Types of Gambling » Most Popular Forms of Betting & Games

The most popular gambling forms include:

Slots: Slots are the simplest type of gambling game and come in loads of different variations, such as video slots, classic slots, and 3D slots. No matter the game type, all slots involve spinning a reel to try and land winning combinations of symbols.
Blackjack: Blackjack is one of the most popular card gambling game types and sees players competing against the dealer and trying to make 21. Many variants are also available to speed up play and introduce new rules or side bets.
Poker: Poker is another of the most played gambling card game types. Unlike blackjack, players here compete against each other to create the strongest hand. The rules can vary drastically between variations, with the most popular including Texas Hold’Em and Five-Card Draw.
Games of Chance: These are the most common gambling game types you’ll find at casinos and are based entirely on luck. This category includes games like slots, roulette, and lotteries.
Sports: Sports gambling game types differ from games like slots as the outcome is based partly on skill. Players can use their knowledge of the sport to more accurately predict the results. Sports betting is available for almost every sport, with the most popular ones being soccer, basketball, rugby, and cricket.

Read on as we take an in-depth look at all these gambling types. Here, you’ll learn about where each game type is legal, its competitive scene, and where you can play (online and off).

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Sports Betting

Historians have recorded evidence of sports betting from over 2,000 years ago in Ancient Greece. Nowadays, it’s still a staple of online and physical casinos. The massive selection of sports makes up a large portion of most sites’ list of gambling games. The growth of online gambling has led to dedicated sports betting sites called sportsbooks. It’s also one of the most skill-based forms of gambling, as players can use their knowledge of their favourite sports teams and players to make more accurate predictions.

Sports betting involves wagering on the outcome of any sports event. Bookmakers tend to offer loads of bet types that let you customize your bet. You’ll be able to wager on anything from the final result to the point difference between teams.

While sports betting is legal in most countries, some sports are more prevalent in certain places. For example, football is more popular in Europe than in the US, while cricket is most popular in India. Read on to learn about all the different sports betting game types.

Football Bets (Soccer)

What are football (soccer) bets? Football betting is the most popular type of sports betting in Europe and other parts of the world. Football betting can be as easy or complex as you like, thanks to the vast range of bet types that cater to many player preferences. Online football betting makes the process even easier, as players only need to click and gamble.

In Europe, standard football, or soccer, is the more popular sport. Events like the English Premier League are watched worldwide and contribute to the game’s popularity in many other countries. The main soccer bet types are:

Asian handicap: Asian handicap is the name for spread bets in European countries. They work the same as spreads.
1X2: Similar to Moneyline bets, 1X2 wagers let you bet on the winner of a match. The difference is that you can also bet on a draw.
First goalscorer: This risky yet straightforward wager has you betting on which player will score the first goal.
Over/Under: The same as American over/under bets.
Halftime/Fulltime: This straightforward bet type gives you the option to wager on the score at halftime or full-time.

American Football

American football is the most bet on sport in the US. The NFL (National Football League) is the most popular league, with the Super Bowl being the most bet-on event in the US. Here are the most popular bet types for American football.

Props: A props bet is any bet that isn’t related to the final result of a game. For example, you can wager on which team will score first or reach a certain number of points.
Over/Under: Also called ‘totals,’ over/under bets will have a specific score set by bookmakers. Players must then bet on whether the total score of both teams is over or under this number.
Moneyline: Moneylines are the simplest bet type and wager on which team will win a game. The bookmakers will always favour one team, and winning bets on the favoured team will pay out less than bets on the underdog.
Futures: Futures are bets on events that haven’t been completed. Usually, they involve betting on the overall winner of an ongoing tournament. Bookmakers show the payout and odds of future bets with a + and -. A – bet is favoured and will pay out less, while a + bet is less favoured and pays out more.
Spread: Spread bets are similar to moneylines and allow bookmakers to even the odds between two teams. For example, the bookmakers will set a ‘spread’ of +4 for the underdog team. This gives them a theoretical lead, meaning the opposing team must win by at least four points.

eSports Bets

As one of the sports that’s grown in popularity in the last couple of years, eSports offers load of options. Unlike everything else on the list, this sport combines different video and mobile games. These include options like Overwatch 2, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Mobile Legends, League of Legends, World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, and more.

Since there are so many games, each one has its own distinctive competitions and events. Some of the most popular ones include The International, LCS, Overwatch Champions Series, and more.

You can place many different types of bets, depending on the game you choose. Some of them include:

Outright Winner – When there is a tournament, you can almost always bet on the potential winner. Some bookies consider this a “long-term bet”.
Over/Under – The so-called Total bet can come in many different variations, and it depends entirely on the specific game. In League of Legends, for example, you can wager on Over/Under a certain number of kills.
Handicaps – Handicap betting is popular across many sports and eSports is not an exception.

