Interested in Fish Table Games? Here’s What You Should Know

Checking off lists, shooting targets, and getting things done are some activities many people don’t always stay consistent with. There’s something about shooting off-targets that keeps the momentum going, you know? These days, you can find people enjoying certain hobbies and forms of entertainment.

Today, we want to give credit to fish table games or fish game gambling – the classic target shooting casino game no one gives enough credit to. Read on as we discuss its humble beginnings, how it works, the best fish table games online, and which social casinos you can find them in.

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Joey Dacillo

⏳ 14 mins read

📖 Published: April 11th, 2024

✍️ Updated: 1 year ago

Brief History

Anyone who doesn’t live under a rock would know that this type of game has been around for a while now. While the date of invention might be a bit murky, it became a sensation in arcade games and Asian casinos in the 80s and 90s. In the mid-90s, in particular, when online casinos were seen as rising stars in the gaming industry, , more variations of fish table games came to be.

Fast forward to 2024 and we have highly adaptive, exhilarating, and digitally enhanced fish table games for everyone to enjoy. Read on as we explore the most popular fish table games online, understand where you can safely play online fish table games, how the game works, and why online fish tables at social casinos are a better alternative for responsible gameplay.

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Latest Social casino News

Proposed Ban on Sweepstakes Platforms in Florida Moves Forward
April 18th, 20254 mins

Proposed Ban on Sweepstakes Platforms in Florida Moves Forward

Senate Bill 1404 moves on to the Senate fiscal committee, and it seeks to impose stronger penalties for offering and participating in illegal gambling in the state as well as a ban on sweepstakes gaming.

A Florida Senate committee has taken another step toward tightening the state's laws against illegal gambling and online sports betting. Senator Corey Simon's bill, SB 1404, received a favorable report this week from the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, moving it one step closer to becoming law.

The bill, which now advances to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, seeks to impose harsher penalties on those who engage in or facilitate illegal gambling operations, while also banning sweepstakes gaming - a rapidly growing form of online gambling that lawmakers argue exploits loopholes in current regulations.

"Without more substantial penalties, illegal gambling will continue to spread, siphoning money from Florida," Senator Simon said during the committee hearing. He continued, this bill is about protecting consumers, upholding the integrity of our gaming laws, and ensuring that gaming in Florida is conducted lawfully and responsibly.

Cracking down on illegal online gambling and sports betting

SB 1404 targets a wide array of illegal gambling practices, specifically prohibiting internet gambling and online sports betting outside the framework established by the Seminole Tribe's exclusive compact with the state. This move effectively outlaws sweepstakes-style gaming websites and mobile applications that simulate casino experiences - a trend that has seen increased popularity in recent years.

Under the bill, 'internet gambling' is defined as playing any game based on chance - including simulated video poker, slot machines, or table games - for money or anything of value via the internet. Similarly, online sports betting is prohibited if it involves wagering on contests of speed, skill, endurance, or power, whether human or animal, unless conducted through the Seminole Tribe's authorized platform.

Violations of the bill would be classified as third-degree felonies, which could carry significant legal consequences including prison time and substantial fines.

Tribal gaming and DFS remain untouched

Importantly, the legislation does not impact the Seminole Tribe's rights under their gaming compact with the state. The tribe retains exclusive rights to offer sports betting and certain forms of iGaming in Florida. Simon's bill also steers clear of the contentious issue of daily fantasy sports (DFS), which remains under consideration in a separate piece of legislation currently making its way through the legislature.

By excluding DFS from SB 1404, lawmakers appear to be taking a cautious, measured approach - seeking to tackle unregulated and illegal gaming while allowing more time for deliberation on the evolving DFS landscape.

A growing concern

The advancement of SB 1404 reflects growing concern among Florida lawmakers about the proliferation of unauthorized gambling platforms that operate outside state oversight. Proponents argue that these platforms not only divert revenue from legal, regulated gaming entities but also expose consumers to fraud, lack of recourse, and addictive behaviors without appropriate safeguards.

Sweepstakes gaming, in particular, has drawn criticism for mimicking the experience of traditional casino games while evading regulation by claiming to offer 'promotional' or 'free' gameplay with the chance of winning real-world prizes. Critics say such systems amount to de facto gambling.

