Types of Casino Games: A Complete UK Player’s Guide
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What Types of Casino Games Can You Play Online?
Brick-and-mortar casinos typically only offer limited entertainment, like table games (blackjack, baccarat, and roulette) as well as slots and fruit machines.
Their atmosphere and immersion is unmatched to this day, but sometimes physical casinos could get stale and boring pretty quickly, especially if you had to travel far to get there.
Thanks to the advent of online casinos, though, you can now enjoy all of these games and more, online via the internet, all from the comfort of home.
With so much choice, it can be hard to figure out exactly what games are right for you, so let’s break it down:
- Table games reward those who enjoy strategic decision-making and typically offer the best odds.
- Slots provide variety with thousands of themes and features, from classic fruit machines through to complex Megaways games and progressive jackpots.
- Live dealer games combine online accessibility with the atmosphere of a real casino floor.
- Specialty games suit players seeking quick results or unique formats like crash games and Slingo.
This page is designed to help you discover which game types suit your preferences, with links to detailed pages for each category.
We’ve organised everything so you can quickly compare options and find your ideal starting point – whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to try something new.
Casino Game Categories at a Glance
Before exploring each category in detail, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide where to start.
We’ve summarised the key characteristics of each game type so you can match your preferences to the right category.
RTP figures shown are typical ranges, as individual games vary considerably.
| Category | Popular Games | Skill Level | Typical RTP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table Games | Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat | Low-Medium | 97-99% | Strategy-minded players |
| Slots | Video Slots, Megaways, Jackpots | None | 94-97% | Entertainment seekers |
| Live Dealer | Live Blackjack, Live Roulette | Low-Medium | 97-99% | Authentic atmosphere |
| Instant Games | Crash, Scratch Cards, Slingo | None-Low | 94-97% | Quick results |
Table Games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat)
Table games bring classic casino experiences to the online sphere.
Games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat form the backbone of traditional casino gaming, having existed for centuries.
Many, like blackjack, also offer the best mathematical odds available, making them popular with players who appreciate value.
Strategy often plays a meaningful role in several table games, giving you some control over outcomes rather than relying purely on luck.
You can use the boxes below to find out a little snippet about each game and click through to our dedicated game guide pages.
Blackjack
The most popular table game globally. Players aim to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Basic strategy can reduce the house edge to under 1%, making it one of the best value propositions in any casino, with Multiple variants are available online.
Learn more
Roulette
A wheel-based game where players bet on where a ball will land. European roulette offers better odds (2.7% house edge) than American roulette (5.26%). The game appeals to both casual players making simple bets and serious players using more considered betting strategies.
Learn moreBaccarat
A comparing card game between player and banker hands. Simple rules and a low house edge make it popular with high rollers and casual players alike. The banker bet offers a house edge of just 1.06%, among the lowest of any casino game.
Craps
A dice game offering numerous betting options. While complex initially, craps offers some of the best odds in the casino. The pass line bet carries just a 1.41% house edge. Online versions provide an excellent way to learn the mechanics with RNG and live dealer versions.
Read moreOnline Slots and Slot-Based Games
Slots dominate online casino game libraries, typically accounting for 80% or more of available titles.
Modern video slots in 2026 feature elaborate themes, bonus rounds, and potential for large wins – often worth thousands of pounds in cash.
The slots category has evolved dramatically from simple fruit machines we remember fondly from pubs to complex games with cascading reels, expanding wilds, and other innovative mechanics that make your head spin when you look at the paytable.
Outside of your typical slots, there are now also hybrid games that combine slot elements with other formats, gaining significant popularity among UK players.
Video Slots
The standard online slot format. Multiple paylines, bonus features, and varied themes suit every preference. You’ll find slots based on mythology, adventure, and virtually any theme imaginable. Features range from free spins to multi-level bonus games. UK casinos typically carry anywhere from 1,000 to 8,000+ video slot titles.
Learn moreMegaways Slots
Variable reel mechanics offering thousands of ways to win on every spin – often up to 117,649. The Megaways mechanic, licenced by Big Time Gaming, has been adopted by numerous providers and remains extremely popular with UK players. Titles like Bonanza Megaways and Temple Tumble Megaways helped establish the format.
Jackpot Slots
Jackpot games are online slot machines that offer an exciting twist on the more traditional games, with prize pools often in the range of hundreds of thousands of pounds – either in the form of fixed or progressive jackpots. They have lower RTPs but bigger max win potentials.
