2023's guide - what is a good casino bet?

If you are new to casinos, one of the first things you need to learn about is . It’s an easy and fun way to enjoy your time at a casino without having to spend too much effort learning how to play a specific game. Still, not all casino bets are equal and some have better odds than others.

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In this guide, we will take a closer look at what is a good casino bet and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right bet for you. We will also discuss the different types of casino games that offer good bets and provide some real-world examples. So whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just starting out, read on for all the information you need to make informed decisions at the casino.

A good casino bet is one that offers you favorable odds and the potential for a decent payout. The ideal ratio of potential winnings to risk is generally considered to be 30:1 or better. This means that if you place a $1 bet, you could potentially win back $30. While there are no guarantees in gambling, there are certain types of bets and games that offer better odds than others.

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One factor to consider when looking for a good casino bet is the house edge. This is the percentage of each bet that the casino is mathematically guaranteed to win, over the long term. Generally, you will want to avoid games with high house edges (over 5%) and instead focus on games with low house edges (under 2.5%). Some examples of low house edge games include blackjack, video poker, and certain versions of roulette.

Another thing to keep in mind is the variance or volatility of a game. Games with high variance mean that you may win big amounts occasionally but lose more frequently as well. On the other hand, games with low variance guarantee smaller and frequent wins. High rollers often prefer high variance games while those who do not wish to take huge risks usually opt for low variance options.

Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals let us check out some examples of good casino bets. 

Examples of Good Casino Bets

#1 - European Roulette

  • House Edge: 2.70%
  • Bet: Bet on Black/Red (1:1 Payout)
  • Odds of Winning: 48.65%
  • Expected Value: -$0.51 (risk $1.51 to win $1 back)
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Roulette is a popular casino game that involves betting on where a small ball will land after it spins around the wheel. One of the best bets in roulette is to simply bet on either black or red and hope that the ball lands on your color. Assuming you are betting $1 per spin, your expected value in this case would be -$0.51, which means that for every dollar you bet, you can expect to lose fifty-one cents.

However, there is a chance that you will win your bet, as there are an equal number of black and red slots on the wheel (48 out of 70). This gives you odds of 48.65% of winning back your $1 bet. While it's not a guaranteed win, this bet offers relatively good odds compared to many other casino games. Plus, if luck is on your side and you go on a winning streak, you could potentially recoup your losses and even turn a profit.

#2 - Craps - Pass Line Bet

  • House Edge: 1.41%
  • Bet: Wager $5 on the "Pass Line" before the roller throws the dice ($5 minimum bet)
  • Odds of Winning: 49.26%
  • Expected Value: -$0.26 (risk $1 to win $99.74 cent)
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Craps might seem complicated due to its layout and various bets, but there is a simple and lucrative option called “Pass Line” bet. With a very low house edge of only 1.41%, it provides one of the most favorable odds in the casino. You simply need to bet $5 on the "Pass Line" before the shooter rolls the dice. If they roll a 7 or 11, you win your bet and get a payout of $99.74 cents. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet. However, if they roll any other number (such as 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the "point."

The shooter then rolls the dice again, and the goal is for them to roll the same point number before they roll a 7. If this happens, you continue to hold your "Pass Line" bet and will receive a payout of $7.14 if you win. Although the odds of rolling the point number before seven are only 49.26%, the relatively high payout helps offset this and gives you a slightly positive expectation (-$0.26 EV). Note that if the shooter were to roll a 7 before hitting the point, you would lose your bet. But with proper craps strategy and patience, this straightforward bet can offer some great returns.

#3 - Blackjack – Insurance & Double Down

  • Game Rules: Blackjack with 6 decks, double after split, deck penetration 50%, no hole card

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  • Insurance

    • House Edge: 16.67%
    • Bet: Wager $5 on insurance ($5 minimum bet)
    • Odds of Winning: 47.37%
    • Expected Value: +$0.83 ($1 return for $0.17 investment)
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    Despite having a high house edge, taking insurance can surprisingly offer a positive expectation (+$0.83 EV) under these specific blackjack conditions. When the dealer shows an Ace, you have the option to place an additional bet equal to half your original wager (insurance) if you think the dealer has a natural 21 (blackjack). In this case, #3 is considered a good casino bet. If the dealer does, in fact, have a blackjack, your insurance bet pays out at 2 to 1, giving you $10 for every $5 wagered. Even though the house edge on insurance is high at 16.67%, your odds of winning are decent at 47.37%. Plus, the large payout offsets the higher odds, resulting in a solid bet. However, it’s important to remember that insurance should still be considered a short-term play and not a strategic long-term option since it tends to benefit the casino in the long run.

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  • Double Down

    • House Edge: 0.51% (with optimal strategy)
    • Bet: Doubling your initial $5 bet to $10 (after splitting or receiving a desirable hard 11)
    • Odds of Winning: 48.35%
    • Expected Value: -$0.49 (risk $1 to lose 49 cents)

Another smart option in blackjack is doubling down. After being dealt your first two cards, you can choose to double your initial bet and receive just one more card. This can be a great strategy if you are dealt a hard 10-value card and a 5, for example. Under optimal playing conditions with certain game rules, the overall house edge in blackjack can be as low as 0.51%. In such cases, doubling down on your bet can offer a modest negative expectation (-$0.49 EV) where you risk losing 49 cents for every $1 you wager. Your chances of winning your hand are 48.35%, so there’s a decent chance you’ll take down a $10 bet. While there is still a slight house edge when doubling down, this strategy can be beneficial in the short term and can help you maximize your winnings when implemented correctly.

