As an avid table game enthusiast at Qbet, I’ve played countless hands of blackjack, spun the roulette wheel more times than I can count, and flipped over my fair share of baccarat cards at brick-and-mortar casinos over the years. But since making the switch to betting real money at online casinos, I find myself enjoying classic table games even more.
The main reason is accessibility. Instead of having to drive to a land-based casino whenever I get the itch to play, I can now load up an online casino site or app and be placing bets within minutes – regardless of where I am. The convenience factor cannot be overstated.
Moreover, the top online casinos offer a wider variety of table game variants than their offline counterparts. Take blackjack for example – along with standard blackjack, you’ll typically find choices like Single Deck, Double Exposure, Spanish 21, Switch and more. There are also unique hybrid blackjack games that blend elements of poker and slots.
The same goes for roulette and other staples. So if you enjoy table games, playing them online provides more choice and flexibility.
In this definitive guide, I’ll cover the most popular table game offerings at leading real money online casinos, discussing everything from game rules and betting options to strategy guides, house edge stats and recommendations for the best sites to play online:
#1 Blackjack
Without question, blackjack is the most widely played casino table game in the world. Its popularity stems from the mix of simple rules, fast action and low house edge. Here’s an overview:
Rules & Bets
The goal is to form a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Numbered cards are face value while face cards count as 10. Aces swing between 1 or 11. There are typically 5-7 seats at a table with individual betting areas. The minimum/maximum bet sizes vary per site. Players make an initial wager, then decide whether to hit, stand, double down or split. The dealer must hit on 16 or under and stand on 17 or over. If you go over 21 you bust and lose your bet. Winning payouts are even money.
Variants & RTP
Along with the classic version, popular online blackjack variants include Single Deck (99.59% RTP), Double Exposure (99.33% RTP), Spanish 21 (99.38% RTP), Switch (99.51% RTP), Blackjack Surrender (99.66% RTP), Pontoon and more. Hybrid blackjack games also exist.
Strategy & Tips
Basic blackjack strategy charts are readily available online and detail the statistically optimal plays for every possible hand combination versus the dealer’s up card. By following basic strategy, the house edge is only around 0.5% or less. Card counting can further shift the odds in your favor but casinos now use multiple decks which makes this much harder.
Where To Play
Every top-rated online casino offers real money blackjack. Leading sites for game variety include BetMGM Casino, Caesars Casino, Unibet Casino and Golden Nugget Casino. Live dealer blackjack is also popular.
#2 Roulette
This iconic wheel-based game needs no introduction. Roulette has been a fixture in casinos since the 1700s. Here are the key details:
Rules & Bets
A croupier spins a ball within a tilted rotating wheel with numbered slots from 1 to 36, plus a single 0 (European Roulette) or 0 and 00 (American Roulette). You place chips on a betting layout to wager on where the ball will land. Inside bets include specific numbers, splits (two adjoining numbers), streets, corners, lines and more. Outside bets encompass categories like red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36, dozens, columns and so on. Payouts range from 1:1 up to 35:1 for a single number.
Variants & RTP
Popular online roulette variants include European Roulette (97.3% RTP), American Roulette (94.74% RTP), French Roulette (98.65% RTP), Multi-Wheel Roulette, Double Ball Roulette and more. New variations appear often.
Strategy & Tips
Roulette is purely a game of chance – each spin is an independent event. There is no foolproof strategy to predict or influence where the ball will land. That said, betting strategies like the Martingale system can help minimize losses over a roulette session. Just set betting stop limits and manage your bankroll wisely.
Where To Play
Every leading online casino offers real money roulette. Top options for variety include BetMGM Casino, Borgata Casino, Caesars Casino and Golden Nugget. For live dealer roulette, BetMGM and Unibet Casino stand out.
#3 Baccarat
Although not as mainstream as blackjack or roulette, baccarat has exploded in popularity over the last 20 years. Here is an overview:
Rules & Bets
Baccarat is a comparing card game usually played between a player and banker. Numbered cards are face value while 10 through King count as zero. The goal is to form a hand value closer to 9 than the opponent. You can bet on the player, banker, or tie. There are typically 12-14 seats with individual betting spots similar to blackjack. After bets are placed, two cards each are dealt to the player and banker spots. A third card may be drawn based on strict drawing rules. Winning payouts are 1:1 on player and banker (minus a 5% commission on banker wins). The tie bet pays 8:1.
Variants & RTP
Common online baccarat versions include Punto Banco (98.94% RTP), Baccarat Squeeze, Speed Baccarat, No Commission Baccarat (98.76% RTP), Live Baccarat and more. Side bets like Perfect Pairs and Dragon Bonus also exist.
Strategy & Tips
Optimal baccarat strategy suggests betting banker each round as it has a slight edge over player. Avoid tie bets due to the high house advantage. No true skill or strategy exists – it comes down to the cards dealt. But by sticking to banker and proper bankroll management, you can stretch your playing time.
Where To Play
Every major online casino offers baccarat. Those with the biggest game selections include BetMGM, Borgata, Caesars, Unibet and Golden Nugget. For live dealer baccarat, BetMGM and Unibet lead the pack.
Bottom Line
Blackjack, roulette and baccarat make up the big three of casino table games – both online and land-based. And the top-rated real money online casinos provide more variants, better bonuses and bigger jackpots than you’ll find locally.
So if you enjoy the thrill and social dynamics of playing table games in a live setting but want more options and easier access, betting online is the clear choice. Just take time to learn the rules and strategy for each game that interests you. And be sure to practice with free play modes before risking real cash.
With the right approach, knowledge and discipline, online table games give you a legitimate chance to walk away a winner over the long run. The casino advantage is small in many variants – the rest comes down to luck and how you manage your funds. So brush up on your skills and check out one of my recommended sites above to get started playing online table games for real money.