- Bet on Red or Black in Baccarat for one of the best casino bets.
- American Roulette wagers on Odd/Even, High/Low, or Columns offer great odds.
- Craps provides multiple betting options with the lowest house edge like the Pass/Don’t Pass.
We have all been there – standing at a blackjack table feeling confused about which casino bets to make. Rushing through the decision because we do not want to seem clueless in front of experienced players only to realize later that we should have done things differently.
Sometimes, we just need someone to show us the ropes. Someone who has seen it all, done it all, and knows what works and what doesn’t. So, listen up, greenhorns, because the veteran is here to share some wisdom!
I will take you back to basics and teach you everything you need to know to avoid those “rookie mistakes.” I’ll be breaking down the most profitable casino bets that can turn you into a winner and help you walk away from the tables with a smile on your face. So, let’s get started, shall we?
What Is a Good Casino Bet?
Before we go any further, it is essential to understand what makes a good casino bet. It all comes down to the house edge – the odds that are in favor of the house. A good casino bet is one with a low house edge or even better, one with zero house edge.
A bet with a low house edge gives you a better chance of winning and getting a decent return on your money. On the other hand, a bet with a high house edge is riskier and less likely to pay off.
Top No Account Casino Sites in the UK for 2023 [Play Now!]Now, it is essential to note that no bet has a house edge of zero except for some in certain games. These bets are called “wagers” and offer the best odds in the casino. When looking for good casino bets, it is also important to consider the game you are playing and its rules. Different games have different bets, so you need to know which ones work best where.
With that being said, let’s dive into the top five casino bets that give you the best chance of walking away richer than when you arrived.
FanDuel Casino Alternatives to Try This Year1. Bet on Red or Black in Baccarat
Baccarat may have a reputation for being a game exclusively for James Bond types, but did you know that it offers some of the best casino bets? The game has three bets: Player, Banker, and Tie. And out of these, the two with the lowest house edge are the Banker and the Player bets.
But there’s a catch – a 5% commission is deducted if you win the Banker bet when the card has a value ending in 7. This pushes the house edge for this wager to 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
The Player bet also has a low house edge, coming in at 1.24%. But here’s the kicker: This wager simply bets on the player’s hand winning; it doesn’t take the commission into account.
So, if the banker has a 3 and the player has a 8 (for example), the commission wouldn’t apply, but your Player bet would still win. It’s a simple bet with excellent odds.
Even betting on whether the final card color will be red or black offers 45.9% odds, close to a coin flip. Although the payout is meager (even money), the frequent wins can keep you in the game and potentially lead to substantial profits if you place smart side bets.
Remember, the house edge for the Tie bet is high (14.36%), so it’s best to steer clear of that one. Stick to betting on either the Player or the Banker, and you’ll be well on your way to making some serious cash.
DraftKings Sportsbooks Worth the Trip - And One Not To2. Wager on Odd/Even, High/Low, or Columns in American Roulette
American Roulette gets a bad rap for having one of the highest house edges among casino games. With its infamous double zero pocket, it’s easy to see why some players steer clear of it. However, there are a few bets that buck the trend and offer more favorable odds.
Betting on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number, or on a high or low number (1-18 or 19-36, respectively) have a house edge of 2.70%. These bets cover almost half of the numbers on the wheel, increasing your chances of winning.
Another good option is betting on a specific column. There are three columns with 12 numbers each, giving you odds of 1 in 3. Additionally, some online casinos offer French Roulette or European Roulette, which only have one zero pocket, resulting in a lower house edge (2.70% and 1.35%, respectively). If you come across these variants, consider yourself lucky and take advantage of their more generous odds.
Best Browser Slots (No Download Needed) - Top Online Casino GamesWhile every pocket has the same color and oddness, strategies such as the Martingale system or the Fibonacci sequence can be applied to recoup losses and generate small profits. Just remember to set a budget, stick to your strategy, and enjoy the spin.
If you’re new to Roulette, check out our guide on .
3. Multiple Bets in Craps Offer a Low House Edge
Craps might appear intimidating, what with all the seasoned players hooting and hollering around the tables. Still, it actually offers a variety of the best casino bets, thanks to its flexible system.
Pass/or Don’t Pass (and the accompanying Don’t Pass/or Don’t Come bets): These wagers have a low house edge of 1.41% for the Pass and 1.36% for the Don’t Pass bet (when taking into account the 1.41% maker’s fee). They offer even money payouts (1:1) while also providing additional payouts for rolling a 10 or 11 (19:1) or a 7 or 11 (2:1) – but a loss if a 2, 3, or 12 are rolled (1:1).
casinos near huntsville alabamaThe Don’t Come bet works similarly, but it’s placed after the point has been established. If you bet on the Don’t Come space and the shooter then rolls a 7 or 11, you lose. Rolling a 2 or 3 on the other hand establishes a new Come bet with a payout of 15:1, while a 12 results in a push. If the shooter rolls a 10 or 11, you win with a payout of 1:1.
Odds bets: While these don’t have a house edge (since they’re not based on odds but rather paid according to the true probability of winning), they’re still fantastic choices. You can back up your Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bets with Odds bets, increasing your potential payout if you win.
Place bets on specific numbers: Betting on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) has a house edge of 1.52%. If the number you’ve bet on rolls before the 7 shows up, you’ll receive a 9:5 payout.
