Popular options like poker, slots, roulette, and craps often dominate the conversation when discussing casino games. But there are hundreds of real money casino games to play for real money, including Backgammon.
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If you want to learn how to play Backgammon, this is the perfect knowledge spot. We have prepared a detailed guide on placing your first bet on real money Backgammon using expert strategies. This guide goes even further to cherry-pick the best casinos to play this classic board game in the Middle East and North Africa. Let’s dive in!
What is Backgammon?
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games today, tracing its origin back to the 17th century. However, the game had to wait until the 19th century to become popular in Europe and America. Today, you can find this table game on some online casinos like the ones we will introduce to you in this guidepost.
That said, Backgammon is a game between two players. Of course, this means you’ll play online Backgammon against the Casino’s RNG system since there is no live version yet. Each player gets 15 pieces or checkers that move around the board. Players have numerous options from each dice roll while expecting a counter move from their opponent.
The goal is to bear off your disc pieces from the game board before your opponent does the same. Backgammon’s playing time is usually between 5 to 60 minutes, with a table set-up time of around 30 seconds. We will discuss everything in detail later in this guide.
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Top 3 Online Casinos to Play Backgammon
| Casino | Rank | Bonus Offer | Payment Speed | Play Now | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | VIPArabClub | 9/10 | Free do-deposit bonus | Up to 24 hours | Play Now |
| #2 | Betfinal Casino | 9/10 | 100% up to $3,500 | Up to 24 hours | Play Now |
| #3 | Haz Casino | 9/10 | 100% up to €1,000 | Up to 24 hours | Play Now |
As said before, Backgammon is one of the rarest online casino games, with just a handful of operators and suppliers providing this classic board game. Thankfully, we have done the digging by finding the best Arabic online casinos that offer real money Backgammon. Let’s review them below:
VIPArabClub
Are you looking to play Backgammon in a casino that’s tailor-made for Arab players? VIPArabClub should be your next stop! It’s a top-rated gambling site established in 2018 by Alt.bet Exchange BV. The Casino is licensed in Curacao, providing players various games, including Backgammon. You will find casino games from top software suppliers like Asia Gaming, Booongo, Wazdan, Play’n GO, and more. Don’t forget to check out Arabic Roulette by Evolution.
VIPArabClub also offers a range of bonuses and promotions to play Backgammon without dipping into your precious bankroll. For example, you can claim the 20% reload bonus every day. The Casino also offers a free no-deposit bonus with a 50x wagering requirement. And don’t forget to check out the VIP promotions and the sports betting page with its own exclusive bonuses and promotions. VIPArabClub is the place to be!
Pros:
- Multiple bonuses and promotions.
- Powered by 50+ game developers.
- Licensed and regulated in Curacao.
Cons:
- Some bonuses have high wagering requirements.
1xBet Casino
1xbet is one of the most trusted online gambling brands, especially in the sports betting sector. Launched in 2007, this online casino is operated by Caecus NV and licensed by the Government of Curacao. This internationally recognized casino is famous for its intuitive apps and unlimited withdrawals for Euro currency players. 1xbet Casino also has multiple offers and promotions for new and loyal players.
If you sign up at this Casino, you’ll find thousands of games, including live casino titles. As expected, slots dominate the RNG library. You’ll find games from leading developers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, EGT, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, and more. This Curacao-licensed Casino also has one of the coolest interfaces with vivid graphics and smooth mobile integration. Overall, it’s an excellent option for mobile gamblers.
Pros:
- Internationally recognized online Casino.
- Dedicated mobile gaming apps.
- Wide variety of bonuses and promotions.
Cons:
- Not available in some Arab countries.
Haz Casino
Haz Casino is another excellent platform to play Backgammon and other casino games. Launched in 2020, this Curacao-licensed gambling site offers a straightforward layout with thousands of games from leading suppliers. You’ll find titles from companies like Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Blueprint Gaming, and more. It’s also one of the best online gambling sites to play with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tron, etc.
