All casino games are not created equal. Some provide you with great chances of winning, while others are designed to drain your bankroll pretty fast. Knowing which game offers the gives you a significant advantage over other players who are blindly throwing their money at any game that shimmers.
I did some research and crunched numbers on several popular games in the casino scene to help you pick the most rewarding one. I also asked for advice from other experienced gamblers and collected some tips & tricks on how to increase your odds of winning. Those will be shared with you later in the blog post. If you can’t wait to learn more, let’s start by taking a closer look at the top 11 casino games with the best odds.
vegas casinos online gambling1. Blackjack
Blackjack is considered as one of the best games in the casino if you are looking for higher payouts. It has one of the lowest house edges of all the games available, ranging anywhere between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the number of decks used and other factors. The game requires some basic strategy and decision-making skills but following the right approach can improve your chances of winning significantly. Here is the basic blackjack strategy chart to get started.
Pro Tip
Always sit at a table where the deck is shuffled after every hand. This reduces the chance of card counting which is a popular strategy among blackjack players to gain an edge over the house.
2. Baccarat
Baccarat may look complicated and only accessible to James Bond types, but it is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. The game offers three bets – player, banker, and tie. The banker bet comes with the lowest house edge of 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in the casino. However, you will be required to pay a 5% commission on wins, which effectively increases the edge to around 1.07%. The player bet also has the same commission but its RTP is slightly lower at 98.94%. The tie bet sounds appealing as it offers an 8 to 1 payout, but its house edge is almost 17%, so it is best to avoid it. Just stick to betting on either banker or player and you should do alright.
3. Craps
Craps might seem daunting with its numerous bets and complex table layout but it can be fairly straightforward. There are several bets with incredibly low house edges, such as the pass line bet (1.41%) and don’t pass line bet (1.36%). These bets offer some of the best odds in the casino and also allow you to employ basic strategy to reduce the house edge even further. Other bets like place bets, come bets, and lay bets also have favorable odds, but they require a deeper understanding of the game. Stick to the basics when you are starting out and then gradually explore other opportunities.
4. Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a poker variant played with cards rather than tiles. It has a low house edge of around 1.5%, making it a good choice for those who enjoy poker. Your goal is to create a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand, with the former serving as your high hand and the latter as your low hand. You win unless your hands lose to the dealer’s hands. The key here is to use the correct strategy for creating your hands. Follow these tips to improve your chances:
- Always play nine high, waves and pairs
- Keep pairs away from high kicks and play them against other pairs or high kicks
- Bet the minimum and tip the dealer $1-$5/hour
By implementing these tips and treating the dealer kindly, you can enhance your odds of leaving the table with some profits.
5. Poker (Video Poker)
Poker is another game that has varying odds based on the type of poker and the number of players. But if you play against skilled players, your chances of winning decrease drastically. However, video poker is different as it pits you against the machine, giving you better odds if you choose the right game and variation.
High Payout Casinos Online (And Top Slots) in the UK for 2023Here’s a list of video poker variations ordered by their payback percentage:
- Full Pay Deuces Wild (99.73%)
- Full Pay All American Poker (99.41%)
- Full Pay Joker Poker (99.24%)
- Full Pay Bonus Poker Deluxe (99.18%)
- Full Pay Double Double Bonus Poker (99.07%)
- Full Pay Bonus Poker (99.00%)
- Full Pay Double Bonus Poker (98.98%)
- Full Pay Jettes (98.96%)
- Full Pay Loose Deuces (98.95%)
- Full Pay Aces and Faces (98.90%)
- 9 / 6 Jacks or Better (98.48%)
- Full Pay Deuces Wild (98.44%)
If you want to maximize your winnings, go for the full pay versions of these games that are rare to find nowadays. They feature a rare pay table that rewards players with a superior return. Look for “full pay” variations and make sure to develop a solid strategy to take full advantage of their generous payouts. By doing so, you can significantly boost your odds of winning and make your gaming experience more profitable.