Basketball Bets

What is basketball? Basketball is a sport where two teams compete to try and shoot a ball through their opponent’s hoop. Its defining feature is that the ball can only move by being passed or bounced along the ground. The game was invented in 1891 in Massachusetts, leading to basketball becoming one of the most popular sports in the US. It’s also become popular in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the Philippines.

The most well-known basketball league is the NBA (National Basketball Association), which includes famous teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics.

Some of the most common basketball bets you’ll find at sportsbooks include:

Totals: Totals, or over/under, also work the same way in basketball. These bets involve predicting whether the total score between both teams will be over or under a predetermined number.
Spread: Spreads in basketball work the same as in other sports. Players must predict the point difference between teams to win the bet.
Halftime lines: Halftime lines are similar to spread bets but can only be placed at halftime. The odds change to take into account the performance of both teams in the first half.
Props: Like in other sports, prop bets are not related to the final outcome. The most popular prop bets in basketball usually involve the number of assists and rebounds during a match.
Futures: Futures bets involve predicting the overall winner of an ongoing tournament. In basketball, events like the NBA are hugely popular for bettors.

Other common bet types, like moneylines, are also usually available when betting on basketball.

Race Bets

What are race bets? Race betting is any wagering on races, from horse racing to motorsports to even running. This game’s gambling tends to offer simpler bet types, making it easier to get into. Horse and greyhound racing has the following main bet types.

Win: A simple wager on which horse or dog will take first place.
Place: A bet on your horse or dog coming first or second.
Show: A wager on your hose or dog coming first, second, or third.

Here are the main bet types for motorsports, with many being similar to horse/greyhound bets.

Race winner: A bet on the overall winner.
Fastest lap: A wager on which driver will have the fastest lap time.
Podium finish: This bet will win if the chosen driver finishes first, second, or third.

Many racing sports also feature prop bets. Examples include matchup bets, where you choose two drivers and bet on which will finish ahead of the other.

Horse Races

Horse racing is a popular type of race betting in many countries, including the US, UK, and UAE. Learning how to play horse races is the same as any other form of race betting, and you can take what you’ve learned into different gambling games. Before going into it, it’s best to learn about the sport’s most popular events, which include:

Kentucky Derby (US): This event has been hosted every May at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack since 1875. Despite the popularity and prestige of the event, the race typically only lasts two minutes.
The Grand National (UK): This race was first held in 1839, and riders race over four miles with 30 fence jumps. The event is held over three days during April.
Dubai World Cup (UAE): The Dubai World Cup is a more recently established horse race first held in March 1996. Its defining feature is its massive prize pool that includes a $10 million prize for first place.

Greyhound Races

Learning to play greyhound races can be more difficult than other sports, as it’s less popular than horse racing or motorsports. As such, not every sportsbook will offer betting on greyhound races. Thankfully, the sportsbooks that offer greyhounds have a wide range of bet types that cater to all players, from those that enjoy all in gambling to those that prefer to place small bets. Despite this, there are still a handful of prestigious events that fans should know about.

Sandown Cup, Australia: This event features 24 races over three days with a prize of $25,000 for first place.
Coral Champion Stakes, UK: While many greyhound races are hosted at Romford Stadium, the Coral Champion Stakes is one the largest. The event is held every August and features a 575-meter track.
Shelbourne Gold Cup, Northern Ireland: The Shelbourne Gold Cup features a 480-meter track that dogs must complete over several events.

Car Races

If you want to figure out how to play car races, you should familiarize yourself with the most famous motorsports races. Motorsports betting is one of the more popular forms of race betting, and you can find it on most types of casino games lists. Car racing events cover many racing types, from F1 to desert rallies, so here are the main ones to look out for.

Dakar, South America: The Dakar Rally has been held in various regions, from North Africa to South America and Saudi Arabia. This gruelling off-road race features treacherous terrain and daily distances of up to 560 miles.
Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco: The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous events of the F1 World Championship. The race is held on the streets of Monaco, with drivers often reaching speeds of 180 miles per hour.
Indianapolis 500, US: The Indy500 is another popular racing event, especially in North America. The race is 500 miles and has been going since 1911.
24 Hours of Le Mans, France: This race was first held in 1923, making it the oldest endurance racing event. The Circuit de la Sarthe race track is made up of a dedicated track with closed-off public roads. Drivers and manufacturers have the challenge of balancing the car’s speed with its ability to run over 24 hours.

Volleyball Bets

What is volleyball? While not as popular as basketball, volleyball is still played worldwide, especially in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands. It’s also one of the more popular types of online gambling. Many of the most famous volleyball events are organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), including the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

While volleyball shares many bet types with other sports, here are some of its more unique options.