The next steps

With favorable reports from two Senate committees already secured, SB 1404 now heads to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, where it will undergo further scrutiny. If approved, the bill will proceed to a full Senate vote before potentially moving to the House of Representatives. If signed into law, the legislation would go into effect on the 1st of October, 2025.

As the debate over gambling continues to evolve in Florida and across the country, Simon's bill represents a firm stand by state lawmakers to uphold strict gaming standards and curb what they see as an unchecked expansion of illegal and unregulated gambling platforms.

Pennsylvania Becomes Newest State to Issue C&D Orders to Sweepstakes Platforms
April 14th, 20255 mins

Pennsylvania Becomes Newest State to Issue C&D Orders to Sweepstakes Platforms

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has become the latest state to issue cease and desist orders to a total of 18 sweepstakes casino platforms. The platforms consist mostly of offshore entities, but some are also based in the United States. All 18 recipients of the C&D orders have complied, but counsels state that the definition of gambling in Pennsylvania needs to be amended, as it is easy for sweepstakes operators to circumvent the law and find loopholes.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is stepping up efforts to combat the rise of unlicensed sweepstakes casinos operating in the state. During a recent Gaming Oversight Committee hearing, the PGCB disclosed that it has issued 18 C&D letters to sweepstakes-style online casinos that have been conducting business in Pennsylvania without proper authorization.

These platforms, often referred to as "sweeps" sites, offer social casino-style games that use a sweepstakes model to award prizes. While they technically operate using virtual currency and skirt federal gambling definitions, many state regulators, including those in Pennsylvania, consider them a growing threat to the regulated gaming market.

A challenge to enforce

According to PGCB officials, most of the companies targeted are based offshore, though several have US origins - and some were even found to be conducting business within Pennsylvania's borders. Despite their activities, none of the 18 companies issued cease-and-desist letters held interactive gaming licenses from the PGCB.

Cyrus Pitre, Chief Enforcement Counsel, described the situation as a 'whack-a-mole' challenge. "As soon as one operation is shut down, another appears to take its place," he said. Fortunately, all 18 operators contacted so far have complied with the cease-and-desist orders.

However, the PGCB's enforcement capabilities are limited. Since these platforms do not fall under the traditional definition of gambling as outlined in Pennsylvania law, the agency lacks the authority to pursue legal action or impose penalties on the companies behind them. It can only issue cease-and-desist warnings.

That regulatory gap is now under increasing scrutiny. Chief Counsel Steve Cook emphasized the need to revise the legal language within Pennsylvania's Gaming Act to provide clarity and close existing loopholes that allow sweepstakes casinos to operate unchecked.

"Unfortunately, in the area of interactive gaming, we are significantly hamstrung by the specific language of our enabling statute," Cook said. He cited Chapter 13B of the Gaming Act, which includes conflicting sections that simultaneously appear to ban unlicensed online gaming while also limiting PGCB oversight to licensed entities.

Concerns about sweepstakes casino operators regarding responsible gaming and more

Cook also referenced a December 2023 ruling by the Commonwealth Court, which determined that the current definitions do not extend PGCB authority to unlicensed gambling operations - a decision that significantly impacts the board's regulatory reach.

The court held that this language wasn't nonsensical - which I believe it is, Cook said. It essentially reinforces the idea that the PGCB only has control over entities it licenses, even when those outside the system may be operating illegally.

Both Cook and Pitre expressed concerns about the unchecked nature of sweepstakes casinos, noting that unlike regulated platforms, these sites are not required to undergo fairness testing, verify users' ages, or provide responsible gaming tools. That lack of oversight, they warned, exposes consumers to potential harm and undermines Pennsylvania's legal gaming industry. These platforms are not subject to any consumer protection measures, Cook added. They don't play by the same rules, and that makes them a real risk.

Russ Diamond, Chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee, acknowledged the dilemma facing the PGCB and affirmed his commitment to updating the law. He expressed support for legislative action that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future developments in the rapidly evolving online gambling space. "We have to do it in a way that not just takes care of what's going on today," Diamond said, "but also what could be coming in a year, five years, or even a decade from now."

With support building among lawmakers, it appears that the PGCB may soon gain clearer legal tools to regulate - or shut down - unlicensed sweepstakes casinos operating in Pennsylvania. Until then, the board remains vigilant, using its limited powers to preserve the integrity of the state's regulated gaming environment.