Pro Tip
Make sure to check the pay tables before inserting your bill into a video poker machine. The returns can vary greatly depending on the version and pay table. Aces and Eights and Bonus Poker, for example, often come in multiple different pay tables, some of which should be avoided at all costs.
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6. Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud Poker is a casino poker game with a progressive jackpot. While the regular payouts come with a high house edge of around 5%, the progressive jackpot can offer much better odds depending on the size of the jackpot. The return to player (RTP) of the progressive jackpot can be as high as 100% if you hit the jackpot. However, the probability of hitting it is very low, usually around 1 in a million hands. So, it’s important to manage your expectations and budget accordingly. Only bet on the progressive jackpot if you can afford to lose and are playing solely for entertainment.
7. Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a twist on traditional blackjack, played with no tens. It offers several unique features that benefit the player, resulting in a higher house edge for the casino. The standard Spanish 21 game has a house edge of around 0.4%, making it one of the best options available. However, different variants may have different rules and payouts, affecting the house edge. For instance, a variant that pays 9-6 on a bonus blackjack will have a worse rule while a variant that pays 7-5 on a bonus straight will have a better rule. Be aware of these differences and choose the variant that offers the best odds.
8. Let It Ride
Let It Rid is a popular table game that uses two decks of cards and offers players the opportunity to withdraw three bets. The game has a relatively low house edge of 3.5%, and its non-negative progression strategy makes it an attractive option for some players. Its simplicity and decent odds make it an excellent alternative for beginners who aren’t familiar with complicated poker games.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning at Casinos
Now that we know what are the best casino games to win at let's focus on how to increase our chances of success even further. Here are a few tips that can help you walk out of a casino with pockets full of cash:
1. Choose Games With the Best Odds
This one is obvious, but worth mentioning. Not all casino games are created equal. Some offer better odds than others. As we just discussed, games like Blackjack, Baccarat, and Craps generally have a low house edge and can give you a better chance of winning. Do your research and choose the games that offer the best odds.
2. Learn Basic Strategy
Many casino games, such as Blackjack and Video Poker, rely on skill and luck. Learning the basic strategy can significantly improve your odds of winning. These strategies involve making optimal decisions based on the dealer’s up card or the board. By following these strategies, you can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of profit.
3. Set a Budget and Stick To It
Gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make quick cash. One of the golden rules is to set a budget before you start playing and stick to it no matter what. Losses are a part of the game, and chasing your losses can quickly deplete your bankroll. Determine how much you are willing to spend and treat that amount as an admission fee to enjoy the thrill of the game.
4. Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions
Casinos often offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players. Sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and cashback offers can give you extra value for your money. However, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully. Wagering requirements, time limits, and game restrictions can significantly affect the value of the bonus. Choose the offers that suit your playing style and contribute to reaching your goals.
5. Avoid Myths and Misconceptions
The world of gambling is filled with myths and misconceptions. Believing in these false ideas can lead to poor decisions and substantial losses. Here are some common myths that you should avoid:
- Hot and Cold Machines: Contrary to popular belief, slot machines do not go hot or cold. Their outcomes are determined by random number generators, ensuring each spin is independent.
- Dress Code: Dressing nicely does not increase your chances of winning. Casinos do not have a secret dressing code that grants special powers to well-dressed players.
- Alcohol Enhances Your Skills: Consuming alcohol may loosen you up, but it impairs your judgment and cognitive abilities. Drinking too much can lead to bad decisions and significant losses. It’s best to enjoy a drink or two in moderation.
Avoiding these misconceptions and sticking to a solid strategy can significantly improve your chances of success.
What Are the Worst Games to Play in a Casino? (Avoid These!)
