How to Choose a Game - Part 2

In Part 2 of Choosing Your Favourite Casino Game, we take a look at how to further personalize your gaming experience by understanding the fundamentals of each casino game. Everything you need to know is right here just waiting for your perusal!

Why Choose a 3 Reel Slot over a Video Slot
One of the biggest mysteries for new players to unravel is the difference between video slots and 3-reel slots, and all within valid reason. The two have been designed differently and understanding the differences between the two will help you successfully pick the game to tickle your fancy. As we explained in part 1 of choosing your favourite slot game, the major difference between the two is that 3 reeled slots are laid back, straightforward and easy to operate due to their modest layout of only 3 reels and limited variety outside of the core 3 reel game. 

Video Slots on the other hand have more complex layouts and are often designed with 5 reels and multiple paying combinations. Now the reason why a player would choose a 3 reel slot is, possibly because of its very nature. More often than not, 3 reeled slots have a more simplistic pay out structure as there are no bonus features – For example – hit the triple 7’s and get paid out the jackpot. It’s easy to understand, easy to figure out and hugely rewarding when you hit those triple 7’s. The winning result is instant, with no extensive knowledge needed to understand how a win was formed. 

Here are some of the appealing features of 3 reeled slots:

• Quick Spins
• Fewer Symbols
• Simple Paytable 
• Classic Layout 

Why Choose a Video Slot over a 3 Reel Slot
On the flip side, unbeknownst to modern gamers, there may be stronger appeal behind playing video slots due to its desirable layout, bonus rounds and interactive features. Due to the 2 additional reels, there is a perceived increase in opportunity to land a winning combination. This is because video slots accommodate more symbols and, in turn, more combinations that allow for a win. Some video slots feature interactive bonus rounds which allow for additional wins and at times - a game within a game! So rather than being limited to the standard 3 reel slot game, players are welcomed to a diverse gaming environment where the base game of the video slot can unlock a new dimension of interactive gaming. Special symbols have been more commonly designed for video slots, these include wilds, multipliers, scatters and bonus symbols - all of which, often, boost winning combinations and allow for animated graphics to dance across the 5 reels. 

Here are some of other appealing features of video slot:

• Animated Graphics
• Bonus Rounds 
• Special Symbols 
• Easier Wins 

What are Table Games?
Unlike 3 reeled slots and video slots, table games are a form of more classic casino games – the type of game in a James Bond film. Table games require more understanding to win, however, they still require luck. If you have a good understanding of the rules, fair amount of skill - and like any other casino game – luck, then chances are you’ll come out on top! 

With that being said - players may encounter several popular casino table games where their luck will take the win, the most popular being:

• European Roulette
• American Roulette 
• Blackjack 
• Card Clash 

Roulette and blackjack are amongst the most played online casino table games. Card Clash is a slightly different, but equally as popular, unique and creativity card game. Blackjack and Card Clash share the common trait that you’re always playing against the dealer. The difference is that the aim of blackjack is to hit a total of 21, or get as close to, before the dealer, while avoiding busting out, or over 21. Card Clash, on the other hand, is a card game that is based on a classic Game of War and allows players to battle it out with the dealer in a more fast paced and enthralling manner - whoever draws the highest card is the winner – quick, easy and thrilling.

Roulette, both European and American, is also an interactive game that is played against the table, and unlike Card Clash or Blackjack, no cards are required. Rather, a wheel is spun and a dealer throws in a ‘pill’, or ball counter clockwise to the direction of the wheel. The ball eventually settles on a single number. Bets can be placed prior to the ball being release. Players can bet on many outcomes - the colors of the winning number, the exact number, quadrant of the number, odds or evens and many more. This suspenseful casino game is slightly slower than the quick and easy Card Clash but because of the vast betting options, players stand a mightier chance of winning big should lady luck be sitting on their shoulder. 

European Roulette or American Roulette
Though the two table games are ultimately played the same, some features separate the two. The main defining feature is the layout of the game. While American roulette has a wheel of 38 pockets, European Roulette has a wheel with 37 pockets. This makes betting odds against players substantially higher when playing American Roulette as there is an additional pocket. Here is the layout of both roulette variants:

European Roulette

• 18 Red Pockets 
• 18 Black Pockets 
• ‘0’ Pocket 

American Roulette 

• 18 Red Pockets 
• 18 Black Pockets 
• ‘0’ Pocket 
• ‘00’ Pocket

Which Roulette Variant is Better?
Because there is an additional pocket on the American variant of roulette, many would say that the better option for beginners to go with is the European version. The return to player (RTP %) is higher on European roulette based on this factor. Where American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, European roulette has half that percentage, offering a house edge of only 2.70%. The house edge, a common term used in table games, is in essence, the advantage the casino has over the player over a course of time playing the table game. So if you compare the house edge of American and European roulette, it’s safe to say you would know which one is better as a beginner player!