Delaware Confirms It Has Successfully Stopped VGW from Operating in the State
April 10th, 20254 mins

Delaware Confirms It Has Successfully Stopped VGW from Operating in the State

The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement has finally been successful in ousting VGW from operating in the state. The Delaware DGE actually issued a cease and desist order in 2023, with no result until this month. But it was only during legal proceedings conducted last August of 2024 that VGW was made aware that the C&D order was sent. Now, as of the 2nd of April, Delaware residents can no longer access and play on the sites, which include Chumba, Global Poker, and Luckyland.

After years of scrutiny and regulatory ambiguity, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement has officially forced Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) to cease operations in the state. The agency announced in a press release that VGW's sweepstakes-based gaming platforms - including Luckyland Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker - are considered illegal online casinos under Delaware law.

Effective April 2, residents of Delaware are no longer permitted to access or play on any VGW-operated sites. The decision marks the culmination of a prolonged investigation and legal tug-of-war, though the timeline behind the enforcement reveals a more complex story than the press release suggests.

A cease and desist long ignored

While the DDGE's statement gave the impression of recent enforcement, VGW was first issued a cease and desist order more than two years ago. According to prior confirmation from the DDGE, the regulatory agency initially sent the cease and desist on the 23rd of February, 2023. However, VGW did not acknowledge or act on the order until August of 2024, when it came to light during an unrelated legal proceeding.

This delay in enforcement - over a year between the issuance of the notice and VGW's formal recognition of it - has raised questions about communication and compliance practices between the operator and regulatory bodies. The DDGE did not disclose the reason for the enforcement delay in its latest announcement.

VGW has long maintained a strong presence in Delaware, both operationally and legally. The company's own terms and conditions mandate that all legal disputes be handled through the US District Court for the District of Delaware, making the state a focal point for ongoing and past litigation against the operator.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in Delaware targeting VGW's business model, which operates using a sweepstakes system rather than traditional online casino mechanics. Critics argue that the distinction is largely semantic and that VGW's games function as de facto online gambling, skirting the regulatory frameworks in place in many states.

VGW's patchwork US presence

VGW has now officially withdrawn from Delaware, joining a list of states that includes Idaho, Connecticut, Montana, Michigan, Washington, and Nevada. Despite these exits, VGW remains active in several other jurisdictions, even as competitors adopt a more conservative stance on state-by-state legality.

For instance, some sweepstakes gaming companies have exited all states where online casinos are legalized and regulated - including Pennsylvania and New Jersey - opting to avoid regulatory complications altogether. A group of such operators have also recently exited New York, citing increased regulatory pressure.

Yet VGW has opted to pursue its own course. Unlike many of its competitors, it has not joined the Social and Promotional Games Association or SPGA, a trade group aiming to promote transparency and establish voluntary compliance standards for sweepstakes and promotional gaming operators. VGW's absence from the SPGA demonstrates its unique, and at times contentious, position in the evolving online gaming landscape in the US.

The company has already updated its platform terms and conditions to reflect the Delaware ban, preventing users with Delaware IP addresses or account affiliations from accessing their products. It remains unclear whether VGW will face further legal consequences for its extended period of non-compliance or whether additional states will follow Delaware's lead in formally challenging the legality of its operations.

The DDGE's enforcement action sends a clear message to online gaming operators that Delaware is prepared to take firm action against platforms operating outside of its regulatory framework.

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Understanding the Legality of Fish Table Gambling in 2024

As much as we want to tell you that fish tables can be found anywhere online and be played from wherever you are, we hesitate to do so as the reality is a bit different What we can do, however, is give you a little clarity on where the lines blur and how you can access fish table games on alternative platforms.

So, the first question you might be asking is ‘Is it legal to play fish table games online anywhere in the US?’ Well, the safe answer is no, mainly because each state has its own rules when it comes to online gambling. Since a fish table game online is more of a game of skill, the general legality allowing operations is grayer than most.

 

Playing Fish Table Games in Social Casinos

So where do fish table games stand nowadays? This means some games can exist without traditional gambling licenses in a few regions. Meanwhile, those fish table games operating in larger establishments may be classified as gambling activity, which means they could require proper licensing for real money wagers.

However, it’s important to recognize that most US states deem anything with real money wagers to be illegal without proper licensure. While there are limited exceptions in certain regions or establishments, it’s always better to access fish table games in licensed social casinos online.

