Learn
Want to learn more about casino games?
PlaySmart is OLG’s source for how-to-play tips, odds of winning, strategies, and all sorts of casino and table game information. On this page you’ll learn the basics that every casino player should know.
Key casino Facts
Featured Stories
Get the Edge on the House
Is it possible to beat the house? Win or lose, understanding how casinos make money is important to playing smart. Get to know how the real casino business stays in operation while paying out jackpots.
Longest Poker Game, Ever
Love playing poker? Think you could play for the better part of a decade? Learn about the cowboys, criminals and capitalists who helped keep an Arizona card game running for years.
Gumballs to Gambling Halls
Where did slot machines come from? Learn the top 5 facts on the history of this casino favourite, from humble, chewable beginnings to today’s multi-reel entertainment powerhouses.
How to Pick a Casino Game
What’s the right game for you? It might depend on if you’re looking for an escape vs a challenge, or to play solo vs socially.
Casino Game Types
Casino games share quick action, moving pieces, and near-immediate outcomes, but they couldn’t be more different in terms of gameplay. Find out which is right for you!
SLOTS
A universal casino favourite that’s easy to play. Choose your theme, load up your credits, and spin for a chance to line up the same symbols in a winning row or pattern.
ROULETTE
Put your chips down on a number, a group of numbers, or a colour, then settle in for the fun as the Roulette ball clickety-clacks its way around the wheel. If it lands on your selections, you win!
BLACKJACK
Blackjack is a game of chance and skill, where your knowledge of the game and basic strategy can reduce—but never eliminate—the house edge. Try to beat the dealer, but stay under 21!
BACCARAT
Baccarat is a popular card game where you simply bet on one of two hands dealt out on the table. Will you choose dealer, banker, or go for the higher-risk reward and choose tie?
POKER
One of the most popular card games around the world, Poker is a mix of chance, strategy and skill, where players can use bets and bluffs to convince opponents they hold the winning hand.
CASINO WAR
One of the easier table games to learn, Casino War requires no skill to play, simply bet on who will draw a higher card – the player or the dealer. If both cards are the same, it’s time for war!
WHERE CAN I PLAY?
online
Register for an OLG.ca account to play your favourite casino games online and have your winnings deposited directly into your account.
IN-PERSON
Head to your nearest Ontario casino, get some chips or vouchers, and enjoy the live action, amenities, and social atmosphere.
Keep your online casino play fun with our easy-to-use My PlaySmart tools. Avoid overspending by setting time and money budgets, get feedback on your play habits, and take a break whenever you want.
WANT TO GO BEYOND THE BASICS?
If you want even more casino and table game facts, play tips, odds info, and strategies, PlaySmart has you covered.
Ready to Play?
If you feel like you’ve learned enough to jump in, check out OLG’s Casino lobby to select a game and start playing.