Meantime, Haz Casino has a range of bonuses and promotions for Arab gamers. You’ll start your adventure on this Casino with the 250% up to €1,000 bonus plus 125 free spins. Cryptocurrency players are also welcomed with an exclusive offer of 300% up to €600. That’s not all. This ecoPayz casino online offers multiple tournaments from Wazdan, Pragmatic Play, Playson, Fugaso, and GameArt.
Pros:
- 7,100+ casino games.
- Exclusive cryptocurrency welcome bonus.
- Multiple payment options.
Cons:
- Low withdrawal limits.
Getting the Best Backgammon Bonus
Bonuses and promotions are essential when choosing an online casino in Jordan and other Arab countries. The thing is that most casinos will entice you with irresistible bonuses these days. Besides giving you a warm welcome bonus, most also offer loyalty promotions like reload bonuses, cashback, tournaments, VIP memberships, and more.
But although these bonuses give you a chance to play Backgammon for free, it’s vital to be careful because a bigger bonus could be the worse. The best Backgammon bonuses often have reasonable wagering requirements. Today’s industry standard is 40x, although some reliable casinos can go as high as 50x or 60x. Always remember that a higher rate will mean using more money to fulfil the wagering requirement and make a withdrawal claim.
The qualifying games are also vital when choosing a Backgammon casino bonus. Usually, most bonus terms would indicate the qualifying game options. Avoid claiming rewards like free spins if you want to play Backgammon and other table games. Read and understand the bonus small print before claiming anything.
How to Win at Backgammon
It’s evident that you’re interested in playing real money Backgammon if you’re still reading. Learning how to win at Backgammon might take some time because the game is not as straightforward as, let’s say, slots and scratch cards. Thankfully, you can count on us to share tips and tricks to play Backgammon like a seasoned pro. Follow me!
Learn the Rules
Before staking real money on Backgammon or any other real money casino game, this should be your starting point. You’ll lose money if you don’t clearly understand what you’re doing on the Backgammon table. So, ensure you know the rules in and out, especially if you’re a beginner. You can learn about the rules from friends, YouTube tutorials, expert guides (like this one), and many other resources. There’s no shortage of Backgammon information.
Plan Your Open Move Carefully
The first action on a Backgammon board could easily determine whether or not you can end up winning. Knowing your next move when the dice roll favours you is essential, although you might not be able to make a strategic opening move every time. For instance, it’s advisable always to create a prime earlier in the game or move your pieces from point 24 to 13.
Remember that you’ll need a 6-1, 4-2, or 3-1 dice roll to create a prime. The 3-1 roll is best because it allows you to create an anchor on point 5, leading to a prime with point 6. This can give you an upper hand because the casino will have limited options to pass your bar.
Use the Blocking Strategy
Blocking or holding your opponent is a Backgammon strategy that often bears fruits. Blocking your opponent can prevent them from moving to rewarding positions too early in the game. So, experts often advise you to have a defensive mindset in the game until you’re sure about your strategies or have more experience.
The best blocking strategy is to move at least two checkers to the board’s strategic points. Note that your opponent will have limited playing options once you have two checkers on one point. This can also prevent them from targeting your blots. All in all, strive to lock up any weak points you think the casino might be targeting.
Practice the Running Game
This strategy will often be successful in online or live Backgammon. And guess what? It’s also one of the most straightforward Backgammon strategies to master. As the name suggests, this strategy is about moving your checkers to your side of the game as quickly as possible. That’s why it’s sometimes called “The Running Game.”
Here is the thing; the casino will also try to use this strategy to beat you in the game. Sadly for them, whoever rolls better will carry the day. But you should only play the running game if your opening roll is strong enough. That takes you to point #2!
Use the Blitz Strategy
They say the best defence is to attack, which applies to playing online Backgammon. With the Blitz strategy, you will set out to aggressively attack your opponent’s weak areas on the board from the beginning. Instead of running back to your turf, try to land your opponent’s checkers before sending them to the bar.
One of the reasons to use this strategy is to set the casino back several pips. This strategy can also help you trap your opponent’s checkers if their roll doesn’t favour them. But as you do the attacking, it’s vital to remember that your checker might be vulnerable, meaning you might lose pips yourself.