Playing fish table games in social casinos is a popular and safe option for many iGaming enthusiasts. All you have to do is sign up for a licensed, trusted, and reliable social casino online and find the best fish table games for you. But before signing up, let’s break down how fish table games work.

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How Fish Table Games Work

The mechanics of a fish table online game are simple, and it’s all about shooting and aiming at moving targets, after all. You have to have a unique combo of skill and luck to maximize this type of game. These are popular in casinos and gaming establishments where you’ll find a physical table with a ball and a cue stick. Highly digitized computers calculate the outcome of each round.

In virtual casinos, you’ll have a mounted gun to aim at colorful fish and other sea creatures swimming all over the screen. Each type of fish has an equivalent point value that players successfully shoot down to gain rewards or in-game currency.

 

Fish Table Games vs. Fish-themed Slot Games

Some first-time players in the gambling scene might find themselves confused with all the fish games on their screen. But, one of the first things you should know is that fish table games and fish-themed slot games aren’t the same thing.

The main objective of a fish table game online is to score as many points by shooting and catching fish; it’s a target-and-aim type of game anyone who loves arcade games will enjoy. Once you’ve accumulated all the points you can, you can use them to win in-game rewards or even exchange them for virtual currency in social casinos.

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Fish-themed slot games, on the other hand, are considered to be classic slot games. Many slot games have underwater and fish-themed games with symbols, reels, and pay lines you can nab with a simple ‘Spin’ button. This type of social casino or online casino game is purely based on chance with a house edge you need to compete against. All you have to do is match symbols and win real money prizes or virtual currencies to make the most of the game.

Best Online Fish Table Games in Social Casinos You Can Play On

Now that you know the basics and mechanics of playing fish table games, you can go on taking our advice and checking out the best online fish table games at your disposal (provided you live in the US and love gaming, of course) and exploring your shoot-to-aim skills with a few underwater creatures and here and there.

 

Golden Dragon

If you’ve seen the Little Mermaid and love anything under the sea, then the Golden Dragon fish table game might be something you’d enjoy. This multiplayer shooting game challenges you to chase the fascinating golden dragon that swims across your screen, for the promise of a 300x payout once you catch the target.

Another clever feature of this fish table game is the Crystal Win — a win of this kind wipes out every other crystal on the screen. You’re also going to love the Freeze Bomb — a game-changer that, once hit, freezes every fish on the screen, giving you superb target and visibility. This seamless and immersive arcade-like game is a thrilling one you’ll have to try out for yourself!

 

King Octopus

King Octopus is another exhilarating underwater table game worth exploring. With vibrant colors, superb graphics, and a pumped-up musical sequence, this game is one for the senses. The objective of the game is simple: use a cannon to aim at fish and sea creatures until you accumulate player points for a chance to win up to 36x your initial stake. The ever-moving aquatic life, treasure boxes, and pirates all contribute to the game's overall unique atmosphere.

 

KA Fish Hunter

An excellent fish table game developed by KA Gaming, getting an underwater treat is all the rage with this game. It features 200x multipliers, blue whales, and gold sharks that trigger a freeze bomb to help you with game visibility and eventually score some wins in the depths of underwater gaming. This fish table game offers a high RTP at 96% at medium volatility that offers a superb payout in real money casinos.

 

Mermaid Hunter

As the game’s name suggests, this game is all about finding mermaids and all sorts of marine life all over your screen. This interactive game is a crowd favorite in many social casinos with features enabling players to aim, lock, and auto-shoot until they gain all the wins possible. Plus, if you like a challenge, this fish table game has multiple tiers for a more exciting yet challenging game at your disposal.

 

Emily’s Treasure

If you've got an impressive aim, then Emily’s Treasure is a fish table game you’ll love. With captivating underwater elements like various fish and sea creatures, the fierce fire dragon and energy shot are some features you’ll want to target to get more rewards and bonuses.

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Where Can You Play Fish Table Games?

When you master the game of fish table online, real money might not be within your reach - but virtual money is! There are a bunch of social casinos legal in the US that you can explore this type of online arcade game on. Here are a few we think are worth mentioning:

 

High 5 Casino

Founded in 2020 and dubbed “Social Gaming Operator of the Year” by EGR North America Awards in 2023, High 5 Casino has been a crowd favorite among iGaming enthusiasts for years. It’s also a great virtual platform that hosts multiple fish tables and ocean adventure games you can take advantage of, and it boasts over 800 games with exceptional bonuses and promotions up for grabs.

