Casino Table Games
Dive into our extensive guide designed specifically for online table game enthusiasts in the UK, offering a detailed walkthrough on how to get started, comprehensive descriptions of popular games, and helpful strategy insights. We've also included an informative FAQ section to answer your common queries about online table gaming. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to enrich your gaming experience and potentially increase your winning chances.
Best Online Table Games in the UK
Even though video slots continue to dominate the online gambling scene in the UK in 2024, the popularity of online table games is undeniably on the rise. A significant allure lies in the fact that these games can be enjoyed for free at various betting sites, providing both seasoned gamblers and newcomers the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, hone their skills, and familiarize themselves with distinct game variations without risking their hard-earned cash.
However, the ultimate goal for most players is to secure winnings, and it’s primarily for this reason that online casinos strive to motivate players to participate in real money gameplay. They may accomplish this through offering extensive guides and educational resources on how to play various games or enticing them with generous bonuses that match their deposit amounts. When players decide to invest their money in real play, table games often prove to be the most profitable choice.
If you’re keen on exploring the variety of table games that UK online casinos can offer, continue reading for insightful tips on gameplay, understanding the house edge, and how to optimise your winning potential.
How to Engage with Table Games at UK Online Casinos
The ease of playing table games online, as opposed to visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, might surprise you. For instance, there’s no need to physically handle chips to participate, nor are there long queues at the cashier desk when you’re ready to withdraw your winnings.
However, understanding how to get started is crucial. Here are three straightforward steps to begin playing table games at online casinos in the UK:
Step 1: Create an Account – If you haven’t already done so, locate a trustworthy online casino that provides the table games you’re interested in and register. This process merely requires a few minutes and some personal details like your name, date of birth, address, and preferred payment method.
Step 2: Deposit Funds – After you’ve successfully registered, navigate to the Cashier section on your selected online casino site to make a deposit. You’ll likely have been offered a welcome bonus at this stage, which can also be redeemed at the Cashier. Be sure to carefully review the terms for utilising the bonus before you proceed to claim it.
Step 3: Select a Game and Begin Playing – Once you’ve deposited and your bonus has been credited to your bankroll, locate your chosen game in the casino game lobby, place your wager, and start playing with real money!
Most Popular Table Games
Online casinos in the UK offer players an extensive range of table games in numerous variations. Below, we’ve enumerated the most favoured table games and provided an overview of the basic rules for each.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a much-loved table game in the UK where you pit your luck against the dealer. There are three possible bets: the banker, the player, or a tie. Your job is to predict who will win or if it will be a draw.
The aim is to have a hand that totals as close to 9 as possible. If a player or the banker accumulates a value exceeding this, the first digit is dropped, i.e., 16 would become 6.
Craps
Craps is a fast-paced game of chance, with the player (“the shooter”) rolling two dice to create a winning combination based on the chosen wager. With more than ten diverse bets available, players can choose to wager against the banker or other players.
Roulette
Roulette, a game with centuries of history, comes in several variations, with the American and European versions being the most prevalent. They have identical rules but slightly vary in terms of house edge and wheel layout: the American roulette wheel features an additional double zero pocket, totaling 38 slots instead of the traditional 37.
To play, place your bet on a colour (red or black), a number, or a set of numbers on the table, which corresponds with the wheel. The croupier then releases the ball into the spinning wheel, and if it lands on your chosen spot, you win.
Roulette allows for a range of bets. The wheel’s outside offers lower payouts but better odds, while the inside section offers higher payouts with less probability.
3 Card Poker
In Three-card poker, you face off against the dealer. To start, you need to place an “ante” bet.
Both the dealer and the player receive three cards face down, and the player can either fold their hand or continue the bet.
If you opt to continue, your hand is compared with the dealer’s according to the hand rankings. A win with a straight or higher hand yields an “ante bonus”. Side bets, like the Pair Plus, can offer payouts as high as 40:1 if you get a straight flush.
Let It Ride
Let It Ride, a popular poker variant, requires players to make three equal-size bets at the start of each round.
After making the bets, you and the dealer receive three hole cards each, along with two community cards to form a 5-card hand. You can decide to remove one bet after seeing your first three cards and another one after the first community card is dealt. If you decide not to remove any bets, this is known as “Let it Ride”.
Texas HolXd ’em
Famous among poker enthusiasts, Texas Hold’em also involves a game against the dealer, with rules similar to 3-card poker.
Both the player and the dealer are dealt two hole cards. After reviewing your cards, you can decide to raise, blind, or fold.
Then, the dealer deals three community cards or the “flop”. If you’ve raised pre-flop, no further action is required. You then have the option to increase the ante by 2x. The final two community cards are dealt, and the player and dealer compare cards to see who has the best 5-card hand.
Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, played between the player and the dealer, seven cards are dealt instead of five. These seven cards must be split into a “front” hand (two cards) and a “back” hand (five cards).
The back hand must always be stronger than the front. Once the hands are set, the player and dealer compare hands. If both your front and back hands beat the dealer’s, you win.
Sic Bo
Rooted in an ancient Chinese game of dominoes, Sic Bo involves rolling three dice to generate combinations. You place bets on potential outcomes by placing chips on the game board. The dealer then shakes a cage with three dice to reveal the results.
Sic Bo, similar to craps in terms of betting possibilities, offers an exciting game with diverse wagering options.
Live Dealer Games
The demand for live dealer table games has surged dramatically in the UK over recent years. These games operate identically to their standard online counterparts, with the key difference being the presence of a real human dealer who manages your bets, shuffles the cards, and spins the roulette wheel.
You can enjoy these games from virtually anywhere, as long as you have access to a computer or mobile device. There’s no need to download or install any specific software; live dealer games are accessible directly via your web browser.
If you miss the social interaction associated with physical casinos, live dealer games are the perfect solution, as they offer a chatbox for engaging with other players and the dealer.
The House Edge in Table Games
Of course, the house edge in table games varies. Some games provide dismal odds for the player, while others offer a fair chance of winning, depending on your chosen bets. Here are some casino games with the best house edges:
- Blackjack – less than 0.5%
Blackjack, although strategic, offers exceptional odds for players. Depending on your skills and the specific version of the game you choose to play, the house advantage in blackjack can be as low as 0.5%. - Craps – as low as 1.36%
Craps can also present a very low house edge, depending on your bets. Both the “Don’t Come” and the “Don’t Pass Line” bets come with a minuscule 1.36% house edge. The “Come” and the “Pass Line” bets carry a slightly higher house edge at 1.41%. - Baccarat – as low as 1.06%
As previously mentioned, baccarat offers three betting options. The banker bet, with its low house edge of 1.06%, is considered the safest. However, the player bet, with a house edge of 1.24%, is not far behind. The tie bet, with a staggering 14.36% house edge due to the 5% commission, is generally regarded as one of the worst bets in gambling. - Roulette – as low as 2.70%
European roulette also boasts a low house edge. Unlike the American variant, which has an additional zero pocket, the European version has only one, reducing the house edge to 2.7%, compared to the American version’s hefty 5.25%.
Implementing Strategies in Table Games
While many table games rely on sheer luck, some offer the best chances of winning when played strategically. Remember, a strategy that works well for one game may not work for another, as some games require specific strategic moves, while others depend on smart betting. Though a strategy can’t guarantee victory, it’s generally wiser to play table games with a strategy than without one.
Blackjack is a game where a solid strategy can be particularly beneficial. With various variations, each one demands its unique strategy. Plenty of online advice is available for each type of game, but generally, referring to a blackjack strategy chart is a good bet. It outlines all the potential scenarios you could encounter in the game, suggesting whether to hit, stand, split, or double down based on the dealt cards.
An online blackjack simulator can also be a valuable tool to hone your strategy. These mock games provide suggestions on moves to make throughout the game. For instance, if you’re dealt an 11, the simulator might suggest you double down; if the dealer shows a 10, it might advise you to hit on 12.
Other casino table games where strategic play is recommended include Let it Ride and Caribbean Stud. To execute an optimal strategy in these games, you need to understand how to manage and anticipate various situations. While it might sound challenging initially, understanding the correct moves becomes easier once you familiarise yourself with all potential outcomes.
Casino Table Games FAQs
Generally, you can register an account by locating the "Sign Up" or "Register" button on the online casino homepage. This will lead you to a form where you'll need to enter your personal details, such as name, date of birth, and address. You will also select your preferred payment method.
The most popular online casino table games in the UK include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, and various forms of Poker such as Texas Hold 'em and Three-card Poker.
The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the players. It varies from game to game, and it influences the probability of you winning a game. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning.
Live dealer games work similarly to traditional online table games, but they are operated by a real person (the dealer). The dealer handles your bets, shuffles the cards, and spins the roulette wheel, all in real time. You can interact with the dealer and other players via a chatbox.
While many table games are based on pure luck, some can be played strategically to increase your chances of winning. Games such as Blackjack and Poker require strategic play, and resources like strategy charts or online simulators can be beneficial for learning and improving your game.
While most online casinos are safe, it's important to do your own research before signing up. Look for casinos that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission. You should also check for measures like SSL encryption to ensure that your personal and financial information is secure.