Propose a Double
Many casual Backgammon players understand little about the doubling cubes. This cube resembles a regular dice but is slightly bigger. It often has numbers 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, and 2 printed on the sides. The main objective of the doubling cube is to track the stakes in the current game.
With that in mind, this cube can help you raise the stakes in the game and throw your opponent off balance. You can achieve that by giving your opponent an offer to double. If they refuse and end the game, you win the round. Remember that your opponent will lose fewer points than you if you don’t propose a double. So, suggest it when you’re not too close or far from your opponent, as they will likely accept the offer.
Practice Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is crucial to your success when playing real money Backgammon and other casino games. Regardless of the strategy you use, there are high chances that you’ll still lose the game. For this reason, we advise you to plan your finances accordingly before staking real money on Backgammon.
Players should never use important money to play Backgammon at the best Arabic online casinos. Ensure that the money you use to gamble is not meant for shopping, buying fuel, paying house rent, and other vital expenditures. Also, divide your bankroll into smaller daily units and stop playing after losing or winning a sizeable amount. Most importantly, don’t skip casino bonuses.
How to Play Backgammon
You should now be ready to play Backgammon with a strategy. The basic idea is to move your pieces around the board and be the first to remove all your pieces off the board. This is also called “bearing off.” So, without any further ado, let’s list the steps on how to play Backgammon online or offline:
Step 1. Find an online casino in Algeria or other Arab countries that offer real money Backgammon. You can sign up at VIPArabClub to play Backgammon for real money.
Step 2. After launching the game, the first player will set three pieces vertically at the base of the fifth point from their left. You’ll also proceed to set five pieces directly to the bottom of the right side of the board. This is the point that is adjacent to the portioning line.
Step 3. Then, you’ll line up five more pieces on the leftmost point on the top-left side of the board. You will also add two pieces on the last point on the top-right point of the board. The opposing player will line up their checkers on the opposite sides of your loaded points. So, setting up the table should be easy if the casino starts, which is often the case.
Step 4. The round begins with the first player moving their checkers counterclockwise, beginning from the top-right. The second player will move their pieces clockwise, starting from the bottom right corner. Players will alternate rolling the two six-sided dice after each round.
Step 5. For each number you roll, you’ll move one or two pieces, depending on your position in the game. For example, a roll of 5 and 2 allows you to move one piece 5 points on the board and another piece 2 points. Alternatively, you can move a single piece seven points across the board. Remember, you cannot move a piece to a point occupied by at least two of the opponent’s pieces.
Step 6. Once you have moved your pieces closer to your end side of the board, you’ll begin removing them from the board. You’ll win a payout if you remove all your pieces from the board first. See, it’s nothing complicated!
Free Backgammon Vs Real Money Backgammon
Players can enjoy online Backgammon for free or head to the best online casinos and play using real money. You can play this game for free by downloading Backgammon apps on Play Store or App Store. Free play lets you learn the game rules and sharpen your skills before staking real money. Below is a table to summarize these two gameplay options:
| Free Backgammon | Real Money Backgammon |
| Play without risking money. | Play and win real money payouts. |
| Unlimited free options to play online. | Limited options, with no live variant yet. |
| Sharpen your skills and learn the game rules. | Exciting gameplay due to the possibility of winning or losing. |
| Enjoy the games without registering or providing financial details. | Delivers a thrilling life-like experience against the Casino. |
Types of Backgammon Games
Now that you know how to play online Backgammon, let’s proceed to briefly list and discuss some popular variants of this entertaining board game.
Acey-Deucey
Acey-Deucey is undoubtedly the most played variant of Backgammon. Compared to traditional Backgammon, it features a different starting position, rules, and opening play. In addition, Acey-Deucey doesn’t feature a doubling cube. This Backgammon game is further divided into European, American, Greek, and Mexican versions.
