Table Games vs. Slots | Who Wins This Game Battle?

Written by: Jeremy Olson, OUSC Online Casino and Games Expert
6 minute read
Table Games vs Slots

Slots and table games present stark contrasts from each other. Slot machines are notable for their fast play, exciting bonus rounds, and easygoing entertainment. Meanwhile, table games stand out for their strategic play and classic environment.

You may already have a strong preference for either casino slots or table games. If not, though, you might be interested in a comparison between the two. We will discuss slots and table games in depth and compare their pros and cons.

Online Casino Table Games

big icon blackjack

Table games encompass a broad range of casino games for real money. Many of these involve a strategy to some degree. Blackjack and Caribbean Stud, for example, are two of the most strategic games in the casino. Each decision has an impact on your long-term odds of winning.

Other table games don’t require intense strategy but are still good for thinking gamblers. Baccarat, Craps, and Roulette fall into this category.

The average table game features a low house edge when played right. Blackjack’s house edge can be under 0.5% in ideal conditions. Baccarat only has a 1.06% house advantage when you bet on the banker.

Table games have various likable qualities. Before jumping onto a blackjack or roulette table, you should consider both the upsides and drawbacks.

Table Games – Pros and Cons

  • Several games with different rules, payouts, and strategies.
  • Most table games have low house edges when played with optimal strategy.
  • Strategic play for those who want more from casino gaming.
  • Complex games like Ultimate Hold ’em aren’t great for casual players.
  • Strategy knowledge makes or breaks your chances of winning.
  • Table games are intimidating to beginners in brick-and-mortar casinos.

Popular Online Casino Table Games

Many exciting and entertaining online casino table games are available. The five games below, however, are the most popular in mobile gaming.

Blackjack

American Blackjack

Blackjack is a long-time favorite due to its strategic nature and low house edge. It features under a 0.5% house edge with the proper rules and strategy.

Online blackjack has the added benefit of not being intimidating. You can learn the game at your own pace without worrying about pushy dealers and players.

Roulette

European Roulette

Roulette seems complex at first because of its many betting options. After learning the board and wagers, you’ll be able to play this game with little effort.

Online roulette comes in two primary forms, including American and European. The European wheel is preferable due to its lower house edge (2.70%) versus American roulette (5.26%).

Craps

Craps Table Game Logo

Craps is similar to roulette due to its numerous bets. If you’re a new player, pass line (1.41% house edge) and don’t pass line (1.36%) bets make great starting points.

Online craps provide an excellent setup for learning the different wagers and rules before visiting a land-based table.

Baccarat

Bovada Casino Table Games Baccarat Logo

Baccarat seems a challenging game due to its complex scoring rules. However, it’s one of the simplest casino table games. Three main bets are available, including the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, and the two hands tying.

The banker’s hand is the best wager because of its 1.06% house advantage. The player hand isn’t bad either, thanks to its 1.24% house edge.

Poker

Poker Three Logo

Texas hold ’em isn’t the only poker variation available in casinos. House-banked real money poker games exist, like Mississippi stud, three-card poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em.

Some casino poker games, such as Ultimate Hold ’em (2.19% house edge), provide decent odds of winning.

Online Slots

Online Slots Tournaments Icon

Slot machines have been the breadwinners for casinos for decades. Real money slots generate between 70% and 80% of revenue for casino sites. What makes online slots so popular?

Variety is a massive plus behind mobile slots. Thousands of these games exist across the online casino industry. Playing slots allows you to enjoy many themes, bonuses, and gameplay styles.

Online slots also offer considerable win potential. Some games feature payouts worth 20,000x your stake or higher. Specific progressive slots boast seven-figure jackpots.

Slot machines are the most popular games at online casinos for various reasons. But they’re not everybody’s cup of tea and have notable drawbacks.

Online Slots – Pros and Cons

  • Huge top payouts with progressive and non-progressive online slots.
  • Massive variety, with thousands of games available throughout the industry.
  • Thrilling bonus rounds and themes that can keep you entertained for hours.
  • Below-average RTP generally averages 96.0%.
  • The high-speed gameplay can drain your bankroll.
  • The little-to-no strategy involved

Popular Types of Slots

Many different kinds of online slot machines exist. You can read about the five main types of slot games below.

Video Slots

Online video slots boast enhanced graphics, exciting features, and the latest technology. They encompass the industry’s biggest hits and latest releases. 4 Seasons and 5 Wishes are examples of high-quality and visually appealing video slots.

Classic Slots

Classic online slots hearken back to casino gambling’s past by featuring three reels and 1–5 paylines. Most classic slots don’t have incredible features and emphasize simple gameplay. They’re great for beginning players who want an introduction to slot machines.

3D Slots

Slots graphics have become more and more impressive. 3D slots are currently the pinnacle of this trend. They offer the latest 3D technology and are usually better looking than 2D games.

Multi-Payline Slots

Modern online slots almost always feature multiple paylines. A typical example includes a 5-reel, 20-payline slot. Such a game provides 20 chances to win on each spin. “Megaways” games are even more impressive, offering 117,649 ways to win or more.

Progressive Slots

A progressive slot has a jackpot that grows with every bet. It takes a small percentage of each wager (e.g., 2%) to seed the jackpot. The progressive prize continues growing until somebody wins it. Hot Drop Jackpots are the latest progressive slots at top US online casinos.

Play Online Slots and Table Games For Free

Are you still not sure what online casino game to play? Give these free demos a try before playing for real money!

Play Online Slots For Free

Play one of our top-rated online slots for free! Give 777 Deluxe a spin here!

Play Table Games For Free

Test your skills and go for a few free hands of online blackjack right here!

Slots and table games each have notable strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to you to decide which set of pros and cons are more to your liking. Do you like fast-paced slots with big prizes and entertaining bonuses? Or do you prefer classic table games with strategy and low house edges?

No right or wrong answer exists. You might even choose to play slots and table games equally. If so, you can enjoy several games at our recommended online casinos.


Jeremy Olson

Jeremy Olson OUSC Online Casino and Games Expert

Jeremy Olson started in the gambling world by taking beatings in blackjack and poker. That was almost 20 years ago. Ever since then, he became obsessed with becoming a better gambler. That pursuit led him to write. He mainly focuses on his stronger areas of expertise, table games strategy, online casino reviews, and online casino bonuses.

Learn More About Jeremy