Set bets: Volleyball matches are split into five sets, and players can bet on which team will win each individual set.
Tournament bets: These wagers cover a range of bet types that involve tournament predictions. Examples include the overall winner or which teams will get knocked out first.
Correct score: This bet type involves wagering on the final score in terms of sets won. Beach volleyball is played over three sets, while indoor volleyball matches have five sets.

Table Games

Table games are a staple at online and physical casinos everywhere. These gambling games combine skill and luck to create an engaging and thrilling experience. The most-played examples include baccarat, roulette, and blackjack. Since any casino game played on a table falls under this category, there is many options to pick from.

Many of the most famous table game types have been around in various forms for centuries. The origins of roulette can be traced back to the 18th century. At the same time, early versions of blackjack have been played since the 17th century. Craps is one of the oldest known table games, evolving from a 14th century English dice game named Hazard.

The introduction of the internet has helped these games spread worldwide. For example, blackjack has been around since the 16th century, but it took over 200 years to arrive in the US. Online casinos let everyone access all these table games from anywhere.

Thanks to this, table games have become incredibly popular, helped by the players’ huge range of options. Poker, blackjack, and roulette come in many variants, so you can pick the one with rules that suit your preferences.

Additionally, most table games have a level of skill involved. Games like blackjack and poker require you to make decisions that could give you a better chance of winning. Of course, there are also luck-based games like roulette, making table games one of the most diverse categories of casino games. This also means you can always find a game to play, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced player.

Blackjack

What is Blackjack? Most historians agree that modern blackjack evolved from the game of Vingt-En, meaning ’21’, which was first recorded in France and Britain in the 18th century. The game arrived in the US in the early 1800s and gained blackjack at the end of the century.

Blackjack’s popularity comes from its simplicity and fairness. The house edge is low compared to other casino games, meaning players have a better chance to win.

Unlike most forms of poker, all players at a Blackjack table are playing against the dealer. This makes it a less popular choice for social games.

The game’s goal is to make a hand of 21 without going over. Each card is worth its face value, and Aces are worth 1 or 11. You can find blackjack at most physical and land-based casinos, although not in some countries that have banned all gambling. These include Cambodia, Singapore, and Qatar.

Classic Blackjack

Classic Blackjack (also called American Blackjack) is played with either one or multiple 52-card decks, depending on the casino. The rules on how to play Classic Blackjack are as follows. Players place an initial bet before receiving two face-down cards. The dealer receives one face-up and one face-down card.

Play proceeds around the table, and each player can ‘hit’ to receive a new card or ‘stand’ to keep their hand. You lose (‘bust’) if your hand’s value exceeds 21, and play continues until everyone has either stood or gone bust.

The dealer then reveals their face-down card. They then ‘hit’ if their hand total is below 17. Otherwise, they ‘stand.’ This repeats until they reach 17 or ‘bust.’ All players then reveal their hand, and the winner is the one closest to 21.

The defining feature of Classic Blackjack is that if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, they must look at their face-down card. If it’s a 10 or face card, this is called natural blackjack, and they immediately win the round. However, you will be offered insurance if the face-up card is an Ace. This extra bet will win if the dealer has a natural blackjack.

Players have two more options depending on their cards. If your hand contains two cards of the same rank, you can ‘split’ them to form two hands. You’ll need to place another equal bet on the second hand. You must then play out one hand until you ‘bust’ or ‘stand’ before moving to the next one. If you split two Aces, you can only receive one extra card per hand.

The other option is to ‘double down.’ This involves doubling the bet on your hand and agreeing to only receive one more card.

European Blackjack

European Blackjack is the older version of the game and follows almost the same rules. If you want to learn how to play European Blackjack, remember that the dealer’s face-down card isn’t revealed until the end of the game, even if they receive an Ace.

This version can be riskier for players if they ‘double down’ or ‘split,’ as they can lose multiple bets if the dealer has a natural blackjack.

Face Up 21

Face Up 21 is a simpler version of blackjack where all cards are face-up. If you know the rules of Classic Blackjack, then you’ll know how to play Face Up 21. The only exceptions are that the player wins if they and the dealer both have blackjack in the opening hand. However, the dealer wins all other ties.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

Rather than a different type of gambling game, perfect pairs blackjack is a side bet offered while playing some forms of blackjack. This variation adds an extra side bet to the game. You can make a perfect pairs bet if you think your starting hand is a pair. Players must choose between mixed pair (only the rank matches), coloured pair (the rank and colour matches), or perfect pair (same suit, rank, and colour). Since this side bet can be included in any variation, you don’t need to learn any new rules to learn how to play perfect pairs of blackjack.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a variation where all rank 10 cards are removed from the deck. This makes it much less likely to get a natural blackjack; for both players and the dealer. However, learning how to play Spanish 21 can take some time, as the game has many rules changes from other blackjack ways of gambling.

