wins, then you win your bet. The Moneyline bet will have odds associated with by teams. The favorite team will have a negative odds number while the underdog team will have a positive odds number. So for example, you will see odds like -110 for a favorite and +150 for an underdog.

So, if you were to bet on a favorite a -110, you would need to wager $110 to win $100. That's because the favorite is seen as the better team so you the risk is lower.

If you were to bet on the underdog team at +150, a $100 bet would win you $150. Underdogs are seen as not as likely to win, so a bet on them is seen as higher risk and will pay out more. The more unlikely the team is thought to win the higher their odds will be.

The over under bet

The over under bet is a bet that doesn't have anything to do with the final outcome of the game. This is a bet that is all about the total points that are scored. So for example, let's say a football game has an over under set at 40 points. A bet on the over would require the COMBINED score of both teams to be over 40. An under bet would need the COMBINED score of both teams to be under 40. This bet is different because you're not putting your money on one team to win, you're just rooting for teams to score or not to score.

Parlays

Parlays are especially popular because they can lead so some truly huge winnings. Parlays are putting 2 or more bets on the same ticket. The more bets that are included, the higher the odds and potential payout will be. However, parlays are difficult to hit because in order to win, ALL the bets must hit. So if you had a parlay with 10 bets, ALL 10 bets need to win in order for your parlay to hit. If you hit 9 out of the 10 bets, your entire parlay would be a loser. You can mix and match what you put on a parlay as well, different sports, different bets like spreads, Moneylines and over under. Parlays are thrilling and potentially lucrative - you just need some luck!

Props

Prop bets are unique in that they don't necessarily have anything to do with the final outcome of the game. They are more focused on what specific players do. For instance a prop bet in football would be Player A having over 150 yards receiving or Player B scoring at least 2 touchdowns. There are also game props as well, which focus more on what the teams do rather than who wins. Examples of game props in football would be 'both teams kicking a field goal' or ' will there be a safety scored in the game'. Props are considered 'exotic' bets because they are focused on specific actions and stats rather then which team will win.

Exclusive High Roller Rooms

Within the wonderful world of casinos, there is another world that is usually off limits to most of the gamblers. These are the exclusive high roller rooms. They are usually behind velvet ropes and guarded by staff. They also sometimes feature exclusive bars and lounges that offer accommodations that aren't available within the regular casino floor.

Everyone dreams about being able to play a high roller room, but most players can't. That because the bet sizes are usually too high for most bankrolls. Players need to have large bankrolls, able to withstand a series of losses. There's also a certain environment that is unique only to high roller rooms.

They are exclusive

This goes without saying, but these high roller rooms are only for a certain type of player. This gives the player a sense of importance and that the casino is taking care of them. These rooms will have fewer tables but because the number of players are limited, the high rollers won't have to wait around for a seat at the table.

They are personalized

These high roller rooms will also go out of their way to cater to the players and give them personalized care and attention. This could be in the form of drinks and food or the dealers knowing their names. This is just another added perk of playing in the high roller rooms.

They offer rewards

While all casino games offer rewards to players if they use their rewards card, high roller rooms take those gifts and perks to another level. The more a player plays in the high roller room, the more perks they'll receive from the casino. It's all to keep the player happy so that they continue playing in the high roller room.

The advantages of high roller rooms go beyond the perks. Obviously, the biggest perk is the opportunity to win big. The higher the bet size, the bigger the payout. Of course, the bigger bet sizes means the higher chance that players can rack up substantial losses in a short amount of time. To combat that, casinos have implemented responsible gambling programs within their high roller rooms. If they believe that a player has a tendency to continue to gamble even though they are losing thousands of dollars, the casino will step in in order to safe the player from himself. It's all a way to keep players happy and safe.

There are also different high roller rooms available as well…

High Roller Slots

High roller slot rooms usually have a mixture of classic and video slots. The difference is where players can spend small amounts on the normal floor, the minimum bets of high rollers slots are usually $5 or even $10. They will also go as high as the thousands, giving these slots the potential to pay out life changing amounts. But slots are a game of luck, so players should be aware of that and use responsible gambling tactics.

High Roller Table Games

These rooms will usually feature blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat. The minimums will usually be $25 or even $50, and once again go as high as the thousands. These games are played by very serious players so even if you have the means to play high roller table games, you should be aware that those playing it will have a different mindset than those playing the normal table games.

High Roller Poker

High roller poker rooms have only the best - and biggest bank rolled - players. The games are played with large amounts and the pots can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. The players are usually very skilled, so just because you might have the means to play the high roller poker room, that doesn't mean you should.

All in all, high roller rooms offer a certain experience that isn't available to just anyone. It's an upgraded way of playing and is an experience that is no available to every player.

Conclusion

So there we have it! Our comprehensive look at the different gaming options available to players at a casino. Whether it's slots like the classic 3 reel or more modern 5 reel, megaways or progressive jackpots, the slot rooms on a casino floor are always packed and full of excitement. Playing slots is a must at any casino, and when you hit it big there's nothing quite like it.

Or maybe you prefer the table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps or poker. These games all have their own benefits and bring with it a sense of community and camaraderie that other games don't. Whether it's sitting at a blackjack table and bonding with your fellow players as you both go head to head against the dealer, or playing roulette and watching with a table full of players as the ball spins and bounces around the wheel, table games are a classic casino experience.

Perhaps you want to gamble on sports - like so many players are doing nowadays. Each casino has a sportsbook section which is always packed with players cheering for their preferred team. This is an atmosphere unlike any other in a casino - it's more like a sports bar than casino - but it's an experience that every sports gambler needs to experience. There's just something about it that can't be duplicated.

Or maybe you have a bigger bankroll and you want to experience the higher end of what casino gaming has to offer. If that's you, then the exclusive high roller rooms or for you. Whatever it's slots or table games or poker, these high roller rooms are tailored specifically to players with large bankrolls. The games here are more serious than on the regular casino floor - but the chances at winning huge amounts won't be found anywhere else.

Whatever your preference is, casinos have the gaming option for you. Pick and choose, mix and match or stick to one. No matter you choose to do, you'll have an experience that is exciting, thrilling and hopefully money making!