5 Online Casino Games

5 Online Casino Games I Always Tell Newbies to Start With

When someone asks me, “What should I play first?” I never say, “Whatever looks fun.” Some games look friendly but burn through your balance fast. Others are packed with weird rules and bonus gimmicks—a no-no if you’re a newbie.

Instead, I recommend the five games that are simple, easy to follow, and won’t make you feel lost—or broke—after five minutes. You’ll find these options below.

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5 Beginner-Friendly Gambling Options

1. Online Slots (Low Volatility Is Your Friend)

Slots are where most people start. But don’t just go for the flashiest titles with a giant jackpot banner. Those are often high-volatility games. You might not see a single win for 50 spins.

Go for low-volatility ones instead. These pay out smaller amounts more often. You get to play longer, see how things work, and actually enjoy the ride.

One of my go-to’s is Starburst. It’s colorful, smooth, and super chill. You win often enough to keep it fun. Another good one? Big Bass Bonanza. It’s got this fisherman character that hooks random prizes—and it keeps things light and playful. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit weirder with big potential, try the White Rabbit Slot. It’s loaded with expanding reels, free spins, and some wild bonus action.

Pro tip: Stick to 10–20¢ bets. It’s more fun seeing regular wins at low stakes than blowing through your balance waiting on one big hit.

2. Blackjack (If You’ve Got a Cheat Sheet Handy)

Want to feel a bit more in control? Then blackjack’s your game. You don’t need to be a math genius. You just need a basic strategy chart. And yes—you can keep one open while playing.

When I started, I printed out a chart and taped it next to my screen. It tells you when to hit, stand, and split—based on the dealer’s card and yours. Simple.

Go for versions like Classic Blackjack or Multihand Blackjack. Avoid the ones with weird side bets or fancy names at first. Those often add confusing extras that throw beginners off.

Also, don’t sit at $25 tables right away. Look for $1–$5 minimum tables. Some live dealer casinos have low-stakes blackjack rooms—perfect for testing things out without pressure.

3. Baccarat (Yep, It’s Way Easier Than It Looks)

I avoided baccarat for years. It looked too… fancy. All the tuxedos in the movies didn’t help either. But when I finally gave it a shot, I realized it’s actually the easiest table game out there.

You’ve only got three options:

  • Bet on Player
  • Bet on Banker
  • Bet on Tie (but don’t)

The Banker bet has one of the best odds in the entire casino. Way better than most slots. That’s why I always tell newbies to at least try baccarat. It might surprise you.

Skip the Tie bet, though. It’s tempting with its big payout, but the odds are awful.

4. European Roulette (Avoid the Extra Zero Trap)

Roulette’s a classic. You spin the wheel, pick red or black, odd or even, or get wild and choose a number.

The catch? Always pick European Roulette, not American. The European version has one zero. The American one has two. That second zero bumps up the house edge and makes your odds worse. For no reason.

When you’re new, keep it simple. Bet on even-money options like Red/Black or Odd/Even. You’ve got nearly a 50/50 shot, and it lets you watch how the wheel works.

Once you’re more confident, you can play around with combos like corner bets or your lucky numbers. But start slow. 

5. Video Poker (Start With Jacks or Better)

Like a bit more thinking but don’t want something overwhelming? Video poker is a nice in-between.

It plays like five-card draw. You get five cards, choose which ones to hold, and draw new ones. Then you see if you’ve got a winning hand.

Start with Jacks or Better. It’s the most beginner-friendly and has clear payouts. A pair of Jacks gets you your money back. Two pairs or better, and you’re rolling.

Look for the 9/6 version—that means it pays 9x for a full house and 6x for a flush. Those are the best odds. Some casinos sneak in 8/5 or worse, so check the paytable before you play.

Quick Summary: What to Play and Why

GameWhy I Recommend ItLittle Tip
SlotsEasy, fast, funPick low-volatility ones
BlackjackGreat odds, simple strategyUse a strategy chart
BaccaratSuper simple, strong oddsStick to Banker bets
RouletteClassic, visual, flexible betsGo for European, not American
Video PokerBit of skill, great paytablesStart with Jacks or Better

Final Word: Make It Fun, Not Frustrating

When you’re new to virtual casinos, you need games that make sense and give you a shot at winning. The five options I’ve pinpointed check all the boxes. They’re easy to follow, fun to play, and give you room to learn without pressure.

Once you get the hang of them, you can explore crazier stuff—progressive slots, craps, lightning roulette, whatever. But when you’re starting out, keep it simple. Learn the flow. See what you like.