Hypergammon
Hypergammon is a modern variation of this table game that simplifies the who gaming process. In this game, players start with three checkers, each on points one, two, and three. The game features similar rules to standard Backgammon, meaning players can bear their checkers off just like in regular gameplay. Hypergammon also allows players to use doubling cubes, allowing them to double and redouble throughout the gameplay. Moreover, the Jacoboy rule applies.
Domino Backgammon
This is a rarer version of Backgammon. Instead of using dice to play, gamers will use dominos. To start playing, gamers pick one of the dominos (except a double) before placing it on their inner board. The doubles are also different in the Backgammon variant. These cubes can only be used in ascending order. Also, players can only use them after completing the first change-over in the game.
Tapa
Tapa is a widespread Backgammon variant, especially in Bulgaria. In this game, the player’s main objective is to block their opponent’s checkers instead of hitting them. The game begins with each player receiving 15 checkers on their opponent’s point 1 before moving them in an opposite direction. The idea is to reach your checks to your home board before bearing off. Of course, the first player to remove their checkers from the board wins the round.
Narde
Narde is a Backgammon variant common among Russian gamblers and some parts of Turkey and Greece. Each player begins with 15 checkers on the section opposite to point one diagonally on the board. These checkers move in the same direction (counterclockwise) with the simple objective of bearing off all your checkers. Like in most variants, the loser of the first round will begin the dice roll in the next game.
Tawula
This game is also popularly known as Turkish Backgammon. Here, the goal is to move all your checkers around the board and bear them off. The game begins with each player getting two checkers diagonally on the rightmost point 1 of the board. Like in Narde, Tawula players move in the same direction counterclockwise.
How We Rate the Best Casinos for Backgammon
We understand that you might be unable to sign up on our recommended Backgammon real money websites for several reasons. In that case, we want to give you the best tips for choosing the ideal gambling site to play Backgammon using real money. Below are our irreducible minimums:
License and Regulation
Don’t sign up at a casino if it doesn’t show any proof of licensing and regulation. The best Arabic online casinos must be licensed by a legal body, although gambling is illegal in Arab countries. Before signing up, ensure the casino is legal in Curacao, Malta, the UK, Canada, and other countries. These bodies ensure that the casino sticks to safety and transparency rules.
Safety and Security
Although a legit license will go a long way towards assuring safety in a Backgammon casino, confirming if the website is protected is essential. Always check if the online Casino is encrypted using SSL technologies like 128-bit and 256-bit. SSL encryption protects gamers’ personal and financial information from scammers and other prying eyes.
Game Library
First of all, the casino must offer several Backgammon titles. An example is VIPArabClub which offers Backgammon from Spingo. But you’re not signing up to play Backgammon only, are you? Ensure the Backgammon casino has unlimited slots, table games, and live casino games. Also, these games should be from reputable game developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi, Evolution, and more.
Mobile Compatibility
Don’t always assume that all online casinos support mobile gameplay. While nearly all of them are playable on mobile browsers, the gameplay quality may vary. Ensure the Backgammon casino offers smooth gameplay on mobile with sharp graphics. You can confirm this before signing up by playing the demo games. Head to the next option if you realize any crashes or lags.
Payment Service
Playing Backgammon for real money means depositing and withdrawing funds often. It’s paramount to ensure that the website offers quick and reliable payments. Credit/debit card users should access options like Visa and Mastercard, whereas e-wallet players should use Neteller, Skrill, MuchBetter, and more. The Casino should also provide cryptocurrency payments. Withdrawals should be swift, preferably less than 24 hours for e-wallet payments.
Customer Support
Lastly, we advise you to confirm that the Casino offers reliable customer service. You’ll often encounter challenges like delayed payouts, account verification, missing bonus codes, etc. The casino should provide support via live chat, email, or phone. Some websites offer social media support on WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook Messenger. It’s also vital to consider a casino that provides Arabic support.
Online Backgammon on Mobile Experience
As said initially, mobile gaming is a vital consideration when choosing an Arabic gambling site to play. Mobile casinos offer a convenient remote gambling experience allowing gamers to access Backgammon from anywhere. All you need to do is sign up on the online Backgammon app to play on your internet-connected smartphone or tablet.
