Table Games
Casino games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat that are traditionally played at a physical table, typically against the house.
Definition
Table games are a category of casino games historically dealt on a felt-topped table using cards, dice, a wheel or a combination of these, as distinct from slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. In the iGaming context, they exist in two main formats: RNG (software) versions, where outcomes are produced by a random number generator, and live dealer versions, where a human croupier runs a real table streamed from a studio. Classic examples include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and casino poker variants such as three card poker and Casino Hold'em. Each game carries a defined house edge that varies by game and by the specific rules and bets in play.
Worked example
A player sits at a European roulette table, which has a single zero and 37 pockets. A straight-up bet on one number pays 35 to 1, but the true odds are 36 to 1, giving the house an edge of 1/37, or about 2.70%. On a $10 straight-up bet, the expected loss is roughly $0.27 per spin. By contrast, American roulette adds a double zero (38 pockets), raising the house edge to about 5.26%, while blackjack played with basic strategy can bring the house edge below 1% depending on the rules offered.
Why it matters
Table games are a core pillar of the casino vertical and a useful teaching ground because their odds and house edges are transparent and mathematically defined, unlike the opaque volatility of many slots. For operators, they carry different margin, staffing and studio-cost profiles (especially live dealer) than slots, and they attract a distinct player segment. Understanding the family helps learners connect game rules to house edge, RTP and player behaviour across the wider ecosystem.
Related
Note: Core game definitions and the roulette/blackjack house-edge figures cited are stable and widely accepted. However, exact house edge depends on the specific rules, table limits, side bets and number of decks offered, which vary by operator and game supplier. Game availability, permitted variants and how table games are classified for tax and licensing purposes vary by jurisdiction and should be verified against local regulation.