Poker

What is poker? Poker is a card gambling game that involves two or more players betting on who has the most valuable hand. This table game has been around since at least the 18th century and now has over 10 million players worldwide, according to the World Poker Tour.

There are many variants of poker, and most are simple to learn. General gameplay involves creating a hand of cards that’ll beat your opponents. The multiple decisions you have to make along the way give the game its signature depth. While the specifics differ between variants, the value of hands from highest to lowest remains the same. These are:

Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, and 10 of the same suit
Straight Flush: Five sequenced cards of the same suit
Four-of-a-Kind: Four cards of the same rank
Full House: Three cards of the same rank alongside two cards of a different rank
Flush: Five cards of the same suit
Straight: Four sequenced cards
Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank
Two Pair: Two cards of the same rank alongside two cards of a different rank
Pair: Two cards of the same rank
High Card: In case of a draw, the highest valued card wins (Ace is the highest)

You’ll find poker at most land-based and online casinos, although some countries have banned the game, like the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Israel.

Hold ’em

Hold ’em, or Texas Hold ’em is the most popular poker variant. Players get to create their hands using community cards shared by all players. This differs from draw and stud poker, where players only have their own hands to work with. Thanks to this, and the game’s simple rules, Hold ’em is the easiest form of poker to play.

Texas Hold ’em dates back to the early 20th century, where it was invented in Texas before spreading throughout the US. So how to play Hold ’em? Each player receives a two-card hand, and a round of betting begins. Players can also ‘fold’ to sit out the round. The dealer then deals three face-up cards (the ‘flop’) to the middle of the table.

After another betting round, the dealer adds another card (the ‘turn’) to the community cards. Players then bet again before the final card (the ‘river’) is dealt. After a final betting round, the remaining players reveal their hands, and the strongest five-card combination wins the jackpot. Players can combine any of the cards in their hands with the community cards to try and create a winning combination.

Video Poker

Video Poker is a newer form of poker played on a machine with simpler rules. The game was invented in 1970 and became popular in casinos as it was less intimidating than playing at a full poker table.

Since video poker only has one player, you may wonder how to play video poker. Once you’ve placed your bet, the machine will deal you with five cards. You can choose to keep any number of these, and the machine will replace the others with new cards. You’re then paid out according to the value of your hand.

Since you’re playing against the computer, you only have your own five cards to worry about. This means video poker is the simplest version of poker available.

Seven Card Stud

Seven Card Stud was one of the most played poker variants before Texas Hold ’em became popular in America. Older stud poker variants have been around since the 18th century.

The main difference between Seven Card Stud and Hold ’em poker is the presence of face-up cards for each player. The rules on how to play Seven Card Stud are simple to learn as community cards aren’t featured, meaning each player must use their own seven cards to create a five-card hand.

In a game of Seven Card Stud, each player first receives two face-down cards and one face-up card. After everyone has bet or folded, players receive three face-up cards and one face-down card. These last four cards are dealt one-by-one, followed by a betting round. After the final round, everyone reveals their cards and chooses five, with the strongest hand winning the pot.

Seven Card Stud is more complex than Hold ’em as you need to keep track of each player’s cards and what they might have. This also means Hold ’em is better for larger games, as Seven Card Stud becomes more challenging as you add more players.

Five Card Draw

Five Card Draw is the simplest of the three main poker types and the least popular. Its simple rules make it the easiest version to learn besides Video Poker.

The game was invented before 1850 and became popular in California between 1930 and 1970. Its simplified rules also became the basis for Video Poker.

With its lack of face-up cards, learning how to play Five Card Draw is easy. Each player is dealt five cards before the first round of betting. After this, everyone has the chance to discard any number of cards and replace them with new ones. A final betting round occurs, and the remaining players reveal their hand, with the strongest one winning the pot.

Roulette

Roulette is another of the most popular table games, mainly due to its simplicity. Unlike poker and blackjack, roulette is entirely luck-based. This means you don’t have to worry about strategy and keeping track of cards.

The game was invented in the early 18th century in France. It involves players betting on where a ball will land after being spun on a wheel. All wheels have 36 numbered red and black pockets, and the main difference between variants is the number of zero pockets. These green-coloured pockets represent a win for the house, as they don’t count as red or black.

European Roulette only has one zero pocket, meaning your standard bet on red or black is just below 50:50. American Roulette wheels feature two zero pockets: a single zero and a double zero. This increases the house edge and makes the game less favourable for players.

French roulette has one zero pocket and features a different betting board layout. It also adds two new rules: ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison.’ If you’ve placed an even money bet and the ball lands on zero, the ‘La Partage’ rule will return half of your bet. The ‘En Prison’ rule gives you the option to leave your even-money bet on the table for the next round if the ball lands on zero.

