If you step into any major casino, the choice of different games can be very overwhelming. There’s a lot going on with all of the flashing lights and noises and for a newbie, it’s difficult to know where to begin. The same could be said of online casinos, where the choice of games is even more expansive. How do you choose the right casino game for you? Here we explore the factors that you should consider.

Pure Chance Or Elements Of Skill?

People play casino games for a number of different reasons. You may want to just relax and see how it goes, or you may be the kind of person who likes to have at least some control over the outcome.
Casino games vary in skill level. Some of them require absolutely no skill, such as slots or roulette. You turn up, make your bet, and even if you know nothing at all about the game the odds of winning remain the same.

Card games tend to offer more opportunity for skill and meaningful decision making. Take Blackjack, for example, which gained its popularity as an intellectual maths game. In blackjack, you can decide whether to ‘Hit’, ‘Stand’, ‘Double’ or ‘Split’ on every hand. This decision matters, getting it right will improve your odds. Application of basic blackjack strategy can reduce the house edge to as little as 0.5%.

If you want to play a game of skill like blackjack or poker, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the game. If that’s not what you want to do, stick to the chance-based games, learn the rules and play at your own leisure.

Social or Self?

Casino games also offer varying degrees of social contact and engagement. Slots, for example, are a very introverted game. There is just one player to a machine and you could find that you don’t talk to another human for the duration of play. If you want to switch off and zone out, choose something like slots.

Many of the traditional casino games are at least somewhat sociable. Poker involves sitting with others around a table. At home, it can be very sociable. At a casino, it can be a bit more serious. Blackjack and craps are good sociable games, as is roulette if you want exhilaration and a laugh with friends.

Bingo is enjoyed for its social elements. It is still engaging having to listen out for the numbers, but leaves plenty of opportunities to talk with other players. Online bingo often features live chat, so players can still socialize if they wish.

Online Or Live?

Nearly all casino games are available both live and online. The rules and gameplay remain the same, although online casinos often have more variations. The main difference comes down to the actual experience of playing.

Live casinos involve going out, maybe getting a bit dressed up and taking transport. The upside is the atmosphere and real human connection. Online casinos offer convenience and a greater game selection, as well as generous bonuses. Which one you choose will prefer on your preferences on the night. Do you want to go out for the fun, or stay in and relax?

Online ‘Live casino’ games can offer the best of both worlds. Real croupiers aim to create the atmosphere of a bricks-and-mortar casino, yet players can play online from the comfort of their own home. This is the best choice if you want to stay in, but still want the social elements of casino gaming.

Stakes and Pace of Betting

When choosing which games to play, you should consider both the stakes and the pace of the game. A game like roulette is fast-paced and full of action. You can bet slow if you want, but generally, you can expect to burn through a small bankroll quite fast (unless you pull off a win).

Blackjack is a much slower game with predictable betting patterns, so you can stretch your bankroll for a longer amount of time and settle into the game. A poker tournament can last for many hours, so you have to make sure you have the time and energy to finish it. Choose your game according to the time you expect to be playing.

When it comes to stakes, the golden rule is never to play outside of your bankroll, or bet with money that you are not happy to lose. Always stick to stakes that are fun and responsible, not scary and financially threatening.

Personality and Preference

In the end, it’s always a matter of personality and preference. Introverts may prefer slot games or stick to online casinos. Those looking to socialize may want the exhilaration of roulette or craps, whereas more frugal players may stick to low stakes blackjack and take their time making small bets.

There are so many options available to cater to these different tastes. You don’t have to pick one game either. The game you choose will also depend on your mood.