Online Skill Games for Real Money
Skill games for real money exist in Sin City and online US casinos. In the movie “Rounders,” Mike McDermott asks, “Why do you think the same nine people end up at the final table at the World Series of Poker? Are they the nine luckiest guys in Vegas?” The answer is there are casino games that require skill to win. This guide will explain the difference between real money skill games and gambling games of chance (luck) and the pros and cons of each.
Top Real Money Casinos with Skill Games
If you prefer casino skill games over games of chance, these are Gamble Online’s favorite online casinos for real money:
- Wagering Req: 35x
- Max. Cash out: $5,000
- Rollover: 25x Deposit and Bonus
- Min. deposit: $10
- Wagering Req: 25x
- Max. Cash out: $9,500
- Rollover: 25x
- Min. deposit: $20
- Bitcoin bonus 350% up to $2500
- Min. deposit: $10
- 100 free spins
- Min. deposit: $25
- Rollover: 35x
- Min Deposit: $20
- 30 free spins
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Free Demo Play for almost all games
- Min. deposit: $10 crypto/$20 credit card
- Rollover: 35x
- Min Deposit: $50
- Rollover: 40x
- Min. deposit: $10 for crypto and $30 credit card
- User-Friendly Platform
- Min. deposit: $20
- Crypto Bonus 400% up to $4000
- Min. deposit: $20
- 100 free spins
- Min. deposit: $20
- Loyalty Program
- Min. deposit: $10
- 20 free spins
- Min. deposit: $20
- 25 free spins on Cleopatra’s Gold
- Min. deposit: $35
- Wagering Req: 35x
- Min. Deposit: $10 Crypto $30 Credit Card
- 200 free spins
- Min. deposit: $10
- Solid Customer Service
- Min. deposit: $35
- Promo code ‘NDB40’ for a $40 no deposit bonus
- Min. deposit: $10
- Loyalty Program
- Min. deposit: $20
- Wagering Req: 40x
- Max. Cash out: 4000
- Wagering Req: 30x
- Max. Cash out: 2,500
- Quickie Boost 150% up to $300 every month
- Min. deposit: $20
- New Game Bonus for every new game
- Min. deposit: $10
- Bitcoin Welcome Bonus 300% up to $600
- Min. deposit: $25
- Reload Bonus
- Min. deposit: $10
- Free $75 chip for Bitcoin deposit
- Min. deposit: $35
- Free $75 chip for cryptocurrency deposit
- Min. deposit: $35
- Referral bonus 200% up to $200
- Min. deposit: $20
- 200% up to $200 Refer-and-Earn deposit
- Min. deposit: $20
- 300 free spins
- Min. deposit: 0.0001 BTC
Skill Games for Real Money
While many real money poker purists will go to their grave preaching that the iconic casino game is one of pure skill, some chance does factor in when the dealer flips over the cards. However, most true skill games are not typically found on a casino floor.
Classic games like chess, checkers, backgammon, and Scrabble are truly games of skill and bettors from all around the world wager on tournaments – typically via an online sportsbook entertainment prop. You can also find apps offering skill games, such as the popular Candy Crush, that are simply puzzle video games. And you can likely find a way to bet on it with real money. Other versions of skill games for real money include Esports betting, dominoes, and old school card games like spades and bridge. You can also watch game shows and trivial contests that are skill based, such as Jeopardy!
The best online sportsbook, like Bovada and BetOnline, offer skill games when players elect to wager on the NFL point spread odds or NBA over-under odds. Granted, some naysayers believe betting on sports isn’t completely skill-based and that luck plays a huge role in the outcome of any wager.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that fantasy sports betting became legal in several states, like California, years ago based on the simple fact operators were able to make a strong enough case that their players were utilizing skill to generate winning lineups and luck had little to do with the outcome of who won or lost weekly competitions.
Lastly, you have iconic online casino mainstays that are a blend of online skill games for real money with a splash of chance involved. These games include online blackjack where strategy and skill dictate when to hit, stand, split or double-down, while the luck portion of the process comes from the multi-deck shoe the dealer pulls cards from.
Casino Games of Chance
If you’ve ever played an online slot, virtual bingo or ponied up five bucks to interact with the next round of keno, you’ve participated in a casino game of chance. In these instances, the player has no control of the outcome. They are simply depositing via prepaid cards or other methods, wagering X-amount of money for the chance to win Y-amount of credits.
Each one of these online casino games are powered by random number generator software where an algorithm – or complex mathematical equation running in the background – determines the outcome of the slot spin, bingo ball pulled or keno number drawn.
It’s important to know that every legal online gambling site Gamble Online recommends is licensed and regulated so that their random number generator software is audited and meets fair play guidelines. The Ignition casino is one of the casino sites online that we recommend.
Are online casino games skill or chance based?
At the end of the day, it depends which online casino games you play. The short answer is some casino games found online are skill based, like poker and sports betting, some are a blend of skill and chance, like online blackjack, while many are games of luck based on clicking a virtual button, like online slots.
Pros and Cons of Skill Games for Real Money
When risking your hard-earned real money, there are pros and cons of seeking out skill games at the SlotoCash online casino, for example.
While the risk appetite comes down to the individual, we feel it necessary to highlight these positives and drawbacks before making a first casino deposit at online skill game casinos.
Pros
- More control of the outcome
- Showcase expertise & knowledge
- Bigger jackpot potential
- Most games are blend of skill & chance
- Avoid random number generator software
Cons
- Takes time to learn rules, strategies
- Casino bonuses wagering requirements aren't met
Real Money Skill Games FAQs
Where can I play skill games for real money?
Our top recommended casinos, as vetted in our online casino reviews, offer a variety of skill games for real money like poker online. They also offer games of chance like online slots, bingo online, and keno.
What is the best online game to play for real money?
That depends on the individual and personal preference. However, if you’re looking for online casino games with the lowest house edge and best chance at winning, online blackjack, online craps and baccarat online all come to mind.
Are skill games gambling?
This is a gray area that sometimes depends on which state you reside. For example, online poker requires an element of skill, but also some luck to receive the cards required to improve chances of winning.
Are real money skill games legal?
Yes, all the online casinos we recommend feature online skill games for real money. Just be sure to read each operator’s terms and conditions to make sure you are of legal age to gamble online.