Online casino games can be broadly divided into three groups – slots, table games and video poker. Online slots are by far the most popular of the games and therefore they are the focus of online gaming software providers. There are reasons for the popularity of online slots. First is that these games, especially the progressive slots, offer the chance of winning mind boggling sums with small wagers. Second is that they utilize audio and visual special effects to transport the player to a different plane. Therefore new players head first to the slots games and get stuck on them.

But there are very compelling reasons for new players to try out the table games like blackjack, roulette and craps and the video poker games as well. The first reason is that the slots games offer the lowest average payout percentages of all online casino games. Despite the fact that players on occasion win huge jackpots, in the long run for every $100 wagered on slots players get back about $95 only. The payout percentage in other games is much higher. In games like blackjack and video poker players can get back $99 for every $100 wagered. Therefore it is important that new players learn to play other games so that they can balance their wagers productively.

In land casinos, slot machines are meant for those who accompany the “real” gamblers, so that they can pass the time while their friends or spouses play at the live tables. If online players play only sots then they will never have the courage to sit at live tables in land casinos. However if they practice and play the other games in online casinos they will be better equipped when they visit land casinos.

Online slot games do not require any skill whatsoever. Players do decide as to how many lines and coins to select and the coin size as well but these are trivial decisions and do not impact the chances of winning. On the other hand online casino games like blackjack and video poker do require genuine skill. Good blackjack players will fare better than poor ones. Once new players acquire these skills they will see their winnings increase and will realize that they are more in control of their destinies. But for this they have to go through the trial period of learning the game and perfecting the strategy.

Most new online players avoid this learning process for fear of losing money during it. They are under a misconception. Almost all online casinos allow players to play for fun. This enables them to play with free credits without making any investment. The winnings are obviously not cashable but the objective is learning and not winning. All Microgaming and most Wizard Gaming powered online casinos go one step further. Online players need not even register at these casinos in order to play for free. They can just access the online casino web site and start playing.