While some games are favorable for the players, others are specifically designed to bleed your pockets dry. Here are some of the worst games you can play at a casino:
Keno
Keno is a lottery-style game where players select numbers and hope they match the ones drawn randomly. The house edge in Keno varies depending on how many numbers you select. Generally, the default version with 10 numbers selected has a horrendous house edge of around 30%, making it one of the worst games in the casino. Even slot machines have better odds compared to this. Some variants attempt to spice things up by offering larger payouts for catching more numbers, but the house edge for these versions can go even higher and reach up to 35-40%. That basically means that the casino makes over a third of all the money wagered in the game—and that’s not including any money won by players. In short, Keno sucks. Stay away.
Slot Machines
Loosening up and having fun with slots is fine, but do not expect these one-armed bandits to be generous with your hard-earned money. Although there are some exceptions with higher RTPs, most online slots offered by offshore sites have an average Return to Player ratio of 95%. Which might not sound that bad at first glance. However, it means that for every $100 wagered, the player gets back $95 on average. The rest goes into the casino’s pocket. But it gets even worse. Due to the nature of slots, it’s difficult to influence or change the outcome of a spin. So, there are no strategies or hacks that could potentially shift the odds in your favor besides hoping for Lady Luck to smile at you.
Moreover, progressive jackpots sound enticing, but they come with extremely unlikely odds. Winning the big jackpot is often compared to winning the lottery. Yes, it is possible to hit the jackpot, but the probability depends on a specific network and can vary greatly. In some cases, the odds of hitting the jackpot can be as low as 1 in several millions. So, while it is possible to win big, relying on progressive jackpots as a consistent source of income is unrealistic. Our advice? Don’t count on slots to bring home the bacon.
Progressive Video Poker
Progressive video poker combines video poker and a progressive jackpot, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea to play it. Like slots, the progressive jackpot version of video poker features a huge prize that keeps increasing until someone hits it. The odds of hitting that jackpot, however, are typically very low. We’re talking about 1 in 4,000,00 hands on average. That’s why the base game of most progressive video poker machines has a high house edge, sometimes exceeding 5%, to generate revenue for that massive jackpot. So, if you never hit the jackpot, you’ll consistently lose money. And let’s face it, the odds of winning the jackpot are really slim.
In order for the progressive video poker to be a good deal, the base game would need to have a very low house edge, close to break even or slightly negative. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Most of the time, you’re better off avoiding progressive video poker and sticking to regular video poker with a full pay version, if possible.
Wheel of Fortune / Big Six
Wheel of Fortune or Big Six is a casino game that operates similarly to a roulette wheel with numbered slots and spaces for a ball to land in. Depending on where the ball lands, players can win various prizes or nothing at all. The game looks exciting and promises hefty rewards, but the reality is far from it. The house edge for this game ranges from 7% to 9%, making it one of the worst bets in the casino. Moreover, players have no control over the outcome of the game, unlike some other casino games that require strategy and skill. Basically, you just spin the wheel and pray for the best. It might be entertaining for a little while, but it’s not a game you want to sink a lot of money into.
Final Thoughts
Not all casino games are made equal. Some are downright favorable to the player while others feel like you are pouring money down the drain. Understanding the odds and being smart about your choices can make a big difference in your overall performance at the casino. By focusing on games like Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, and Video Poker, you can tilt the scales in your favor. On the flip side, steer clear of games like Keno, Slots, and Wheel of Fortune that have incredibly low RTPs and unfavorable odds. Remember to always set a budget, avoid myths and misconceptions, and enjoy the game responsibly. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Footnotes:
- Return to Player (RTP) information was gathered from multiple reputable sources, including AskGamblers, The Gambler’s Book Club, and WizardOfVegas.com.
- House edge figures are estimates and can vary depending on the specific rules and variations of each game.
- Interviews with seasoned gamblers and casino insiders were conducted for this blog post. Their names have been omitted at their request to protect their identity.
Mikael is a leading tech journalist and the editor-in-chief at TechJunkie. His expertise lies within all avenues of technology, whether be it to your everyday consumer technologies to the latest and greatest enterprise hardware found in data centers across the globe.
