What Are The 7 Most Underrated Online Casino Games in the Industry?
Online casinos tend to revolve around a few dominant titles that are usually hugely popular. These are things like slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. While these games hold the spotlight, many other games can offer fun and compelling alternatives.
Several reasons explain why certain games rarely get featured. Marketing spend often concentrates on slots and classic table games, because that’s usually what players gravitate toward, either out of comfort or repetition. It makes it harder for niche titles to gain traction. Many players default to familiar formats rather than learning something new.
In some cases, regional preferences also play a role. For example, games like Teen Patti or Andar Bahar are extremely popular in South Asia but remain largely unknown in Western-facing platforms. Another factor is that some under-promoted games have lower house edges, which may discourage casinos from pushing them aggressively. Every so often, though, some stand-out alternatives can provide just as much entertainment.
7 Overlooked Casino Games Worth Trying
As eSportsInsider’s analysis highlights, there’s value in looking beyond these high-traffic games. These underrated titles may not dominate the top rows of a casino lobby, but they offer distinct features that can improve the playing experience. The online versions especially offer generous extras like free spins, side bets, and multipliers that give players more ways to engage.
1. Sic Bo
Sic Bo is a dice game with roots in East Asia. Players can bet on combinations from the roll of three dice. Some bets come with odds that rival many traditional table games. The game has a house edge as low as 2.78% on the Small and Big wagers. Its fast pace and variety of outcomes make it a strong alternative to standard card games.
2. Ultimate Texas Hold’em
This version of Hold’em interestingly pits players against the dealer rather than others. It’s a sort of blend of poker strategy with a simplified flow suited for casinos. When played well, it can return up to 97.8%. This would place it ahead of many typical casino games. It’s also a good choice if you prefer solo play without the complexity of multi-player tables.
3. Jacks or Better Video Poker
This game takes the familiar mechanics of poker and repackages them into a machine-based format. When played with perfect strategy, the RTP can exceed 99%. While this is generally considered less flashy than slots, it rewards consistent and informed play. It’s what makes it a strong pick for those with patience and a good memory for paytables.
4. Casino War
This one is simple to learn and quick to play. Casino War is exactly what it sounds like, too. The highest card wins. In the event of a tie, the player can surrender or go to war, which tends to add a bit of suspense. Despite its straightforward nature, it remains underused on casino floors. It’s an easy option for short sessions and doesn’t require memorizing complex rules.
5. Red Dog
This card game involves predicting whether a third card will fall between two dealt cards. The more space between the first two, the higher the odds of winning. With a house edge around 2.75% (using eight decks), it outperforms many games with far larger followings. Its rarity also means players often enjoy a quieter table.
6. Three Card Rummy
Three Card Rummy is a fast-paced card game where players aim to beat the dealer by holding the lowest hand value. Unlike traditional Rummy, this version is compact and suited to casino formats. It’s not widely promoted, but it boasts a low house edge and offers a smoother entry point for those less familiar with more complex card games.
7. Fish Catch
Here’s a bit of a wild card. Fish Catch is a multiplayer arcade-style game where players use virtual cannons to shoot animated fish for cash prizes. Created by Realtime Gaming, it offers an interactive break from traditional casino formats. Its pace, visuals, and competitive features appeal to players who enjoy games with more dynamic action than turn-based cards or reels.
Why These Games Are Worth a Look
It’s widely known that slots are the most popular format. Based on AGA data for Q3 2025, slot machines generated about 79% of traditional brick-and-mortar casino (slots + table games) revenue in US commercial casinos. So, is there value in exploring other avenues? Both for your enjoyment and for winning, yes. These lesser-known games often deliver a better statistical return. House edges are generally lower than in slots or certain popular table games. For example, Jacks or Better (when played well) beats nearly all online slot machines in terms of payout potential.
They also refresh the experience. Constantly cycling through slots or blackjack can wear thin. These alternatives introduce new mechanics. Sometimes it can be shooting fish for prizes in Fish Catch or the betting structure of Sic Bo. Whatever it is, it challenges different instincts and breaks monotony.
Players also face less competition for bonuses or in-game perks tied to these games. Some casinos offer promotions specifically to boost the visibility of these titles, and players willing to branch out may benefit directly.
Where to Find Them
Most of these games sit under “Specialty” or “Other” tabs in online casino menus. They may also appear when filtering by game provider. iGaming studios have a strong track record of developing unique formats.
Sites often stock a wider selection of these games, though not always prominently featured. Keep an eye on release notes and updates from trusted operators; sometimes new variants are added with little announcement.
