Which casino games run best on low-end PCs?

The mid-2010s laptop I play on can handle some of these well. Free-to-play HTML5 titles such as Starburst or Gonzo’s Quest run beautifully, as they’re browser-based and don’t require any software plugins. The videos from the live blackjack and roulette tables are a little choppy, though most gambling operators now stream their tables using bandwidth-friendly 4G quality.

I gamers tend to stick to the old-school three-reel slots and stripped-down video poker. Modern, animated progressive jackpots don't play smoothly on older systems. Mobile-optimized games are often surprisingly compatible with outdated desktop computers, as they're designed to be efficient.

TIP: make sure that your browser is up-to-date! Also, Chrome runs games more smoothly than Firefox (especially for older computers). Finally, close all applications that are running in the background.

I love that modern casinos have a performance mode – you can dial down the graphics to improve latency.

Don’t use high graphic games if your computer is old. Simple games such as Starburst, Book of Dead or similar, are ideal; they load quickly and will not slow down your PC. Similarly, blackjack and roulette games with few animations will be far easier to play than games with more animation. Slots with 3D graphics and live dealers should be avoided at all costs. If you are using a browser and games are not loading properly, try turning off the animations, restarting your internet connection, checking that no other programs are running in the background, or trying another browser. Personally, I use Book of Odds and Gonzo’s Quest; they are fast and enjoyable!

The good news is that the more you focus on low-end games (low graphics), the higher your framerate will be. You can still play anything from Starburst to Book of Dead on a low-end computer. The same goes for blackjack, roulette, and most video poker games, as long as you avoid the fancier varieties with lots of animations. Just don’t try any 3D slots or live dealer games. Instead, use a less demanding web browser, delete any cached data, and close all unnecessary background processes. And you’re set – just like me! Have fun!

With low-end machines, keep it simple. Stick to old-school casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. These games have minimal graphics requirements, and most online casinos give you the option of setting your graphics level, further reducing the burden on your computer. Avoid 3D games or ones with lots of flashy animations; they will play terribly on anything but the newest machines. Personally, I limit myself to table games and simpler slots. They play fine and don’t distract me from what I’m trying to do: beat the house. Simple is as simple does.

So, older computers will dominate the casino world in games with simple graphics such as Blackjack, Roulette, and HTML5 slots. These games do not require a lot of processing power. Try them in free play mode first to see if they run well on your computer. Personally, I don’t mind playing low-limit Texas Hold'em and Video Poker, which usually work well. Just make sure your system software is updated and that your cache is cleared regularly. Most online casinos have made modifications to ensure they perform well even on very old machines. Be pleasantly surprised!