Casino Games Explained: Slots, Table Games & Live Dealer

The first time I logged into an online casino, I had no clue where to start. There were Slots everywhere. Blackjack here. Live dealers are there. It felt like I’d just walked into a jol without knowing the dress code.

So if you're asking yourself, “Which game should I play?” or “What’s the difference between all of these?”, you're in the right place. I’m breaking down the big three: slots, table games, and live dealer games, so you can choose what suits your style and play like a pro.

Online Slots

What Are Online Slots?

If you’ve ever seen one of those old-school fruit machines at a casino or seen someone spinning away, crossing fingers for three cherries in a row, you’ve seen a slot machine in action. Online slots are just the digital version. But here’s the thing, they’ve evolved in a big way.

Gone are the days of plain fruit symbols and just one way to win. Today’s online slots come with cinematic visuals, bonus features, complex mechanics, and even interactive storylines. Some of them honestly feel more like video games than anything else.

Most slots still revolve around one thing: spinning reels and matching symbols. But how that happens, and what happens when you win, can vary wildly. Let’s break it down.

The Basics You’ll See in Most Slots

• Reels: Most slots have 5 reels, but you’ll find 3-reel classics and even 6-reel (or more) monsters.

• Paylines: Traditional slots have fixed paylines, win when symbols land on specific lines. But newer slots can offer hundreds or thousands of ways to win.

• Wilds: These symbols substitute for others to help you make winning combos.

• Scatters: Usually unlock bonus features like free spins or multipliers. You don’t need them on a payline, just land a few anywhere.

• Bonus Rounds: This is where the magic happens: free spins, pick-and-click games, wheel-of-fortune-style prizes and more.

Now let’s get into the different types of slots you’ll find at most South African online casinos.

Types of Online Slots – Not Just Fruit Machines Anymore

1. Classic Slots – Back to Basics

These are the old-school, 3-reel slots that mimic traditional land-based machines. They’re simple, nostalgic, and great for quick spins with no frills.

You’ll usually find:

• Basic symbols like fruits, bars, bells, and 7s

• One to five paylines

• Rare or no bonus features

• Best for: Beginners or players who like things clean and simple.

2. Video Slots:  The Standard Go-To

This is what most modern players think of when they picture online slots. 5 reels, 10–50 paylines, slick animations, and loads of features. What I enjoy most about video slots is that there’s a theme for everyone, from Egyptian tombs to Viking battles to outer space treasure hunts. You’ll also find:

• Expanding wilds

• Free spins

• Sticky symbols

• Re-spins and gamble features

• Best for: Everyday players who want action, variety, and bonus rounds.

3. All Ways Pay: Say Goodbye to Paylines

In these slots, there are no fixed paylines. Instead, you win by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, usually starting from the left. 

• That means you can have 243, 720, or even 1,024 ways to win.

• Games like Avalon II and Thunderstruck II are great examples.

• Best for: Players who like high hit rates and more frequent wins.

4. Megaways Slots: Controlled Chaos

This is one of the most exciting developments in the slots world. Developed by Big Time Gaming, Megaways slots feature reels that change shape on every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win.

Each reel can show between 2 and 7 symbols, and with the combinations changing constantly, no spin is ever the same. Megaways slots also come with:

• Cascading reels (winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in)

• Increasing multipliers

• Extra wilds and bonus features

• Top picks: Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Bonanza Megaways, and Big Bass Bonanza Megaways

• Best for: Players who love unpredictable gameplay and high volatility.

5. Slots with Scatters and Bonus Symbols

Scatters are your ticket to the fun stuff. Land 3 or more, and you usually trigger a bonus round, free spins, or a special game feature. Unlike regular symbols, scatters don’t need to land on a payline, they can appear anywhere on the reels. Bonus symbols are sometimes separate from scatters and may trigger:

• Pick-and-win games

• Wheels of fortune

• Instant cash prizes

• Best for: Players who love unlocking side games and features.

6. Stacked & Expanding Symbols

In these games, symbols appear in stacks or grow to cover entire reels. That means more chances for huge screen-filling combos. Stacked wilds or expanding symbols can really heat up a game fast, especially during free spin rounds where wilds lock in place or multiply your winnings.

• Best for: High-volatility fans chasing big payouts.