Learn moreSlingo Slots
A format combining slots with bingo mechanics. Fill patterns on a grid for prizes – a slot reel determines which numbers you can mark off. These games offer a different pace and gameplay style that appeals to both slot and bingo fans.
Learn moreExplore Our Latest Slot Reviews
Slots are our bread and butter here at Fruity Slots – after all, the clue’s in our name!
Over the years, we’ve reviewed thousands of games and have literally seen it all: from variable RTPs and dramatic volatility swings to huge maximum wins, engaging bonus features, and all the dead spins in between.
Have a browse through our latest slot reviews from the past few days, or head to our main reviews hub to find out more.
Live Dealer Games and Live Game Shows
Live dealer games stream real dealers from professional studios, with award-winning providers like Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Ezugi, and Evolution Gaming leading the charge.
The way it works is that you can bet and interact in real-time with genuine human dealers and other players, getting a taste of real casino play from your screen.
All the while, you’re assured of complete game fairness with high-definition video and multiple camera angles.
Below, we’ve listed the most popular types of live casino games for UK players.
- Live Blackjack: Multiple tables with varying limits and side bets. Standard and VIP tables suit all bankrolls.
- Live Roulette: European, Speed, and Immersive variants available at most UK live casinos. Some tables feature slow-motion replays of the ball drop.
- Game Shows: Innovative money-wheel formats like Crazy Time, Dream Catcher, and Monopoly Live copying the thrill of classic TV game shows and board games.
Specialty and Modern Casino Games
This broad category includes modern casino games that stand apart from slots and table games.
Many new formats and games have emerged in recent years, appealing to players who want something different from the traditional offerings.
These formats typically feature fast gameplay, instant results, and straightforward rules, with rounds often taking seconds, rather than minutes.
Some of these games have become particularly popular with UK players seeking quick-session entertainment without the pace of a full slots session.
Crash Games
Fast-paced games where a multiplier rises until it crashes. Cash out before the crash to win. Titles like Aviator are the most popular. You must decide whether to take guaranteed winnings or risk holding for higher multipliers.
Read moreScratchcards
Digital versions of physical scratchcards, offering instant results and. Instant results and simple gameplay. Prices typically range from 10p to several pounds per card, with top prizes at some titles reaching six figures.
Read moreLottery
Keno and lottery-style games offering regular draws. Just pick your numbers and wait for results. Some games feature draws every few minutes, while others follow fixed schedules. Many UK casinos now offer major international lotteries
Read moreBingo
Bingo doesn’t have to be for older people: it’s been reimagined for online, with themed rooms, bonus rounds, and community chats. You’ll find either bingo rooms which is played live with other players or solo video bingo.
Read moreHow to Choose the Right Casino Game for You
Finding your ideal casino game depends on several factors, and we’d always advise asking yourself a few questions before starting off.
Consider what you want from your gaming experience, how much time you have, and your appetite for risk.
Remeber that there’s no universally best game – only the best game for your specific preferences and circumstances at a given moment.
Prefer quick results? Slots and instant games provide immediate outcomes. Scratchcards reveal results in seconds. Crash games offer rapid rounds lasting under a minute.
Enjoy strategy? Blackjack and video poker reward skill development. Learning basic strategy genuinely improves your odds. These games give you meaningful decisions that affect outcomes, unlike purely luck-based formats.
Want social interaction? Live dealer games offer real-time chat with dealers and sometimes other players. Bingo rooms feature active chat communities with hosts and regular players who return session after session.
Seeking big wins? Progressive jackpots and high-volatility slots provide potential for larger payouts.
Understanding RTP and House Edge by Game Type
What is RTP?
Return to Player (RTP) indicates the theoretical percentage of wagered money a game returns over time. For example, a 96% RTP means £96 returned per £100 wagered on average.
This is a long-term mathematical average across millions of spins or hands, not a guarantee for any individual session.
Short-term results can vary dramatically from stated RTP figures, which is why you should treat RTP as a useful comparison tool rather than a session prediction.
What is House Edge?
House edge is the inverse of RTP. If a game has 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. This represents the casino’s mathematical advantage and their expected profit over time.
Games with lower house edges mean you keep more of your money over time – though entertainment value and session enjoyment matter alongside pure maths when deciding what to play.
