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Around the world: popular casino games

Casino gaming has been a popular pastime for centuries, and while things have certainly progressed rapidly since the dawn of the internet, many of our favourite games still remain much unchanged.

If you’re playing at the online casino on Paddy Power, for example, you’ll be able to play nearly every game imaginable – from traditional table games to progressive Slots and even instant wins. But did you know that around the world, different games are more popular? Let’s globetrot and countdown some of our favourites – all without needing to jump on an aeroplane!

France – Roulette

Roulette’s accidental origins took place in France, in the 17th century. It soon picked up and took off around Europe – hence its name, European Roulette. From here, French settlers took the game to the USA, and due to the low house edge, it wasn’t originally accepted and so a new variation – American Roulette – was introduced. However, with its inception in France came some French rules, which you can continue to play today at an online casino. These are:

  • La partage – meaning ‘sharing’. If the ball lands on zero, even-money wagers will be split, half returned to the player and half to the house.
  • En prison – meaning ‘in prison’. If the ball lands on zero, the player’s wager is imprisoned for a second spin. If this time, they win, they will receive half of their wager.

China – Sic-Bo

Sic-Bo is an ancient dice game, which originated in China before gradually making its way to western casinos. At an online casino, you’re likely to find it – although it’s not as popular as some of the more traditional European pursuits. A game of chance – to a novice, the table may look confusing, but the aim is simple. Much like other dice games, you’re looking to predict the outcome of the rolled dice. There are plenty of different betting options – a specific number or numbers appearing frequently, or less risky predictions like high/low, or odd/even.

Japan – Pachinko

The blend of two popular and slightly retro games: pinball and Slots, Pachinko is popular all over Asia, which originated in Japan. While you can find it in a land-based casino, Pachinko parlours are much more popular, and are similar to slot machines in that they are all lined up. Much like pinball, you need to release the balls and hope that they land in the prize pockets. And like Slots, you have to pull the lever, and watch as the reels spin. It’s a unique game with plenty of action – and while the Asian culture is very big on luck and fortune, there is an element of strategy required when playing Pachinko.

The USA – Blackjack

Known as 21, Blackjack was brought over to the States by French colonists in the 18th century – having been popular across Europe prior to that – and it’s popular all over the world. But it was in the casinos of Nevada that a special rule was initially introduced, to attract more platers to the game. The aim of course is to beat the dealer, either by getting a closer total of 21 points, or the dealer going bust. This rule stated that if a player landing a natural Blackjack, made up of a black Jack and the Ace of Spades, they would be paid out at 10:1. While it’s rare to find such a substantial return, the name has stuck and the game remains much-loved.

Australia – Slots

Or Pokies, as the Aussies say! Slot machines are another popular game around the world, but in Australia and New Zealand, casino fans are crazy about them. You may wonder why they are affectionately known as ‘Pokies’ – and that’s because of their unique set-up, which is different to the machines you find in the UK or US, for example. Online Slots fans will usually play a five-reel game, with the usual bonuses and side games to have a further chance of winning. Interestingly, in New Zealand, games have tracking mechanisms to help the player – so you can see how long you have been playing, the money lost and other statistics.

Russell Wilson

Hi, I am Russell Wilson; I am an entrepreneur, father, mentor, and adventurer passionate about life. At this moment, I am working with depression and anxiety.

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