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Over 50 per cent of 18 to 33 year olds play games online, so there's no doubt that this popular activity is a great time filler, and games based on popular television game shows such as Deal or No Deal or the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire online game can be a fun choice.

Internet research centre Pew Internet found that out of a whopping 95 per cent of 18 to 33 year olds who use the Internet, over half of them do so to play games.

Playing online games comes fourth on the list of the most popular online activities (after social networking, 'YouTubing' and instant messaging), and there are many great online games to choose from.

Popular Internet guide about.com has compiled its list of the most addictive flash player games of 2010, as voted for by readers. Stackopolis, a block building game similar to Tetris, tops the list, followed by Wagenschenke 'Home Run', which features a comical 'drunk' character.

Other interesting games to make the list include the cute 'penguin dive' game and the infuriatingly addictive 'throw paper in the trash can' game.

Most online flash games are designed to be quick, simple games to play when you need to fill time. They also have the important added bonus of being free to play; so when you get bored with one game you can simply move on to another.

Social networking sites such as Facebook are also in on the act. The top Facebook game in January 2011 was CityVille, which clocked a staggering 80 million users worldwide.

Many thought CityVille's huge beginning of the year figures were due to enthusiastic advertising, and sceptics predicted that such a large volume of active users was unsustainable. However, the latest figures out for April 2011 show an increase to an amazing 88 million active users.

From this it is obvious that online games have quite a market; but what makes them so popular?

Most online games have addictive or competitive elements to them, making players want to beat a previous score or achieve a certain level of success. Facebook games have become very popular, as social networkers can see what others are playing and want in on the action.

The simple fact is that online games are great time fillers. Whether you're waiting for a bus, killing time in your lunch break or looking for a cheap and fun way to relax on an evening, online games are readily available at your fingertips.

Online games based on TV game shows can be a fun option, particularly for those wanting a slightly longer and more fulfilling type of game to play. The Deal or no deal game on Ladbrokes.com is based on the hugely popular TV show, so fans of the show should be clued up on the rules.

Some people like the added excitement of playing online games for money, and the Deal or no deal game offers either free play or money play.

As well as games based on TV quiz shows, casino games are also popular online. Roulette, poker, slots and other card games are all available, and you can either play just for fun or place a cash stake.

Another popular type of online game is the multiplayer, where players around the world can compete through their Internet browser. These games are becoming increasing popular as technology advances, with gamers enjoying the community and competitive aspects of them.

Similar to these are the multiplayer online role playing games (MORPG), where very large numbers of players interact with one another in a virtual world. One of the most popular MORPGs is World of Warcraft, which has over 12 million subscribers worldwide.

Those in the 18 to 33 age group are highly likely to enjoy playing online games; however, the cavernous nature of the Internet means that there literally millions of online games out there to choose from.

Pick a good one and you're guaranteed hours of online fun, with the possibility of a cash prize to boot; so go get your game on.