Craps

What is Craps? Craps is a table game played with a pair of dice that developed from a 14th century English dice game named Hazard. After arriving in the US in the 18th century, the game was simplified, eventually becoming modern Craps.

While the game was initially rejected in the USA, it gradually rose in popularity. Thanks to Las Vegas casinos and later online gambling, Craps is now a staple table game at casinos worldwide.

While craps can seem complicated due to the large board, remember that you’re always betting on the outcome of the dice roll. Once you learn the different bets and basic rules, Craps becomes one of the simplest table games. The game is also entirely luck-based, so there’s no strategy involved.

If you want to learn how to play Craps, simply follow this example game.

The first dice roll is called the ‘come out.’ If the player rolls a 7 or 11, it’s a ‘pass bet’ or ‘natural.’ If they roll 2, 3, or 12, it’s a ‘don’t pass bet’ or ‘craps.’ Both of these outcomes will end the round, with a ‘pass bet’ being a win and a ‘don’t pass bet’ being a loss.

If the result is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number is now the ‘point’ number, and a new betting round occurs. All players must bet on ‘pass’ or ‘don’t pass,’ and play continues until a 7 or the ‘point’ number is rolled. A 7 now becomes a loss, and the ‘point’ number becomes a win.

Craps is available at many online casinos, although the game is banned in California. While there are a handful of casino-type variants, there is less diversity with Craps than other table games.

Baccarat

What is Baccarat? is one of the oldest ways to gamble, dating back over 500 years. Despite this, it’s still very popular at casinos worldwide, both online and off. The game is luck-based and plays similarly to blackjack. Players bet against the banker on which hand is closer to nine.

To begin a Baccarat game, place a bet on whether your hand or the dealer’s hand will win (you can also bet on a tie). All cards are worth their rank value, except for face cards and tens, which are worth zero. Aces are worth one.

Once bets are placed, the dealer and player receive two face-up cards. If the hand’s total exceeds nine, the hand’s value instead equals the second digit of the total. For example, a hand valued at 14 will only be worth 4. If any hand reaches eight or nine in the first two cards, the round immediately ends.

The player will receive another card if their hand is valued between zero and five. If their hand is valued at six or seven, they don’t receive another card.

If the player doesn’t draw, the banker follows the same rules for their third card. Otherwise, their following action depends on the value of the player’s third card.

Snap

What is Snap? Snap is a casual type of gambling game that’s one of the easiest table games to play. The game uses one deck dealt out to all players, and players don’t need to have equal hand sizes. Players aren’t allowed to look at their hands and must keep them face-down in a pile.

Players take turns turning over the top card of their pile and placing it in the middle. If the card being played matches the rank of the last card played, all players must call out ‘Snap.’ The first player to call this wins the pile of cards in the middle. The game ends when one player has collected all the cards to become the winner.

Go Fish

What is Go Fish? This casual type of gambling is a table and card game that you won’t find offered by many casinos. Despite its casual nature, the game’s history dates back to 1851.

Go Fish is played with a standard 52-card deck, and players compete to collect more ‘books’ than anyone else. A ‘book’ is any four cards of the same rank, such as four Kings or four Aces.

If the game has less than four players, everyone receives a starting hand of seven cards. With four or more players, everyone only receives five cards.

Once everyone has been dealt a hand, the player will start to the dealer’s left. They can choose any player and ask for any specific rank of cards, such as Kings or 10s. If the chosen player has any of the named cards, they must give them to the current player. They can then take another turn and ask the same player for a different card rank or ask another player for cards.

If the chosen player doesn’t have the card, they must say ‘Go Fish.’ This means the current player must draw a card from the deck. Once they’ve drawn, the next player takes their turn. Play continues until all ‘books’ have been collected, and the player with the most ‘books’ wins.

If a player is left with no cards during the game, they must draw a card from the deck. The player loses if they have to draw from an empty deck.

Hearts

What are Hearts? Hearts is an evasion-type ‘trick taking’ type of gambling game where players try to end the game with the least amount of points. The game usually involves three to six players, and each player receives an equal number of cards. Before the game starts, some cards are removed from the deck to ensure everyone gets an equal number of cards.

The two clubs are removed for three players, while the two clubs and diamonds are removed for five players. The three and two clubs and the two diamonds are removed in a six-player game.

The player on the dealer’s right starts by placing a card in the middle. This is called the ‘trick,’ and each player must place a card of the same suit on top. Players can play any card if they don’t have the same suit card. Once everyone has played, the player that played the highest-ranking card of the starting suit wins the pile of cards.

The winner then starts another round. Play continues until all tricks have been used, and the winner is the player with the least amount of points. Each heart counts for one point, while the Queen of spades is worth 13 points.

