Best casino games for beginners
A good first game is one you can play properly within a minute.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- 1: Slots. 2: Baccarat.
- Baccarat has a 1.06% edge with no skill.
- Use the smallest stakes.
- Set a limit first.
AnswerSlots and baccarat are the easiest casino games to start with. Baccarat is also one of the cheapest: bet banker and you are playing it correctly.
Ranked on: How little you need to learn to play the game at its stated house edge.
The ranking
- House edgeAround 4%
Slots
Nothing to learn; check the RTP and set a small stake.
- House edgeAbout 1.06% on banker
Baccarat
One rule: bet banker.
- House edge2.70% on a single-zero wheel
Roulette
One rule: single-zero wheel.
- House edgeAround 0.5%
Blackjack
A strategy chart to follow.
- House edgeAbout 4% to 5%
Slingo
Simple, though extra spins need care.
A first session
- Set a deposit limit.
- Choose one game from this list.
- Read its page here.
- Play at the smallest stake.
- Stop at your budget or time.
Leave for later
Craps, video poker and the casino poker games reward a little study first.
More rankings: Best live casino games, Cheapest casino games per hour and Worst casino bets.
Games and casinos: Video poker UK, Live casino games UK, PlayOJO games review and Steadiest casino games.
Reading this ranking
Ease and value are different things, and beginners usually trade one for the other without knowing it. Slots ask nothing of you and charge about 4%. Baccarat asks for one word and charges about 1%. Roulette is as simple as baccarat provided you pick the right wheel. Blackjack is the cheapest of all, but only once you follow a chart, so it sits fourth on a list about ease. Whichever you choose, play the first few sessions at the lowest stake the game allows and treat them as lessons.
Every game by what you must learn
| Game | To play it properly |
|---|---|
| Blackjack | Follow a basic strategy chart |
| Baccarat | Bet banker |
| Craps | Stick to the line bets |
| Roulette | Choose a single-zero wheel |
| Video poker | Find a full-pay table; follow a hold chart |
| Casino poker games | One fold-or-raise rule |
| Sic Bo | Stick to small and big |
| Slots | Nothing |
| Live game shows | Read each bet's RTP |
| Slingo | Place wilds sensibly |
| Scratch cards | Check the RTP |
Go further: Three Card Poker UK, Blackjack vs baccarat and Casino games for small budgets.
House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best casino game for a beginner?
Slots for simplicity; baccarat for value.
Is blackjack hard?
Not with a chart beside you.
What stake should I use?
The smallest offered.
Can I practise free?
Many games have demo modes after age verification.