Extinct Casino Games and Why They Vanished

Online casino games today are evolving at breakneck speed. With each new release—whether it's a crash game, an immersive live dealer experience, or a reimagined slot—developers are constantly finding ways to capture player attention. Just browse through the latest on the betwayapp, and you'll see how far we've come. But behind every modern innovation lies a trail of games that didn't make it. Some faded with time, others collapsed under the weight of their own complexity. Here's a look at a few once-beloved casino games that have all but disappeared—and why they didn't survive.

Faro: The Fallen King of Cards

Legend says it was the most popular card game in 19th-century America, one might say Faro was the blackjack of its time. It was quick, easy to understand, and found in every saloon west of the Mississippi. So you might be wondering why it vanished? Probably cheating—both by players and dealers—ran rampant. Its reputation soured, and as more regulated gambling environments emerged, Faro found itself – like many good old games – outdated.

Basset: A Noble Past, a Forgotten Present

Basset, or Bassetta, was a 17th-century favorite among European aristocrats. It involved high-stakes betting and a deck of cards, and history taught us that it was so addictive it was banned in multiple countries. With newer card games rising—games that were simpler and less ruinous—Basset slowly faded from casino floors.

Hazard: Meet the Grandfather of Craps

Before modern craps came along, there was Hazard, a dice game so old it's referenced in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. But it's not only a tale of legends, Hazard had a problem—it was incredibly complicated. Players needed to understand arcane rules and multiple layers of betting. When craps emerged as the easier, faster alternative, Hazard didn't stand a chance.

Chuck-a-Luck: The Dice Game That Lost Its Luck

With its iconic wire cage and tumbling dice, Chuck-a-Luck had a good run. It was often seen at fairs and in early casinos, offering simple odds and quick thrills. But as players became more savvy and demand grew for more betting options, Chuck-a-Luck got replaced by games like Sic Bo and craps, both offering better returns and more variety.

Horse Race Machines: Before Video Took Over

Electro-mechanical horse race machines were once the darling of casino arcades. Players would place bets and watch tiny horses sprint around a track. It was charming—but then came video slots and digital racing, offering richer graphics, faster gameplay, and higher margins. The mechanical horses retired.

Fan-Tan: From Streets to Silence

A traditional Chinese game played with beads or buttons, Fan-Tan once held a loyal following. But its slow pace and obscure rules made it less appealing to newer generations. Even in regions where it was once dominant, it's now nearly forgotten, often replaced by the more modern games –  baccarat or sic bo.

These extinct games tell a larger story: the casino world is ever-changing. Games that once defined an era can vanish as quickly as a trend on social media. Whether it's the rise of skill-based betting or the gamification of slots, today's online platforms are shaped by innovation—and by the lessons learned from games that came and went. And if you're curious what's next? Well, chances are, it's already on Betway.