Beginner’s guide to online casino game types

With iGaming trends evolving rapidly, new online casino games appear regularly. Built on sophisticated online gambling software, these games range from fast-paced slots to strategic table games, each offering a unique experience. Some players prefer interactive live casino games, while others enjoy instant-play formats like scratch cards. This article breaks down the main game types, what sets them apart, and how they fit into modern casino platforms.

What are online casino games?

Online casino games are digital versions of traditional gambling activities. As a core part of any iGaming platform, they offer a mix of chance and strategy. A typical portfolio includes slots, RNG table games like Blackjack and Roulette, and live dealer rooms. You’ll also find specialty titles and simple games like lotteries. Each category attracts different players — some enjoy quick games with rapid results, while others prefer slower-paced, strategic games. Modern platforms organize these games into simple menus, often with filters for themes or betting ranges.

Main types of online casino games

Online casino games constantly evolve to match player trends. Sites offer extensive catalogs to help users browse and compare different styles. Below are the most popular casino games and their core features.

Online slots

Slots dominate most iGaming libraries. The selection is vast, from classic three-reel machines to modern video slots with animations and bonus triggers, all powered by a sophisticated online casino software platform.

Some formats change the rules. MEGAWAYS™ engines alter the number of symbols on each spin, creating thousands of ways to win. Progressive jackpots link multiple games to build massive prize pools, while branded titles use themes from movies, TV, or music.

Thanks to demos, you can try slots without depositing money. This is useful for testing features and volatility before committing real funds, especially with high-volatility games where payouts are less frequent.

Specialty games

Specialty games are a staple of cryptocurrency casino software, offering lighter formats that appeal to players seeking simple rules and short sessions. Popular examples include Bingo, Keno, lotteries, and other casual games that deliver quick results and are easy to learn—perfect for casual play.

Crash games, often featured in cryptocurrency casino software, have surged in popularity due to their short sessions and the excitement of a rising multiplier, where players decide the perfect moment to cash out.

Other casual formats like Plinko and Mines attract players with their fast-paced mechanics, while developers continue innovating with concepts like BGaming’s Aviamasters™, where a plane takes off and hits random multipliers, boosting engagement.

Scratch cards also remain a favorite, with online versions enhancing the experience through themes and animations, making them a key feature in cryptocurrency casino software.

Live dealer games

For players who miss the feel of a physical casino, live dealer games bridge the gap. Human dealers host the action from a studio, livestreaming every move in high-definition video from multiple camera angles.

Players can use chat functions to communicate with the dealer and others, adding a social layer. The selection typically covers essentials like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, alongside game-show formats designed for live play. While slower than software-based games, many players prefer their authentic feel.

Sports betting

Sports betting is now a standard feature on many iGaming platforms, often sharing an account wallet with casino games. This lets users switch seamlessly between slots and sports wagers.

The main formats are pre-match betting and live betting, where odds shift in real-time. Bettors can wager on various outcomes, including goals, points, and handicaps. By offering both traditional and niche sports, from eSports to horse racing, sportsbooks cater to a wide range of fans.

Virtual sports

Often confused with eSports, virtual sports are computer-generated events based on RNG outcomes. They look like real matches but start every few minutes, so there’s no waiting. Formats include football, basketball, and horse racing, with familiar betting options. Since the results are random, they can’t be influenced by external factors, providing a steady stream of betting opportunities.

Social casino games

Social casinos feature play-for-fun games that mirror real slots and tables but use virtual credits instead of money. These credits are earned through play or in-app purchases. While they sometimes get confused with Sweepstakes casinos, social casinos are strictly non-cash and offer the thrill of gambling without financial risk.