#4 - Baccarat – Banker Bet

  • House Edge: 1.06%
  • Bet: Wager $10 on the 'Banker' (minimum bet $10)
  • Odds of Winning: 45.86%
  • Expected Value: -$0.54 (risk $1 to lose 54 cents)
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Baccarat is another card game with favorable odds. The 'Banker' bet is typically the favored option, as it has a low house edge of 1.06%. For a $10 wager, you have a 45.86% chance of winning back $19.46. Unfortunately, the payout for a Banker bet is not 1:1; there is a 5% commission paid to the house if the bet is successful. To calculate your expected value, you must subtract 5% of your winnings if you win the bet. While the odds aren’t great at 45.86%, the low house edge helps keep the expected value negative (-$0.54 EV), making it a solid choice among baccarat bets.

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#5 - Video Poker – Jacks or Better

  • Game Rules: 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker (9x pay for a full house, 6x pay for a flush)
  • Bet: Wager $5 on a single hand (max coin-in)
  • Odds of Wining Royale Flush: 40,000 to 1
  • Payback Percentage: 99.54% (with optimal strategy and including max coin-in bonus)

Video poker is widely regarded as one of the best casino bets, especially when played with optimal strategy. One great option is “Jacks or Better” video poker with favorable paytable, where you can achieve a theoretical payback percentage of 99.54% with perfect play. While it’s difficult to actually achieve this percentage in practice, skilled players can still come pretty close.

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For this example, we’ll assume you’re placing a maximum $5 bet on a single hand of video poker. While this may seem like a lot, it’s necessary in order to qualify for the highest payouts and bonuses. The odds of hitting a Royal Flush on a single $5 wager are 40,000 to 1, which may seem unlikely. However, over the long term, the high payouts and high payback percentage make video poker a very favorable bet. While the variability or volatility can make it feel less predictable in the short term, it remains a top pick for experienced players looking for the best possible odds.

When choosing which games to play and which bets to make within those games, there are several factors to consider. First, you'll want to look for games with low house edges. As a general rule, you should aim to find games with a house edge of 2.5% or lower. Some examples of games that fall into this category include blackjack (when played with optimal strategy), video poker (with proper guidance), certain versions of roulette, and some variations of craps.

Secondly, consider the payouts for different bets within a game. Look for bets with payouts that are proportional to their true odds. For instance, in American roulette, the bet on black or red only offers a 1 to 1 payout, despite the fact that 18 out of 38 slots are black or red. A better option would be European roulette, which has the same odds but a single zero pocket (a 1 to 18 payout for black/red bets).

It's also important to understand the rules and strategies of each game. Even seemingly similar games can have significant differences that affect your odds. For example, there are many different versions of blackjack available, some of which have more favorable rules and payouts than others.

Finally, it's crucial to set a budget and stick to it. No matter how good the odds may seem, there's always an element of chance involved in gambling. By setting limits on how much you're willing to spend, you can help ensure that you don't end up losing more than you can afford.

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While there is no surefire way to win big at the casino, by making smart choices about which games and bets to pursue, you can give yourself the best possible chance of coming out ahead. And remember, even the best casino bets can be volatile in the short term, so patience and discipline are key.

FAQs

  • What is the best bet in a casino?

    While there isn't one single "best" bet that applies in every situation, some games and bets generally offer better odds than others. Low house edge games like blackjack, video poker, certain versions of roulette, and some craps bets can provide players with a greater chance of winning. Additionally, understanding payouts, game rules, and strategies can all help you make more informed decisions at the casino.

  • Can I really win big at the casino?

    Gambling can be exciting and potentially rewarding, but there's no guarantee of winning big. While some games and bets offer better odds than others, they are based on chance rather than skill. It's important to approach casino gambling responsibly and within your means. Set a budget and stick to it, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

  • Are there any surefire strategies for winning at the casino?

    There's no such thing as a guaranteed strategy for winning at the casino. While some gambling systems (like martingale) may seem logical, they do not change the fundamental odds of the games and can actually increase your losses in the long run. Your best bet is to focus on making smart choices about which games and bets to pursue, based on their odds and payouts.

  • Which casino games are worth playing?

    Many casino games can be worth playing if you choose the right bets and wagers. Some options include blackjack, video poker, certain versions of roulette, and specific craps bets. It's important to understand the rules, odds, and payouts of each game before you start playing. Additionally, setting limits on how much you're willing to spend can help you enjoy the game responsibly.

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  • How can I improve my chances of winning at the casino?

    While there's no foolproof way to guarantee wins, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of success. These include choosing games with favorable odds, avoiding dangerous bets, managing your bankroll carefully, and practicing good money management techniques. Additionally, it can be helpful to set goals and stick to a plan, rather than getting caught up in the excitement of the moment. Finally, considering learning basic strategy for games like blackjack or video poker, as this can significantly improve your chances of winning.

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