When most people think of online casinos, the first games that come to mind are often slots and blackjack. These classics dominate casino lobbies worldwide, thanks to their popularity, simple rules, and fast gameplay. However, the world of online casino gaming is far more diverse, offering a wide variety of lesser-known games that provide fresh excitement and unique challenges. Exploring these underrated games can add variety to your playing experience and even improve your chances of finding a favourite that suits your style.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting, underrated casino games worth trying beyond slots and blackjack.
Craps: The Exciting Dice Game
Craps is a dice game famous in land-based casinos but often overlooked online. The table might look intimidating at first glance with many betting options, but once you understand the basics, it becomes clear and enjoyable.
Players bet on the outcome of rolls or a series of rolls with two dice. The variety of bets, from simple pass or don’t pass lines to more specific wagers, means craps can suit cautious beginners or daring gamblers looking for excitement. The social element of craps is sometimes missed online, but many platforms now offer live dealer versions that capture the lively atmosphere.
Aviator: A New Kind of Casino Game
One of the newest additions to online casinos is the Aviator game, which is rapidly gaining popularity. It’s a simple, casual betting game where players predict when a plane will crash after taking off. The longer the plane stays flying, the bigger the potential winnings, but the risk of it crashing adds an exciting edge.
A growing number of players are choosing to play the Aviator game online because the game is easy to understand, quick to play, and offers a fresh experience compared to traditional card or slot games. Its casual nature makes it accessible for beginners, while the strategic element of timing appeals to more experienced players.
Baccarat: Elegance and Simplicity Combined
Baccarat has long been associated with sophistication, often seen in films and casino lore as a game for high rollers. Yet, it remains surprisingly easy to learn and play, making it an excellent option for beginners and experienced players alike.
The goal is straightforward: bet on whether the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie will win. Cards are dealt according to fixed rules, so no complex strategy is needed. Baccarat is fast-paced and offers relatively favourable odds, which makes it appealing for those who want a simple but thrilling card game without the complications of blackjack.
Sic Bo: Ancient Dice Fun
Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese dice game that has found its way into many online casinos. Like craps, it uses three dice, but the betting system is quite different and often seen as more accessible.
Players bet on various possible outcomes of the dice roll, such as totals, specific triples, or doubles. The game’s fast pace and colourful betting board make it entertaining, while the wide range of bets caters to different risk levels. Sic Bo is a fantastic option for players wanting a dice game that’s easy to pick up yet full of strategic possibilities.
Video Poker: A Skill-Based Alternative
Video poker combines elements of slots and poker, offering players a chance to influence the outcome through decisions made during play. Unlike slots, which are purely chance-based, video poker rewards players who use good strategy, such as knowing which cards to hold or discard.
Popular variants include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Video poker games often have some of the best return-to-player (RTP) rates in online casinos, making them a smart choice for players looking for a balance between skill and luck.
Why Explore Underrated Games?
Trying out lesser-known casino games can enhance your experience in several ways. First, it adds variety to your play, keeping your sessions fresh and enjoyable. The thrill of learning a new game and mastering its rules can be rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
Second, some underrated games offer better odds or unique strategic elements that can improve your chances of winning. For example, video poker’s skill-based play or baccarat’s simple yet favourable odds provide alternatives to pure chance games.
Finally, exploring a wider range of games can introduce you to new favourites you might otherwise never have discovered. The online casino world is vast and varied, and stepping beyond the well-trodden paths of slots and blackjack opens up exciting possibilities.