During the lockdown, a unique opportunity arose for gaming enthusiasts and novices alike. The world of online casinos blossomed, offering a safe and exciting form of entertainment when many other options were inaccessible. If you’re a beginner looking to understand the virtual casino landscape, you’re in the right place. Here’s your guide to navigating and enjoying online casino games, specially tailored for you – the newcomer.
The Advantages of Playing Casino Games at Home
They include:
Comfort and Flexibility: At home, you have the privilege of creating a gaming environment that suits your personal preferences, playing without distractions or pressure from others.
Learning at Your Pace: As a beginner, you could take your time to learn the games. Online resources and free-to-play games meant that you could build confidence and understanding without risking your money.
Access to Support: The best online casinos offer customer support to assist with any queries or issues, meaning help was always at hand.
Financial Control: Online platforms offer tools to set limits on your gambling activity, promoting responsible gaming, and ensuring you don’t get carried away.
Technology: Advancements in technology brought crisp graphics and secure platforms, enhancing the overall gaming experience while preserving trust and safety.
Casino Games to Play During Lockdown
There are many casino games but these were good choices to play during lockdown. They offered something unique to UK players and kept them wanting more even while they were behind doors.
Slots: The Classic Casino Game
Here’s an insight into the exciting world of online slot games:
Classic Three-Reel Slots: These are your go-to games if you are nostalgic for the classic casino vibe. They’re simple, straightforward, and fun, perfect for beginners or purists.
Five-Reel Slots: With more reels come more winning combinations. These slots often include additional features like free spins, bonus rounds, and exciting themes ranging from adventure to fantasy.
Progressive Slots: Imagine a jackpot that gets bigger with each spin. That’s what progressive slots offer! As more people play, the jackpot grows until one lucky player hits it big – this could be your golden ticket!
Themed Slots: From ancient civilizations to blockbuster movies and everything in between, themed slots are a fantastic way to engage with your interests while having a chance to win big prizes.
Variations in Gameplay: Online slots come with various gameplay options, including unique bonus rounds and interactive features that make every game a new adventure.
Blackjack: The Game of Strategy
If you find the dazzling lights of slot machines overwhelming, you might want to turn your attention to the strategic game of blackjack. It’s a game you’ve likely played before, even outside the casino, offering a familiar comfort as you dip your toes into online gambling. Here is what you should know:
Understand the Value of Cards: In blackjack, the cards numbered 2 through 10 carry their face value, while Kings, Queens, and Jacks are each worth 10. Aces can be 1 or 11, depending on what works better with your other cards.
The ‘Hit or Stand’ Decision: After receiving your initial two cards, you have to decide: Take another card (Hit) or stick with what you have (Stand)? Balancing risk and strategy here is key to staying under 21.
Dealer’s Role: The dealer also draws cards aiming for the magical number. Remember, the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17, which can influence your strategy.
Splitting Pairs: If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, potentially doubling your chances of hitting a winning combo.
Double Down: Feeling confident? You can double your initial bet after the initial deal, but you only get one more card.
Roulette: The Wheel of Fortune
This game is synonymous with the thrills of the casino – the spin of the wheel, the clink of the ball, and the chance to win big. The variants include:
European Roulette: It’s the classic game you know and love, with a single zero – and it’s possibly the best version for you to start with due to its favourable odds.
American Roulette: This version steps up the excitement with an additional double zero, providing a fresh layer of challenge for you to conquer.
French Roulette: With its special ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ rules, this variation gives you the chance to reduce losses when the ball lands on zero, enhancing your prospects for success.
Multi-Wheel and Multi-Ball Roulette: These exhilarating versions allow you to bet on multiple wheels or play with more than one ball, amplifying the thrill.
Live Dealer Roulette: For the most immersive experience, live dealer roulette lets you interact with a real dealer, feel the atmosphere, and see the action unfold in real time.
Poker: Mastering the Table from Afar
As you venture into the online world of poker, it’s as if you’re sitting at a high-stakes table from the comfort of your own home. The clatter of chips and the intensity of players’ focus can almost be felt through the screen. Here’s how you can begin:
Familiarize Yourself with Hand Rankings: Understand the hierarchy of hands from a Royal Flush down to a High Card. Your confidence at the table will skyrocket with this knowledge.
Learn the Basic Rules: Whether it’s Texas Hold’em or Omaha, the rules can vary, and it’s your job to get the details down to avoid any costly confusion.
Start at Low Stakes Tables: Cut your teeth at tables with lower buy-ins to minimize risk while you’re still learning the ropes and picking up subtle nuances of the game.
Baccarat: The High Roller’s Choice
You’re settling into the luxury of your own home, yet you crave the opulence and excitement of a high-stakes casino atmosphere. Look no further than the elegant game of Baccarat, a favorite among the elite and seasoned gamblers. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Understand the Objective: The goal is simple – bet on which hand, the Player’s or the Banker’s, will get closer to a total of 9, or if the round will end in a tie.
Familiarize Yourself with the Cards and Values: Cards 2-9 are at face value, aces count as 1, and 10s, jacks, queens, and kings have no point value.
Learn the Drawing Rules: If either hand totals 8 or 9, it’s considered a “natural” win. If not, a set of rules determines whether the Player or Banker draws an additional card.
Know the Bets: Apart from Player and Banker bets, you’ve got the option to wager on a Tie, which offers higher payouts but also comes with greater risk.
Final Words
Remember, as you navigate through the world of online casinos, it’s essential to play responsibly and choose a reputable casino. Prioritize those approved by the Gambling Commission and those offering free games, so you can practice. Now go ahead, embrace the world of virtual casinos with optimism, and enjoy the convenience and excitement they offer.
Pamela Reid fights for a more inclusive gambling space. She shares insider knowledge, tackles misconceptions, and champions opportunities for women at every level of the industry. Lately discovering a growing interest in bingo games.
More about Pamela Reid
Age: 45
Experience: Outspoken advocate for women in the gambling industry, 12+ years of experience
Background: Former casino manager, now a diversity and inclusion consultant
Hobbies: Passionate traveller, amateur bingo player, and mentor to young women
Residence: Birmingham
Marital Status: Married, proud step-mom to two