Best Withdrawal Casino Sites in the UK - Easy & Fast WithdrawalsBuying points: Some players choose to buy points by laying or taking half of a Place bet. This reduces the house edge for point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) by 1.51%. For instance, if you bet $6 on the pass line and the shooter rolls a 5, you could lay $3 on the five to “buy” the point. If the shooter then rolls a six or nine, you win your original $6 pass line bet and the $3 lay bet, receiving a $9 payout (including the original $6).
Of course, the world of craps is vast, and many more betting options exist. Some carry higher house edges and risks, like betting on prop bets, field bets, or hardways. It’s always wise to start with the basics, understanding the odds and probabilities before jumping into more complex bets. After all, knowledge is power… and profit in this case.
4. Bet on Blackjack Hands Approaching 17 or Higher
Blackjack is often touted as the game with the best odds, and for good reason. But if you’re looking for the , think beyond just beating the dealer.
More Casinos That Were Better When Vintage - PokerListingsOne approach is to bet on player hands approaching 17 or higher. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, what? Aren’t we trying to get 21, or as close as possible without busting?”
Hear me out. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to let the dealer hit on harder hands, say 16 or higher. Why? Because if you have a hand of 16 or higher that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s showing card, you’re more likely to win if the dealer goes over 21 (a.k.a. busts).
For instance, let’s imagine you’re playing at a blackjack table with eight decks. Your current hand is a soft 19 (an 8 and an Ace), while the dealer is showing a 6. Since a soft 19 is a strong hand, you might decide to let the dealer hit on it.
In this scenario, you have a 33.97% chance of the dealer busting, compared to your own bust rate of 6.41% if you were to draw a card. Essentially, you’re sacrificing a slightly higher winning rate for a significantly lower risk of losing.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the house edge for this bet?” The thing is, it’s not exactly a traditional bet. Instead, it’s more of a strategic play within the game of blackjack. The overall house edge in blackjack varies depending on the number of decks used and the rules. Generally, blackjack games with fewer decks and more favorable rules (like doubling down on any total (DDZ) or double after split (DMAS)) have lower house edges.
all casinos in floridaBy implementing bets-as-plays (making plays based on the current hand situation and the dealer’s upcard) and strategically letting dealers hit on your higher hands, you can potentially reduce the house edge and increase your chances of profit. Of course, this approach requires a solid understanding of blackjack strategy, so it’s crucial to brush up on those card counting skills before hitting the tables.
It’s worth mentioning that card counting is illegal, but that isn’t what we’re talking about here. We suggest learning the for fun and improving your chances of winning instead of relying entirely on luck.
Ways Online Poker Is Different From Live PokerIf you fancy a punt on the old classic, check out our list of for some recommendations.
5. Bet on Six and Eight in Sic Bo
Sic Bo, also known as tai sai or dice two, might seem complicated with its numerous Chinese symbols and bet slots. But if you know where to aim, it can offer some of the most profitable casino bets.
Big and Small bets: Wagering on the Big bet (11-17) or the Small bet (4-10) has a house edge of 2.78%. It covers eleven out of 35 possibilities, providing decent odds.
Specific number bets: Placing a bet on a particular number combination (specifically, 3 of a kind) has a house edge of 2.80%. For instance, if you bet on 1, 2, 1 and the dice land on those exact numbers, you win 1:1. Other number combinations also offer payouts: 2 of a kind pays 1:2, and 3 of a kind in any order and with any two numbers pays 1:3.
Another strategy is to focus on specific number pairs, such as 1 and 2. By betting on all possible combinations of these numbers (1, 1, 1; 1, 1, 2; 1, 2, 1; and 2, 1, 1), you have four ways to win with a payout of 1:5 per combination. With a total of 16 out of 35 possible combinations, your odds improve to 2.22%.
However, avoid betting on the Triple or any single number, as the house edge for these bets hovers around 30%.
Best Real Money Casino Sites - Top sites for real money gambling in 2023Sic Bo might require a translation dictionary for the symbols and a bit of bravery due to its rapid gameplay (you lose/win money quickly), but it offers a unique opportunity to shake things up and possibly score some major wins.
And if you’re eager to give Sic Bo a try, check out our list of the .
Making Informed Decisions: The Key to Winning Casino Bets
At the end of the day, the key to making profitable casino bets is knowledge and strategy. It’s not about blindly throwing your money down and crossing your fingers. It’s about understanding the odds, recognizing the best bets, and knowing when to take a risk.
Sure, luck plays a part (it is a casino, after all). But armed with information and a solid plan, you give yourself the best chance to come out ahead.
Just remember, these bets aren’t foolproof, and you can still lose money. Set a budget before you start gambling, stick to it, and don’t chase your losses. Gambling should be a fun pastime, not a way to pay your rent.
Free Casino Games You Can Play Online Right NowSo next time you find yourself at the casino, take a deep breath, survey the scene, and channel your inner casino pro. Who knows? Maybe you’ll leave the table with a grin on your face and pockets full of winnings.
Kevin Roberts, previously published under the pen name Noah Davis, is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience. He has worked extensively in the video games and technology sectors, producing content for cameras and microphones. When he's not busy writing, you can find him exploring the outdoors with his trusty dog by his side.