The most popular casino games in the UK

Casino games have seen a resurgence in popularity in the UK thanks to advances in technology and faster, more reliable, internet speeds. This has brought the excitement of casino games to a wider audience, and allowed gamers to play at a time and place that is convenient to them.

Impressive graphics make the online gaming experience more immersive too, and players can choose from thousands of titles that are regularly updated. But with so much choice available, knowing where to start can be difficult, so here’s our round up of the most popular casino games in the UK.

Poker

Developed in the USA in the 19^th century, poker is deeply embedded into American culture. The growth of televised poker tournaments such as the World Series of Poker, plus online gaming, has also helped further its popularity.

The game differs from some other casino options, with players competing against each other and not the house. The competitive nature of poker is one of its biggest draws, with players enjoying the thrill of going head-to-head.

Poker has developed multiple variants over the years as the games success has seen tit spread across the world. Some of the most played variants include:

Texas Hold ‘Em
Five Card Draw
Three Card Poker
Pai Gow Poker
Caribbean Stud

Overall, Texas Hold ‘Em is recognised at the most popular version of poker. Players use a combination of their own two private cards and the five community cards to form the best five-card poker hand they can. While the player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot, poker requires skill and strategy, and outcomes are never guaranteed.

Slot Machines

The first slot was invented in 1894, and the basic game principles remain the same. In fact, it is the simplicity of the game that is part of its global appeal, making it easier to pick up and start playing.

Today’s games use the latest technology to offer impressive graphics and sounds, and provide a more immersive gaming experience for players. Common slot themes include:

Ancient Egypt
Wild West
Sports
Music
Movies
Animals
Irish
Fishing

With so many slot options to choose from and games constantly updated and new ones arriving, slots remain a hugely popular choice.

Bingo

The classic game of bingo is a well-known British tradition. Much-loved for its friendly community atmosphere and simple gameplay, the game has under gone a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

There’s a wide variety of options when it comes to casino bingo games too, including both the 75 and 90-ball versions. 75-ball bingo is the American version and is played with a simple 5×5 grid featuring 24 numbers and a blank centre square.

90-ball bingo is the classic English version, which is played on a card with 27 squares. Players can win by completing either one line, two lines, or a full house.

One line: Players complete one horizontal line of 5 numbers across a single ticket.
Two lines: Players complete two horizontal lines of 5 numbers across a single ticket.
Full house: Players complete all three horizontal lines of 5 numbers, ticking off all 15 numbers on their ticket.

Even though it’s played online, the bingo community spirit is still present, with chat rooms and friendly hosts for added entertainment.

Roulette

This quintessential casino game has been around since the 18^th century. Today, there are three versions of roulette, American, French and European, but the aim of the game remains the same whichever one you choose.

Edge of the seat gameplay and the iconic sound of the ball popping around the spinning wheel, make roulette a thrilling crowd favourite. Players must decide where the ball will eventually come to rest, with individual numbers, colours, and odd or even outcomes all available to choose from. The simple gameplay and ability to draw a crowd make this a hugely popular casino staple.

Blackjack

The first mention of blackjack ever recorded, dates back to the 17^th century. The game has gone on to be the star of several Hollywood movies since then, and remains a hugely popular choice amongst gamers.

The goal of blackjack, also known as 21, is to beat the dealer by making a hand value closest to 21, without going bust. The game is easy game to learn and the rules are simple, making it a common choice for both new and experienced players.

Craps

Originating in the USA, craps is a unique, fast paced dice game that is known for drawing crowds in casinos. Up to 20 players can join in a single game, with each getting a round of rolling or ‘shooting’, the two dice.

The “shooter,” throws the dice at the specially designed table, with the total rolled determining the outcome. Unlike other casino games where players compete against each other, such as poker, craps creates a communal atmosphere because other players win or lose depending on the shooter’s success.