Card games are found in almost every casino. They appeared long before slots and even land-based machines called “one-armed bandits.” Casino card games come in a wide variety of forms. These include the well-known poker and blackjack, but there are also less popular variations like baccarat.

History of Card Gambling

There are various theories about their invention online. One theory holds that they originated in China. Ching Tse Tung’s dictionary states that the cards were created in 1120, and that they began to spread widely throughout the country in 1132.

Another version holds that the first deck of cards was invented in Ancient Egypt, but not for gambling. The cards, then called arcana, were used exclusively for fortune telling.

In Europe, the first mentions of card games date back to the 11th-13th centuries. At that time, the Crusades were taking place in the eastern lands. Gambling began to spread rapidly across Europe, but not everyone was happy about it. For example, in 1254, Saint Louis launched a large-scale campaign against cards in France.

Such pastimes only reached Russia in the 16th century. They were even played at court, but in 1649 they were banned. After some time, they were permitted again, but with restrictions. For example, soldiers and sailors were allowed to play until the amount spent exceeded one ruble. In 1761, card games were divided into two groups:

• Permitted— commercial. In them, the outcome depended on the player’s skill, and not just chance.
• Unauthorized— gambling. In them, everything was determined by chance.

Over the years, card games have been subject to various restrictions and strict bans. During the Soviet era, the authorities realized the futility of combating this form of gambling. They even launched a State Card Factory.

Classification of card games

There is no clear division. There are three general groups:

• Gambling.These include disciplines in which participants bet real money. The most well-known are poker, blackjack, and preference.
• Family.These are the most harmless types—King, Fool, and all sorts of solitaire. Such games are not found in casinos.
• Other.Popular in Russia21 (or Point), Seka (also known as Sikka), Bura and Terz.

Popular casino card games

Video slots predominate on online platforms, but many virtual card games are also available. These are also available in land-based casinos. Poker, blackjack, and baccarat have been and remain the most popular. In fact, there are many more options. There are virtual games powered by computer algorithms and live streams with live dealers.

Poker

There are many variations of this casino card game: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Oasis, Seven-Card Stud, and others. In all of them, players must collect the strongest hands to beat their opponents or the dealer. In virtual versions, the goal is to beat the computer. Regardless of the type of poker, the hands are always the same. The strongest of these is a royal flush, consisting of five consecutive cards of the same suit, from ten to ace.

Virtual version of Hold’em

Blackjack

It was invented in Italy and soon became a popular game. In blackjack, you need to beat the dealer to win the pot. You need to form hand combinations based on their value. The player’s goal is to beat the dealer. If they bust, they lose.croupierIf the player scores more points within 21, the bet will also be lost.

There are many strategies for blackjack. They don’t guarantee victory, but they do provide a slight advantage.

Baccarat

A simple and engaging game found in many casinos. In the classic version, a player bets on the player, the banker, or a tie. In some versionsbaccaratAdditional bets are made. After the bets are accepted, the dealer deals cards to the banker and player. The results are then tallied according to the face value.

Nominal value	Glasses
From 2 to 9	At face value
10, jack, queen and king	0
Board	1

If the total is 10 or more points, 10 is subtracted from that total—this is the final score. If the total from the first two cards is less than 5, a third card is dealt. The outcome of the round is then determined, and it is determined whether the player won the initial bet. For example, if they bet on the banker and end up with the higher score, they keep the chips.

Caribbean herd

In this poker variant, the goal is to beat the dealer. A standard 52-card deck is used. The player’s goal is to have a hand that’s better than the dealer’s. Players can also win if the dealer doesn’t have at least the minimum hand—an ace and a king.

Caribbean Stud Poker version

In the first stage, both opponents are dealt five cards, with the dealer’s remaining face up. The player evaluates their hand and then folds, bets, or draws (this is allowed in some versions). The dealer reveals their hand, and the winner is determined.

Bingo

This is a variation of lotto that doesn’t use traditional playing cards. There’s no need to form combinations. Players receive a card with a numbered field on which they must cross out numbers. These numbers are determined by balls drawn from a special machine. The main goal is to fill any line on the card as quickly as possible, marking off all the numbers.

There are all sorts of versions of bingo, differing in the size of the fields.

Pai Gow Poker

Similar to Caribbean Stud, this poker variation pits the player againstdealerThey must form two hands that beat the dealer. The player receives seven cards. Five of the cards form a high hand, and the remaining two form a low hand. When the round is decided, the player must have a better hand than the dealer.

Card-themed slot machines

There are few card slot machines in casinos. They represent only a small portion of the games listed on website catalogs. Video poker is a similar type of gambling game. There are no other opponents or a dealer. The player aims to collect the strongest hand and win a payout. There are many versions of video poker, some featuring wild symbols and bonus features.

Video poker from Betsoft

Benefits of Playing Cards in a Casino

One of the advantages is a high RTP. There are versions of blackjack and baccarat with a return to player rate of over 98-99%. For example, most slots have an RTP of around 95%.

IN online card gamesThe rules are simple. You can learn them in the built-in help. There are also demo versions to help you quickly understand them. Free chips are used for betting in this mode.

Casinos offer cash bonuses for card games. They are awarded for depositing funds into your account. Winnings are initially credited to your bonus balance. Before withdrawing them, you must complete the wagering requirement.