Key Insights
Quick Answer: ETGs are table games on a screen, built for quick play. You tap bets, and results come from software or a real wheel/cards nearby. They’re cheap and chill, but rules can change, so don’t click too fast.
Best X for Y: Best reason to play ETGs: low minimum bets and fast rounds.
Best time to do X: Best time to check the rules: before you tap “confirm bet”.
Biggest mistake: Assuming every ETG pays the same as the real table.
Pro tip: Always open the pay table or rules screen first.
You walk past a “stadium roulette” wall. Big screen, lots of seats, everyone tapping like it’s game night.
That setup is an electronic table game (ETG). It’s a table game you play through a terminal, so you bet with taps instead of chips.
People love ETGs because the minimums are often low, the rounds move quick, and there’s less pressure. In the menu of casino game types, they’re a solid middle pick when you want table-style play without the table spotlight.
Read next: The Complete Guide to Casino Game Types
In this guide, I’ll show you how ETGs work, what to watch for, and how to dodge the usual traps.
What an Electronic Table Game (ETG) actually is
An ETG is a classic table game—roulette, blackjack, baccarat—played on screens with electronic betting. You pick your bet, hit confirm, and the terminal handles payouts.
You’ll usually see two flavours: fully digital (software decides the result) and hybrid (a real wheel or real cards exist, but you bet on a screen).
This is why ETGs can feel weird in casino game categories. They’re not slots, and they’re not a livestream dealer either.
Related: The Difference Between Mechanical, Digital & Hybrid Casino Games
Where you’ll see ETGs (and what they look like)
Single-seat terminals: sit down and play fast.
Stadium style: one big screen, many seats, one shared result. That shared round is why they feel like multiplayer casino games.
Dealer-assisted hybrids: a dealer runs the wheel/cards, you tap bets from your seat.
Read next: Multi-Player Casino Game Types Explained
ETG formats by game (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, more)
Roulette ETGs: simple bets, quick timer, easy to start small.
Blackjack ETGs: good for practice, but rules vary a lot. Always check the blackjack payout and dealer rules.
Baccarat ETGs: main bets are easy (Player/Banker/Tie). Side bets are the “temptation buttons.”
Craps-style ETGs: less common, but loud and fun once you learn a few key bets.
Related: An Overview of All Casino Game Types (Complete Breakdown)
RNG vs live results (this is the part that saves people money)
Some ETGs are RNG casino games. Software picks the result, like a digital dice roll.
Others are live/hybrid. A real wheel spins or real cards get dealt, and your terminal is just the betting seat. Online sites often call these live dealer game types.
Before you bet, check the terminal:
- Info menu says “RNG,” “virtual,” or “random number generator.”
- You can see a physical wheel/cards, or there’s a camera feed.
- The result is shared with a whole stadium of seats.
Same look, different guts. Don’t guess.
Read next: The Difference Between RNG-Based and Live Casino Game Types
ETGs vs real tables vs slots
ETGs vs real tables: lower minimums, less pressure, faster rounds. The trade is less “casino vibe” and less social energy.
ETGs vs slots: you may get more control (like blackjack choices), but the house edge is still there.
If you’re sorting casino game types in your head, ETGs sit right between table games vs slots.
Related: How Table Games Differ From Machine Games
The real pros and cons of ETGs
- Pros: Low minimum bets.
- Pros: Fast rounds.
- Pros: Easy buttons. Great beginner-friendly casino games for shy players.
- Pros: Usually no tipping pressure.
- Cons: They’re fast-paced casino games, so it’s easy to over-bet.
- Cons: Rules and payouts can be worse than the real table.
- Cons: Less social. More button tapping.
Quick checklist: What to check before you play
- RNG or live/hybrid: know where results come from.
- Minimum/maximum bet: protects your budget.
- Roulette zeros: how many, and which version.
- Blackjack payout: 3:2 is better than 6:5.
- Blackjack dealer rules: shown in the info panel.
- Baccarat side bets: fun-looking, often pricey.
- “Bonus” payouts: double-check the pay table.
- Speed settings: fast is fun, fast is risky.
- Auto-bet / repeat-bet: handy, but rough when you tilt.
- Rules/pay table button: find it before you bet.
Quick gut check: some bets feel like high volatility vs low volatility games. If you hate big swings, keep it simple.
Read next: Fast-Paced vs Slow-Paced Casino Games Compared
Common mistakes players make on ETGs
- “It’s due” thinking: fix it by betting your plan, not the last spin.
- Betting faster because you can: fix it by skipping rounds.
- Ignoring the rules screen: fix it by tapping info first.
- Chasing flashy side bets: fix it by starting with main bets.
- Repeat-bet on autopilot: fix it by turning it off for a bit.
- Trying to win it back fast: fix it by taking a break.
We’ve all been there. ETGs just get you there quicker.
Simple tips if you actually want to play smarter
- Start with the main bets, not the side bets.
- Keep bet size steady. Don’t “double up” out of vibes.
- If blackjack is 6:5, walk away.
- Set a session budget before you sit down.
- Take breaks. ETGs can burn through money fast.
- Pick the game that fits you on the chance vs skill casino games scale.
Read next: How Casino Games Are Categorized by Skill vs Luck and Chance-Based vs Decision-Based Casino Games Explained
Quick Takeaways
- ETGs are a middle option in casino game types: table feel, machine speed.
- Check if it’s RNG or live/hybrid before you bet.
- Open the rules/pay table screen every time.
- Watch the pace. Fast rounds eat bankrolls.
- Be picky about payouts (blackjack and roulette especially).
- Keep side bets as “dessert,” not dinner.
FAQs
Are ETGs fair?
Most are tested and regulated, like other casino games. On RNG casino games, fairness depends on certified software. If the rules/info menu is missing, skip it.
Are ETGs better odds than slots?
Sometimes, yes. But a bad rules setup (like 6:5 blackjack) can flip that fast. Always check payouts first.
Do ETGs count as table games?
They play like table games, but casinos may rate them like machines for points and promos. If comps matter, ask how that floor tracks ETGs.
Can I use strategy on ETGs?
On blackjack, your choices matter, so basic strategy can help you avoid mistakes. On roulette and baccarat, it’s more about bet choice and bankroll control. No strategy guarantees a win.
Why do ETGs feel so fast?
Countdown timers and instant payouts. No chip stacking, no shuffling, no waiting for other players. Want to slow it down? Skip rounds on purpose.
Are ETGs good for beginners?
Yes. You can learn quietly, start small, and take your time. Just don’t let the buttons rush you.
Where To Go Next
ETGs are awesome for cheap practice and quick fun. Just do the boring stuff first: check rules, check payouts, and don’t let the speed bully your budget.
Best next read: How Table Games Differ From Machine Games — it makes the tables-vs-machines difference super clear.
Next Steps
If you want the full map, read: An Overview of All Casino Game Types (Complete Breakdown)
If you want pacing help, read: Fast-Paced vs Slow-Paced Casino Games Compared
If you want volatility help, read: High-Volatility Game Types vs Low-Volatility Game Types
