In both the physical and virtual worlds, casino gaming has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past decade or so. As a business sector it’s a big success story in what are difficult economic times, and this in turn means igaming companies are not afraid to plough more investment into making the games even better, thereby attracting still more players. It’s a virtuous circle and the upshot is that there are more newcomers trying their hand at casino games every day. The most fundamental question they face is what game to try.
Casino games broadly fall into two categories – slots and table games. Watch any newcomer in a physical casino, and he or she will inevitably gravitate to the solitary comfort of the slot machines. Table games, where you have to interact with a dealer and other players can seem a little more daunting. Players can have exactly the same reservations when playing online, as live dealer tables featuring a real, human dealer or croupier are becoming the norm. However, those who avoid the table games are making a big mistake, as they are missing out on both a fun experience and a possibility to walk away with some winnings. Here’s why:
Better chance of winning
Most table games are developed from much older games where there was no house edge. In baccarat, blackjack and craps, for example the house edge is between one and two percent. In European roulette it is 2.7 percent. Slots, on the other hand typically have a house edge between four and seven percent.
Controlling your destiny
Table games provide far more opportunities for strategic play. Sure, there are some modern slots with bonus games that require some skill, but it is mostly a case of trusting to luck. With a game like blackjack, though, the deeper you go into the strategy, the better the chance of success and you can reduce that house edge still further to less than one percent.
Having fun
Whether you play online or in a physical casino, you should be doing so for fun, not profit. After all, we all know the house always wins in the end. With that in mind, sitting playing cards or roulette, chatting with the dealer and maybe interacting with other players is far more enjoyable that sitting or standing watching reels spinning.
Easing the pace
Another consequence of the “house always wins” axiom is that your overriding strategy should always be to make your bankroll last as long as possible. A slot game can swallow your money in next to no time, while table games have a slower pace, meaning fewer bets placed per hour.
But there’s still a place for slots
Of course, slots have their positive characteristics, too. There’s an ever-growing choice, and the latest ones are about more than just spinning reels. They also give that outside opportunity of hitting a huge jackpot, a little like playing lotto. However, if you are new to casino gaming, don’t ignore the table games, as these are where the most fun and the best chances of long-term success really lie.