Hearts isn’t a common game due to its complicated rules, although its strategic elements appeal to some players. This also means it isn’t usually available at offline and online casinos.

Slots

Slots are casino games of chance that involve spinning reels to try and land winning combinations of symbols. Slot machines have been popular in land-based casinos in America since their invention in the late 19th century. The rise of online casinos has made slots more popular than ever, as digital slots can take advantage of high-quality visuals and more complex features.

Slots come in a massive range of types, each with several reels, pay lines, bonuses, and symbols. They also come in many visual styles and themes, so you can find one that appeals to you.

Since slots are a staple of online casinos, you can play them from almost anywhere in the world. Beginners can easily enjoy slots since their outcomes are entirely based on luck. While some slots can have complicated bonus features, most games are simple and straightforward.

The most important features to look at when choosing a slot are its RTP and volatility. RTP, or ‘Return to Payer,’ represents the percentage of your total bet amount that you could receive back in winnings over many spins. The higher the RTP, the higher the chance of winning your money back.

Volatility represents the frequency that a slot will payout. A highly volatile slot will feature larger but less frequent wins, while a low volatility game will pay out often but in small amounts.

Classic Slots

Classic slots are the simplest version of slots as they only have three reels. Machines in physical casinos have a lever that players must pull to spin the reels. When playing these games online, players only need to click a button to play.

Most classic slots have little or no bonus features, meaning they are suitable for new players. Some online casinos use the term ‘classic slots’ to categorize older games that could have complex bonus features, so be sure to check the paytable for a game before playing.

Video Slots

Video Slots are the most common slot type and can either be physical machines with computer screens or online slots. All video slots have a paytable that informs players of the game’s symbols, their value, and the combinations required to receive a payout. They also explain any bonus features and how to trigger them. Video slots is a broad term that includes all the following slot types.

Progressive Slots

Progressive slots have a jackpot that grows every time it isn’t won. Whenever you spin the reels, the jackpot increases by a certain amount. This keeps growing until someone wins.

Thanks to the potential for massive payouts, progressive jackpots are one of the most popular slot types. The only downside is that they usually have a lower RTP than other slots.

3D Slots

The defining feature of 3D slots is their 3D graphics. While a few 3D slots are available at physical casinos, such as Aladdin’s Fortune 3D by IGT, most 3D games are found online.

Any game that uses 3D graphics counts as a 3D slot, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Some games use standard 2D reels and only feature 3D graphics in bonus rounds.

Fruit Machines

Traditional fruit symbols define Fruit Machines, such as oranges, lemons, and cherries. They also use classic symbols like ‘seven’ and ‘bar’ icons. Most Fruit Machines have three or five reels and can have any number of bonus features.

The term ‘fruit machines’ is also used as slang for slots in general. One of the earliest slot machines, the Operator Bell, was produced in 1910 and featured these fruit-themed symbols, becoming one of the most popular machines.

5-Reel Slots

5-reel slots have become the most popular slot due to the higher number of symbols, paylines, and bonuses. Many of the most famous slots, such as Book of Dead by Play’n GO and Starburst by NetEnt, are 5-reel slots.

Multipliers

Multipliers are a standard feature found in most slots. While some slot jackpots are a single amount, slots with multipliers will instead feature a number such as ’30x’ on the paytable. This means that the amount you win is based on your bet, so a ’30x’ multiplier jackpot will pay out 30 times your bet.

What Are the Different Types of Chance Gambling Games?

Different types of gamblers enjoy different game types. Chance gambling game types are entirely based on luck. This makes chance gambling games more popular with casual players who aren’t interested in learning complex strategies and rules.

These games are some of the oldest forms of gambling, with keno dating back to the 2nd century BC in China. Nowadays, you can still play lottery games at almost all online and land-based casinos.

Keno

Keno is a bingo-style game of chance that originated in China and spread to the US in the 19th century. It first became popular in Texas and is now offered by most offline and online casinos.

Playing keno involves picking 1, 10, 15, 20, or 40 numbers. There are 80 possible numbers, and 20 are drawn every game. The more numbers you pick that match the drawn numbers, the more you’ll win. Players usually select their numbers in physical casinos using ‘touch’ machines. Playing keno online is much faster as the results are generated quicker.

Crash

Another type of gambling option that is becoming increasingly popular lately is called Crash. The latter is a term used for games where players have to place a bet before the start of the round. Once the bet is placed, users have to use Cash Out before the given object (plane, ball, boat, car, etc.) crashes/flies away/parks, etc.

There are many different types of crash games but the most popular is called Aviator. Some operators have developed their own variations of a crash game, but the rules are usually the same.

