In online tournaments, players do not bet against the house. They play the same game under the same conditions and the player who performs better wins. Most online tournaments are offered in slot games, but tournaments are available in other games as well. Online tournaments are ranked in many different ways. Hence, new players get confused. Tournaments are also classified according to the nature of the prizes offered. Usually the prizes do not go to a single winner but are shared by a specific number of winners.
One way to qualify for online tournaments is as simple as go and schedule. In sit and go tournaments, players can simply take a seat, and as soon as the specified minimum spots are filled, the tournament begins. This is most popular in online poker. Scheduled tournament dates are announced in advance and players may be required to register earlier. Some scheduled tournaments may limit total entries on a first-come, first-served basis.
Another way to classify online tournaments is as single table and multi table. Individual table tournaments are decided in a single round. Multi-table tournaments are multi-level tournaments. A specific number of winners from the first round progress to the second round. Again, the winners of the second round advance to the third round and so on to the final round. Multi-table tournaments generally have two or three rounds. Many multi-table online casino tournaments have smaller prizes for the middle rounds, especially at promotional mega events.
Freeroll tournaments are tournaments for which players do not have to pay entry fees. Online casinos offer freeroll tournaments to attract customers and reward loyal players. New players are often offered freeroll tournaments so they can understand the procedures and gain a level of comfort without having to make an investment. Tournaments in which players must pay an entry fee are called buy-in tournaments. Usually the purchase is made in cash. For some tournaments, players pay buy-ins through earned loyalty points.