RTP by Game Category
| Game Type | Typical RTP | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 99.5% | 0.5% | Requires learning optimal play |
| Baccarat (banker bet) | 98.94% | 1.06% | Commission may apply |
| Craps (pass line) | 98.59% | 1.41% | Other bets vary widely |
| European Roulette | 97.3% | 2.7% | Avoid the American version |
| Video Slots | 94-97% | 3-6% | Check individual game RTPs |
| Crash Games | 95-97% | 3-5% | Varies by provider |
| Scratch Cards | 80-95% | 5-20% | Generally lower than other games |
Casino Games FAQs
-
What are the main types of casino games?
The main categories are table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps), slots (video slots, Megaways, progressives), live dealer games (streamed with real dealers), and specialty games (crash games, scratch cards, slingo, bingo, lottery). Most UK casinos offer all these categories, though selection depth varies. -
Which casino game has the best odds?
Blackjack with basic strategy typically offers the lowest house edge (around 0.5%). European roulette (2.7% house edge) and baccarat (1.06% on banker bet) also provide strong odds. These figures assume optimal play where applicable. Slots generally have higher house edges (3-6%), though they compensate with entertainment value and jackpot potential. -
What casino games can beginners play?
Slots require no learning and are ideal for complete beginners. Simply set your stake and spin. Roulette is straightforward for newcomers, with simple bets like red/black or odd/even. Scratchcards provide instant results with no decisions required. -
Are online casino games fair?
UKGC-licenced casinos use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs). Games are regularly audited by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI to make sure fairness. Results are genuinely random and not influenced by previous outcomes or your betting patterns. Choosing licenced casinos is essential for guaranteed fair play. -
What is RTP in casino games?
Return to Player indicates the theoretical percentage of wagered money returned over time. A 96% RTP means £96 returned per £100 wagered on average across millions of plays. Individual sessions can vary dramatically from this figure. RTP is useful for comparing games objectively. Higher RTP means better long-term value, though entertainment factors and volatility also matter when choosing what to play. -
Can you play casino games for free?
Yes, most casinos offer demo or practice modes for RNG games. You can try slots, table games, and some specialty games without registration or deposits at many sites. Free play uses virtual credits with no real money involved. -
What is the difference between live and RNG games?
RNG (Random Number Generator) games use computer algorithms to determine outcomes. They run instantly whenever you choose to play. Live dealer games feature real human dealers working from professional studios, with results determined by physical equipment (cards dealt, wheels spun). -
Which casino games require skill?
Blackjack rewards learning basic strategy, which can reduce the house edge by up to 2%. Video poker similarly benefits from optimal play decisions. Poker involves significant skill in reading opponents and managing bets. Craps requires understanding which bets offer the best odds. Most other casino games are primarily luck-based, though understanding rules and RTP helps you make informed choices about what to play. -
Are casino game apps the same as desktop?
Generally yes – modern casino apps provide the same games as desktop versions. Most use responsive design, meaning one platform adapts to all devices. Some older games may not be fully mobile-optimised. Live dealer games work well on mobile, though screen size affects the experience.
How We Rate Online Casino Game Selections
The FruityMeter is our in-house scoring system designed to rate casinos across 12 categories that matter most to players, producing an objective overall score.
For game variety assessment, the Fruity Slots team will spend several hours examining each casinos total game counts, provider diversity, and category coverage.
Our methodology combines quantitative metrics (game counts, provider numbers) with qualitative assessment (game quality, categorisation, search functionality).
Quality matters alongside quantity. We favour casinos featuring established providers known for fair, well-designed games over those padding numbers with obscure or low-quality titles.
Each casino receives scores from 0-10 across all categories, with the average from each individual category used to come up with the final overall rating out of 10.
Obviously, the higher the number, the better the casino (in our opinion). You can find out more about our FruityMeter methodology here.
Final Verdict on Online Casino Games in the UK
Online casinos in 2026 offer an unparalleled amount of variety when it comes to games. With the various games available, with that can sometimes come decision paralysis.
Hopefully, this page has helped to shed some light on the types of casino games available, and which ones might be best for you, depending on how gameplay works and their odds.
All of the casinos reviewed on Fruity Slots will offer a selection of different casino games, including online slots and table games, so you’ll never be stuck for something to play.
They’re all also fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC as a minimum, meeting our standards for fairness, safety, and overall player experience, so you can sign up with confidence.
If you decide to play any of the casino games listed on this page, remember to bet within your means, set limits, and play responsibly.
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Maya Sattar
Head of Content
Jamie Rosen
Online Casino & iGaming Expert