7. Progressive Jackpot Slots

These are the games where the jackpot keeps growing every time someone plays, and doesn’t reset until someone wins it. Some jackpots climb into the millions, and yes, South Africans have won them.

• A portion of every spin goes into the jackpot pool

• You can win randomly or by hitting a specific combo

• You usually need to bet max or activate all paylines to be eligible

• Big names: Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, and Major Millions

• Best for: Dreamers with a bit of extra budget and a lot of patience.

Why I Love Online Slots

They’re fast. They’re flashy. And you don’t need to memorise rules or strategies to have fun. Some nights I just want to relax after work, and a few spins on a slot like Book of Dead does the trick. Other nights, I’m chasing big wins on Buffalo King Megaways or enjoying a bonus-hunting session on Sweet Bonanza.

And if you like variety? Slots offer more themes, features, and win styles than any other casino game out there. There’s literally something for everyone.

Table Games: Strategy Meets Luck

If slots are all about spinning and hoping for the best, table games are where skill meets chance. They’ve been around for ages, and with good reason, they’re exciting, social, and can pay out nicely if you know what you’re doing.

Blackjack: Beat the Dealer

Blackjack’s a classic. You’re trying to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You play against the dealer, not other players.

What I like about blackjack is that you can use basic strategy to improve your odds. It’s not just luck, it’s about timing, discipline, and a bit of maths. And don’t worry, the strategy’s easy to learn.

Roulette: Where the Wheel Decides

Roulette is all about the thrill. You place your bets, and then the wheel spins. Red or black? Odd or even? Straight up on 17?

There’s something properly exciting about watching that little white ball bounce around, especially if you’ve got a gut feeling.

You can play:

• European Roulette: One zero, better odds.

• American Roulette: Two zeros, house edge is higher.

• French Roulette: Same wheel as European, but with special rules that help the player.

Baccarat

Baccarat is actually one of the easiest games to play. You bet on the player, banker, or a tie, and that’s it. The dealer does all the work. Some high-rollers swear by it, but I find it’s quite a chill option even with small bets.

Best for:

• Players who like a bit of strategy

• Slower-paced games

• Traditional casino vibes

Live Dealer Games: The Best of Both Worlds

Now this is where things get lekker. Live dealer games combine the comfort of playing from home with the buzz of a real casino.

You connect via a live video stream to real dealers running real tables in real time. You can even chat with them—and with other players.

Popular Live Dealer Games

1. Live Blackjack: Same rules, but you watch the dealer deal your cards on camera.

2. Live Roulette: Bet digitally, watch the dealer spin the wheel live.

3. Game Show-Style Games: Think Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Dream Catcher. These are great if you’re up for something more entertaining and less traditional.

Why I Recommend Live Games

There’s something social about it. It feels real. I once joined a game of Live Roulette on a Friday night with a bunch of South Africans in the chat, it was better than a braai. You also get to see that the action isn’t rigged. No algorithms, just a human dealer and a proper table.

What You Need for Live Casino Play

• A good internet connection

• A quiet spot (unless you’re vibing with mates)

• Some basic knowledge of the game you’re playing

Comparing the Three: Slots vs. Table Games vs. Live Dealer

Which One Should You Start With?

It really depends on your style. 

• If you’re brand new and just want to have fun, start with slots. You’ll get a feel for how online casinos work.

• If you enjoy a challenge or want better odds, give blackjack or roulette a go.

• If you’re missing that real-life casino feel or want a bit of banter, live dealer games are your best bet.

I often switch it up. Some nights, I’m in the mood for a quick spin on Book of Dead. Other nights, I grab a drink, sit down for some live blackjack, and chat with the dealer.

Quick Tips for Playing Smarter

• Start with demo versions: Most casinos let you try games for free.

• Read the game rules: Especially for table and live games.

• Set a budget: Don’t chase losses—it's not worth it.

• Check return-to-player (RTP) rates: Slots with 96% or higher are decent.

• Don’t play with a bonus unless you know the rules: Some bonuses don’t count on live or table games.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Favourite and Go For It

Online casinos offer more variety than any land-based casino I’ve ever been to. Whether you’re into spinning, calculated risks, or real-time thrills, there’s a game for you.

My advice? Try them all. You’ll quickly find what you like. And if you don’t win right away, don’t stress. It’s all about the experience, and the more you play, the more you learn.

Now that you know the lay of the land, you’re ready to hit the tables, the reels, or the live room with confidence.