Popular Casino Games by Country
While living in Canada, it may seem like blackjack and slot machines rule the world. Walk into any of the major Canadian casinos and there’ll be more slot machines and blackjack tables than you can shake a stick at. But the betting landscape shifts as you migrate overseas. Blackjack tables are passed over for Roulette, Baccarat, lotteries and even Pokies. Every country has a go-to game, and we’ve explored a few to see what game draws the biggest crowds.
Macau: Baccarat
VIP Baccarat generates the majority of Macau’s gaming revenue. Punto Banco, a luck-based card game where gamblers wager on either the banker winning, the player winning or a tie, is the most popular baccarat variant enjoyed in this tiny peninsula. Last year, VIP Baccarat pulled in $15.62 billion US in Macau- a significant decrease from the $29.84 billion US generated in 2013.
Vegas: Slot Machines
It may not surprise you to know the City of Lights generates the majority of its gaming income from slot machines. These flashing machines are everywhere – even at the McCarran International Airport. On the Strip, slot machines generate more income than any other game offered.
France: Roulette
Roulette, French for “little wheel”, was invented in France and continues to enjoy special status in French casinos. Unlike American roulette, the European variant doesn’t have a “00”, meaning players have a better edge when they play across the pond.
Australia: Pokies
An Australian pub without a pokie (poker machine or slot) is a rare sight. There’s no denying that Aussies love to gamble; over 80% of the population gamble in one way or another.
Singapore: 4D
Loteries are a common pastime in Singapore, and 4D, short for Four Digits, is the most popular one. People often look for lucky number combinations in peculiar ways, such as jotting down the license plate numbers of vehicles or seeing them in dreams.