If you decide to put these games to the test, you will have different options. The classic Crash title called Aviator will let you wager a given amount of money. You can also use different features, including autoplay, auto Cash Out, and more.

Cash Out is very important in these titles because you need to use it before the plane or the other objective crashes. When it starts flying, you will see a number that will multiply the amount you wager with. The goal is to cash out before the plane crashes, and when you do that, you will get the corresponding amount at the time when you used Cash Out. Using the feature afterwards means you won’t get anything.

Some Crash games offer even more features, such as the ability to chat with other players. Sometimes, you may also see the previous rounds, the biggest wins, and more.

Lottery

What is lottery? Lotteries are a chance gambling game type where players buy a ticket and pick numbers. If their numbers are drawn, the player wins a jackpot. Most lotteries offer smaller payouts for guessing some correct numbers.

Lotteries are available in many countries, some even sanctioning their own national lottery. Thanks to its low cost, it’s one of the best ways to gamble for casual players.

Scratch-Offs

Scratch-offs are physical or virtual cards that feature a set of hidden symbols. By scratching the card, you can reveal the symbols. You can redeem your card for a prize if your card has a winning combination of symbols (you can usually see which symbols you need on a printed paytable).

Physical scratch cards are usually available from shops rather than land-based casinos. They are a great example of gambling in games, as they are cheap and sold in general stores. However, some online casinos offer scratch-card games that tend to pay out more than their physical counterparts. These games are popular with casual players as you don’t need to learn how to play scratch-offs.

State Lotteries

These are government-run lotteries that are available in many countries. The rules on how to play state lotteries are the same as regular lotteries. Players can buy a ticket from most general stores, and part of the ticket cost goes towards the jackpot.

Due to the vast number of tickets sold across the country, state lotteries tend to offer massive jackpots. The odds are also usually very low because of the many players. This allows the government to make a profit through state lotteries.

Flipping Coins

What is flipping coins? Coin flipping is a simple game of chance where a coin is flipped, and players guess if the coin will land on heads or tails. This game is quite rare to find at land-based casinos and is usually only available online.

Coin flipping always has 50:50 odds, as there are only two outcomes. While standalone coin-flipping games are rare, some slots incorporate the mechanic into their bonus features. One example is Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt, which offers a ‘gamble’ feature that lets you guess the outcome of a virtual coin flip after winning. A correct guess will double your win, while a wrong guess will forfeit it.

Bingo

Bingo is another simple chance-based game where players are each given a card with various numbers. The numbers are also printed on balls that are drawn at random. Each time a ball is drawn, the number is announced, and players cross off the number from their card if present. If a player completes their card, it’s called a ‘bingo,’ and they win a prize.

Bingo has been played in Italy since the 16th century. Today it’s a popular casual game at physical and online casinos. There are a handful of variants, such as 80-Ball Bingo, where you have to cross off numbers in a specific pattern, and 75-Ball Bingo, where you can win smaller prizes for matching specific numbers.

What are the other classification methods of gambling game types?

Most online casinos will classify their games according to the categories listed here. One exception is sometimes the separation of ‘table games’ and ‘card games,’ despite being under the same category.

Slots are also usually split into various categories based on their game type, such as ‘jackpot,’ ‘Megaways,’ or ‘classic.’ Besides casinos, sportsbooks sometimes offer non-sports bets during certain events, such as elections. Some sportsbooks even let you bet on the weather.

Gambling Types based on Online and Offline Ways

Offline and online gambling both involve placing a bet on an outcome. All the gambling game types covered here are available at offline and online casinos. Physical casinos need players to gamble, whether at a slot machine, racing event, or poker table. Online casinos offer virtual versions of these games played entirely on a screen.

You can also usually find a broader range of bet types and games online casinos. They also tend to offer better odds for sports games. Online gambling is better if you want to enjoy betting alone, while offline gambling is better for socializing. Visiting a casino or sports event with friends can provide a fun experience.

Gambling Game Types based on Legality

Gambling laws are different in every country. In the US, laws can even vary between states. This makes it difficult to make general statements about countries where online gambling is legal. These laws can even change over time, as is the case in the US. In 1992, federal legislation made sports betting illegal in most states. This law was declared unconstitutional in 2018, and now sports betting is legal in 26 states. Of course, these activities are only allowed under regulation by each state’s gambling authority. Unlicensed casinos are not only illegal but also unsafe for the player.

Thankfully, many reputable licensing authorities license and regulate online casinos around the world. These include:

The Malta Gaming Authority
The Curacao Gaming Control Board
The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The UK Gambling Commission

Gambling Types based on Professionality

Professional gamblers use gambling as their primary source of income. Since these players need to win consistently, professional gambling is limited to games that involve skill, like poker and blackjack. Chance-based games such as slots and roulette are entirely random and aren’t suitable for earning an income.

