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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Casino games

Casino games are gambling games played for money or chips, typically in casinos and, where legal, in online casinos.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Casino games are gambling games played for money or chips, typically in casinos and, where legal, in online casinos. They include a broad range of table games, gaming machines, and random-number-based games. Some are also played outside casinos for entertainment or simulation.

Definition

Casino games are games of gambling in which players stake money or chips on uncertain outcomes. They are usually associated with casinos, but may also appear in online gambling environments where legal.

Main categories

Casino games are often grouped into gaming machines, table games, and random-number games. This framework is used to separate machine-based play from dealer-led and number-based formats.

Common examples

Frequently cited casino games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, video poker, keno, and slot machines. Different regions and casinos emphasize different games.

House and payout structure

Many casino games are banked games, meaning the house has a direct stake in the result and bets against players. Other formats may be nonbanked or percentage-based, with payouts tied to bets or participation.

Key facts

  • Casino games involve wagering cash or chips on random outcomes or combinations of outcomes.
  • They are commonly offered in physical casinos and, in some jurisdictions, online casinos.
  • A common three-part classification is gaming machines, table games, and random number games.
  • Typical casino games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, and slot machines.
  • Some casino games are banked games, where the house bets against players.
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Canadian context

Casino games are relevant to Canadian readers because gambling regulation varies by province and territory, and many casino games are available through licensed land-based and online operators in Canada where permitted by law.

Frequently asked questions

What are casino games?
Casino games are gambling games in which players wager money or chips on outcomes determined largely by chance, sometimes with some skill involved.
What are the main types of casino games?
They are commonly grouped into gaming machines, table games, and random number games.
What are some common casino games?
Common examples include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, keno, and slot machines.
Can casino games be played online?
Yes. Casino games are also available in online casinos where such gambling is permitted by law.
Are all casino games pure chance?
No. Some casino games include an element of skill, but they are still gambling games because outcomes involve risk and wagering.
Do casino games exist outside casinos?
Yes. They can also be played outside casinos for entertainment, such as at parties or in simulated-gambling settings.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_game
    Supports: Definition of casino game, online availability, outside-casino entertainment use, and three broad categories.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/gambling
    Supports: Examples of casino games and the role of skill, chance, and house-backed gambling.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino
    Supports: Casino setting and examples of common games offered in casinos.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/reference/social-sciences-magazines/introduction-casinos
    Supports: Casino game types, banked games, and broad classification of casino activities.