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Pulsz Casino

Launched in 2017, this real money casino boasts over 500 games available to players in Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. If you like VIP programs to take part in when playing, Pulsz has a six-tier one you won’t want to miss out on while making the most out of your favorite fish table games.

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Stake.us

When it comes to the leading social casinos offering online fish table games, Stake.us is a top choice. With many players leaving positive reviews on their fish table games, there’s no doubt trying their selection of games is a must to see which one best suits your game style.

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Mobile Gaming and Fish Tables Online

While big screens are always great for gaming, fish table games are also great for mobile gaming. With more younger users opting to play from their phones, accessing fish table games for Android and iOS is very much possible. Several social casinos and even real cash casinos have supplementary apps for easy, on-the-go gameplay. But playing on their website is just as immersive since most online casinos are mobile-optimized.

Tips and Tricks: How to Win in Online Fish Table Games

We’re aware of how straightforward fish table games typically are: you just have to aim, shoot, and win points. But there’s still some strategy and timing involved if you want to maximize your gameplay and heighten your chances of winning. Here are some tips and tricks to try out on your next round at a fish table game:

 

Avoid targeting the largest fish in the sea first

Bigger might not always be better in these parts. Catching all the fish and other underwater creatures might be the ultimate goal, but chances are you’ll miss out on a few here and there. It might be easy to shoot at the biggest fish you can see first, but the thing about fish table games is that the smaller the fish, the higher their points usually are. So try to aim at the smaller fish first before getting the big ones out of the way.

 

Make use of rapid-fire in swarms

Now, once all the fish start to move at the same time and your screen looks like a fish plague all of a sudden, then it’s time to use the big guns. Try aiming and then firing multiple rounds simultaneously to make the most of your hit percentage. This way, you’re more likely to play your odds upwards.; you can’t go wrong with that now, can you?

 

Attempt using different guns

Some fish table games have multiple gun options the higher the tier you’re in. Be strategic and use other cannons and ammunition to take down larger prey. This will not only challenge your gameplay to keep playing to get up the tiers, but it’ll also give you more opportunity to work on your strategy.

 

Stay away from aim and lock features

What many fish table game players aren’t aware of is the aim and lock feature that most games have. It’ll simply do the aiming for you automatically and lock your target for smoother gameplay. These features are fantastic for novices or for when you want to take a break, but they're not very efficient and will almost always cost you real money. You will need to put in the work yourself if you want to be efficient and secure strong wins in the long term.

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Fish for Wins instead of Compliments

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about fish table games and taken a deep dive into this exciting underwater world, remember: to aim small, shoot big, and keep those rapid-fire skills sharp! With some strategy and a bit of luck, you'll be racking up points and enjoying your deep-sea adventure in no time. Just steer clear of those aim-and-lock features if you're aiming for those big wins!

Experience Social Casinos!

Immerse yourself in the world of social casinos with our expert reviews. Discover a vibrant community of players and enjoy a wide variety of social casino games. From slots to table games, explore the best social casino sites and join the fun!

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FAQ

Are there fish tables near me where I can play?

Traditional fish tables are usually available at arcades, gambling institutions, and some Asian casinos, though their availability can vary according to your area. On the other hand, many online social casinos have a selection of fish table games that you can play from the comfort of your home if you're searching for a more practical choice. Just be sure to ascertain whether internet gambling is permitted in your location before partaking!

What makes fish table games different from other types of casino games?

Fish table games differ from other casino games in that they don't just rely on reels or cards instead, players shoot and aim at moving targets, which are usually underwater creatures. The gameplay offers a dynamic and involved experience, frequently requiring a combination of skill and luck.

Are fish table games purely based on luck, or is there a skill element involved?

Fish table games involve a certain amount of luck, but skill is also necessary to maximize your winnings. To gain greater scores and rewards, players must prioritize targets, aim strategically, and use rapid-fire skills.

Can I play fish table games on my mobile device, and are there specific apps available for them?

Yes, a variety of fish table games are accessible on mobile devices through specific apps that certain online casinos offer. Whether they favor the iOS or Android platforms, players may take advantage of the immersive underwater action while on the road.

Author
Joey Dacillo
Writer | Content Strategist

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