Looking for an online gambling tournament to join? Well, there are several out there to choose from. While the vast majority of casino game competitions (including free rolls) are on the slot machines, it isn't at all uncommon to find video poker, blackjack and roulette tournaments at the best online casinos. The general rule of thumb is, "where there are slots tournaments, there are video poker tournaments". In fact, in order to stay competitive, the best casinos have no choice but to offer tournaments...many of which are free rolls (meaning there's no entry fee to participate). Here, we provide information on the structure and rules of online video poker and casino game tournaments, as well as some helpful tips for making the most out of your tournament play.

Tournament listings should state a number of particulars regarding each tournament, including the start/end time, prize pool, entry fee, re-buy fee, and stake/starting coins at a minimum. If the tournament is underway, a leader board should be posted as well. Below is a typical rules page of a free roll slots tournament (on Microgaming's Tomb Raider video slot), and the rules governing a video poker tournament at Golden Casino.

The main point to consider when choosing an online casino game tournament is it's duration, which compared to brick 'n mortar casinos, are often much shorter. Most tournaments are strictly time limited tournaments, which means the player who likely wagers the most will win the most and therefore win the tournament. Of course, if you hit a big jackpot early on, you can probably afford to slow down thereafter (just be sure you meet the minimum hand requirement if any). Time limited tournaments are often just minutes in length, but can go for as long as days, and will certainly require you to take advantage of re-buys.  In the case of participating in a free roll (no cost to join), re-buys are what the casino uses to eventually get you to pay up real money.

Time limited "speed" tournaments are common for slots since there is no strategy needed to win. The casino essentially wants you to bet as much as you can and make re-buys. A speed tournament at video poker or blackjack will require you to be on your game, for the quicker you can make strategic decisions, the more hands you will get into play. This is precisely why some players advise to not labor too much on playing the hand "correct" every time. The key to successful speed tournament play at video poker, roulette and blackjack is to make quick decisions and go with your gut. In the case of video poker, this means you might need to sacrifice the winnings of a High Pair if you are also holding three cards to a Royal Flush. Since you are playing for the short-term, it's important to go for the big payoff.

Less common in the online world are tournaments that are both time and hand limited. For these tournaments, so long as you pace yourself, you can afford to take more time to play your bets and get in the maximum number of hands before the time expires.