Having said that, most players use Android and iPhone devices to play Backgammon. So, is there any difference between iPhone and Android Casino play? Let’s find out!
Backgammon on iPhone
iPhone is one of the most widespread mobile devices due to its vivid display and premium-class processor, making it the ideal device for playing Backgammon. With iPhone, you can play casino games on your browser app like Safari, Chrome, Opera, and more. Some casinos also have dedicated iPhone apps to install from App Store for free. But either way, the gameplay is the same.
Backgammon on Android
It’s safe to say that Android is even more common than iPhone. That’s because Android devices are pocket-friendly without sacrificing performance. Like iPhone, Android lets you play Backgammon using the instant-play version on your updated browser. However, Arab Android users cannot install real money gaming apps from Play Store. But still, you can install a casino APK from the official website.
Playing Backgammon on Android and iPhone has no difference. It all depends on the specifications of your device, including the screen resolution, processor speed, refresh rate, etc.
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FAQ
Backgammon, like any other casino game, is primarily luck-based. To make it even worse, the casino always has an edge in every round of your play. But as discussed in the guide, the game also has some element of skill which can work in the player’s favour.
All versions of Backgammon are relatively quick and easy to learn. You only need to understand the game rules and a few strategies to start playing like a seasoned pro. But we advise you to play the free versions of this game first before staking real money. This will allow you time to study the game without risking anything.
Several online gambling sites in the Middle East and North Africa offer real money Backgammon. You can sign up on one of the options listed here or use our selection guide to find the best Backgammon casino.
No, you can play Backgammon online for free and have fun as you learn the game rules. First, you can install the Free Backgammon apps from App Store or Play Store. You can also play Backgammon for free using online casino bonuses and promotions and win an actual money payout.
Playing any real money gambling game is illegal in Arab countries. However, this doesn’t prevent players from signing up on reputable offshore casinos to play and win real money. Ensure that the casino is licensed and secure before signing up.
There is no foolproof strategy for winning more often in Backgammon. For this reason, lowering your expectation when playing Backgammon using any technique is advisable. However, use the tips discussed in this post to increase your odds of winning.
| Backgammon term | Definition |
| Acey-Deucey | A Backgammon variant where players get an extra turn after rolling 1 or 2. |
| Anchor | A point on the board occupied by at least two checkers. |
| Back game | A strategy based on holding at least two points on your opponent’s home board. |
| Bar | A strip that divides a Backgammon board and is used for holding checkers. |
| Bear in | Bring your checkers into the home board. |
| Bear off | Take your checkers off the board. |
| Blot | A single checker on a point. |
| Checker | One of the playing pieces. |
| Cup | The container for shaking and tossing dice. |
| Deuce | A dice with a 2. |
| Double | To offer your opponent a doubling cube and double the stakes. |
| Doubling cube | A six-sided cube used to double the stakes. |
| End game | Final stage of the round. |
| Forced move | A mandatory move and the only play you have. |
| Full prime | An impassable prim of six that prevents opponents from moving. |
| Gap | Unfilled spaces between board points. |
| Hit | Move into a blot point and send your opponent’s checker to the bar. |
| Home board | The side of the board where you must move all your checkers before bearing off. |
| Inner board | Your side of the home board. |
| Joker | A lucky roll that could change the game. |
| Open point | A point not occupied by one or money of your opponent’s checkers. |
| Prime | Several points that you have successfully blocked. |
| Redouble | To double once again after a player has doubled. |
| Refuse | Turn down a doubling offer. |
| Solid prime | 6 or 5 consecutive points that you have blocked. |
| Take | Accept a doubling offer. |
Gaming Expert
with a vast experience in the gambling industry both online and offline, Stephen Abiola is a passionate writer who is experienced in creating casino-related content. His main areas of specialty include casino reviews, sports betting guides, bonus articles and lots more.
So far, he has written thousands of gambling content and hopes to create more content so that new and existing players can learn tips on how to win.
During his spare time, Stephen plays video games and monitors the happenings in NFL, NBA and EPL.