A defining trait of professional gamblers is their use of strategy. Famous examples include ‘card counting,’ where a player determines the probability of certain cards being drawn from a deck.

Some famous professional gamblers include Doyle Bruson, who played professional poker for over 50 years, and Edward Thorp, a math professor who wrote a book on card counting.

While taking risks is an essential trait of successful gamblers, casual players can still safely practice their social gambling skills. Many online games and apps, particularly social media, offer free gambling games that let you play with virtual currency.

Of course, it’s crucial to regulate your gambling activity to avoid becoming addicted. Gambling addiction can affect anyone and be difficult to notice until it becomes a huge problem that can negatively impact your life. While studying the psychology of gambling, researchers found that betting produces dopamine. This chemical released by your brain creates a ‘feel-good’ feeling that can become addictive.

Gambling addiction has loads of side effects that can impact yourself and the people around you. Problem gamblers tend to borrow money to gamble with, even if they can’t afford to pay it back. It can also cause psychological issues like depression and anxiety.

When choosing an online casino, make sure they have a ‘Responsible Gambling’ page. All regulated sites need to offer one, including links and helplines to organizations that can support problem gamblers. It’s also necessary for licensed sites to provide responsible gambling tools, such as bet limits, deposit limits, and self-exclusion options.

Gambling Glossary and Terminology

Gambling terminology covers a vast range of terms. While it would be impossible to list all of them here, we’ve collected some essential ones to know. Many of these have also been mentioned elsewhere in this article.

Moneyline: A basic bet on which team you think will win a sports match.
Hand: Your hand is the cards you are given to play a card game.
Chip: Chips are small discs that represent an amount of money. When playing at an offline casino, you need to purchase chips to play table games. You can then cash in your chips for cash after you’ve stopped playing.
Totals, Over/Under: This sports wager has you betting on how many points a team will win.
Betting exchange: Betting exchanges are similar to sportsbooks and let you place bets on sports events. The difference is that players are betting against each other rather than the bookmakers. While the variety of bet types is usually the same, the advantage is that players tend to pay less on the odds.
Juice, Vig, Vigish: All these terms refer to the cut that a sportsbook takes whenever you bet. When browsing online sportsbooks, this amount is usually displayed as a number, such as -110. This means the sportsbook charges a 10% cut on every bet.
Odds: Odds are the chances of something happening or not happening. These are displayed in various ways, including decimals (3.00), fractions (5/1), or as negative/positive numbers in America (+50/-50).
Croupier: The dealer of a table game.
RTP: Return to Player. The percentage of your total bet amount that you are likely to earn back over a large number of spins. Playing high RTP games will give you a better chance of earning back your money.
Volatility: Volatility refers to the frequency you’ll win while playing a slot. The higher the volatility, the less often you’ll win, although these wins will be larger. A low volatility game will pay out usually but in smaller amounts.

Since these are only a few gambling terms, we recommend researching a complete list. It’s important to know the correct terminology of the game or sport you want to bet on to avoid making mistakes while playing.

Which Gambling type is most suitable?

There are four main reasons why people like gambling, and it’s up to you to figure out which one you prefer. Certain games cater more towards certain preferences than others.

Once you’ve found what games or sports you enjoy, it’s time to start searching for an online casino or sportsbook that offers them. It’s best to take your time and find one that offers a good variety of games and valuable bonuses.

Which gambling type is best for entertainment?

Gambling as a whole exists purely for entertainment. It’s up to you to try out games and find the ones you enjoy most.

Many online casinos offer demo modes on their games. This lets you play the game for free using virtual credits. Use this feature to your advantage to find games that you enjoy playing before deciding to spend money. Some sports betting sites offer risk-free bets that let you try out sports bets without worrying about losing.

Which gambling type is best for socialization?

Sports betting is an excellent choice for social players. Horse racing and football events usually attract large crowds that create an exciting and fun atmosphere.

Online casinos also offer excellent social experiences with table games. Try looking for live poker or blackjack games where you can interact and play with other people over the internet.

Which gambling type is best to feel better?

All forms of gambling games cause the brain to release dopamine which triggers the feeling of a ‘high.’ If you enjoy playing your favourite casino game or betting on your favourite sport, then it can be a healthy way to unwind. Just remember to play responsibly and not get carried away. As long as you manage your bankroll and know when to stop, gambling is a great hobby that can make you feel better.

Which gambling type is best for money?

Jackpot games such as slots with progressive jackpots tend to have the highest payouts. The jackpot for these games increases with every game played and keeps growing until someone wins. High RTP slots are a great way to play and receive a regular stream of wins if you’re looking for smaller but more consistent wins.

For sports betting, look for accumulator bets/parlays. These bet types let you wager on multiple events at once and can lead to some massive wins if all your predictions are correct.