Online casino gaming has developed into one of the web’s most dynamic leisure activities, with gamers at the leading casinos offered over 220 cutting-edge casino games, with incredible realism, detail and playability.

However, the maturity of the typical web gamer and the growth in gaming knowledge has led to an increasing demand for games with elements of skill. While pure leisure gaming remains a core gaming niche, mixing fun with an enhanced chance of winning makes great appeal. The question is - how do some of the most popular online casino games rate in terms of skill and strategy application?

Blackjack: Rating *****

Blackjack is world famous for being the vehicle used by casino pros and casino scammers to take millions from some of the hottest casino venues in existence. It’s therefore no surprise that online blackjack is considered one of the web’s most responsive skill games. Blackjack strategy is based on the concept of card counting – essentially giving different cards specific values to create a running ‘pack score’. Once the count indicates an edge to the player – gamers can bet to take advantage of the favourable odds.

Roulette: Rating ***

Roulette is essentially a game of chance, luck and probability. In theory, any game of luck simply can’t be classified as a skill game. However, this hasn’t stopped many online gamers playing roulette with specific strategies, using systems based on the Martingale system, Fibonacci numbers and Andrucci betting strategies. Roulette systems are based on probability and the logic that by manipulating odds, you have a chance of consistent success. While some people refute the chances of roulette systems, hundreds of gamers claim to make a profit playing online roulette.

Video Poker: Rating *****

Video poker has quickly become an online gaming favourite – with all gaming levels. However, anyone playing video poker without some form of strategy is missing out on an opportunity to boost their winning spells. While VP is played on slick, simple slot interfaces, that’s where the similarities end, because video poker is the game of choice for thousands of serious online casino gamblers, who use traditional poker strategy concepts to get a vital edge over the machines.

Slots: Rating **

Slots are the ultimate casino leisure game for millions of online and offline gamers. However – despite high payout ratios often over 98%, slot machines are not skill games and no one should approach slots with thoughts of beating the casino in the long term. However, that isn’t to say you can’t make your slot gaming more profitable, boost your session length and even enhance your chances of landing a huge jackpot (every slot gamers’ fantasy!). Common slot strategies include playing with a session profit target, moving machines when ‘it’s cold’ and playing machines with medium jackpot levels (which have more medium payouts).

Taking advantage of free-play options and bonus offers is a great way to develop casino skill without risking your bankroll. First and foremost – have fun, but remember that gaming with skill doesn’t mean it’s boring!