- While blackjack is a popular casino game, you might be surprised to know that there are plenty of other games you can play at .
- Games like baccarat, craps, and roulette also offer excellent RTP percentages for players who enjoy real money gambling.
- If you want to try your luck without playing slots, consider video poker or scratch cards–both offer exciting gameplay and the chance to win big.
Slots are king when it comes to online gambling.
They are easy to understand, enjoyable to play, and are available at every reputable casino—but should you really be playing slots if you’re looking to make some cash? Are there other real money gambling games apart from slots which could earn you more money in 2023?
The answer is yes. While slots design an irresistible allure, they do not always provide the best chances of winning. I was surprised to see just how many other real money gambling games there are that offer better odds while still providing hours of fun.
If you’re interested in learning about them, stick around as we take a closer look at five alternative options that are well worth exploring!
1. Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. It’s often seen as a simple game that requires little skill, but this isn’t entirely true. Although luck plays a role in determining your hand, there are strategic decisions you can make to improve your chances of winning.
I discovered that blackjack has one of the lowest house edges compared to other games, making it a great option for those seeking better odds. The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.
You can score 21 with the first two cards dealt, a combination known as blackjack. This will result in an instant win, provided the dealer doesn’t have blackjack too. However, getting 21 with the first two cards is relatively rare, so don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t happen for you straight away.
Although the specific rules may vary between casinos, the general gameplay remains consistent. As a basic strategy tip, aim to hit until your hand is value 17 or higher. Stand if you think your current hand is better than the dealer’s.
This game is suitable for both newbies and experienced players alike. In fact, I found it to be a useful tool to learn , as mastering these transferable skills can be applied to any card game you go on to play.
Blackjack might not be as thrilling as some of the other , but its straightforwardness and favorable odds make it an attractive proposition for those wanting to boost their chances of leaving the table with extra funds in their pocket.
If you’re ready to give it a shot, consider playing at , widely regarded as the best online casino around today.
2. Video Poker
Video poker combines elements of slots and poker, offering players the chance to win big by building strong hands. Like slots, you insert money, press a button, and hope for the best. But unlike slots, video poker gives you some control over your destiny.
Depending on the strength of your hand, you can win anywhere from nothing to the maximum jackpot. For example, a pair of kings might pay out five times your initial bet, whereas a royal flush (the best possible hand) could net you 4,000 times the amount you staked.
While there is certainly an element of luck involved, video poker is unique in that your choices can influence the outcome. After receiving your five-card hand, you have the option to hold onto any cards while the machine replaces the others.
By making smart decisions based on the potential for improving your hand, you can significantly increase your chances of winning. So much so, in fact, that someone can turn video poker into a long-term profitable venture with optimal strategy.
Benefits of Playing Casino Tournaments (And the Drawbacks)This isn’t possible with most other casino games.
When I delved deeper into the world of video poker, I found that it shares something called a “return to player” or RTP percentage with blackjack (usually around the 99.5% to 100% mark with optimal strategy). This means that, in the long run, roughly 99.5 cents of every dollar wagered will be returned to the player.
That’s right—in theory, a buck spent on video poker has a very good chance of returning a buck back to you. What other gamble can genuinely claim to offer that sort of odds?!
Of course, the actual results will fluctuate wildly on a session-by-session basis. That’s why it’s called “long-term”. Nevertheless, it’s comforting to know that, while the law of large numbers does indeed apply to gambling, there are options better than others.
As a rough comparison—while slot machines may boast high RTPs, they usually hover around the low-to-mid 90s. And, more importantly, a single spin of the reels can consume dozens of dollars in a matter of seconds.
It’s also worth mentioning that, unlike with slot machines, casinos can’t simply change the payout rates for video poker games on a whim. This is because the player has input (albeit somewhat limited (, affecting both the house edge and their own).
In short, while the top prize on a video poker machine may seem smaller when compared to a progressive jackpot slot, you are statistically far more likely to hit a big win—and when you factor in the element of skill, the value of such prizes increases even further.
For these reasons, video poker is undoubtedly one of the . With its perfect blend of chance and skill, it offers some of the best odds in the business alongside an entertaining experience. I highly recommend giving it a try.
3. Craps
Craps has a reputation for being a fast-paced, high-risk game suited only to seasoned gamblers. While it’s true that things can escalate quickly at the table, I found there to be one particular bet with exceptionally generous odds: the pass/don’t pass wager.
Essentially, if you place your chips on the Pass line before the shooter rolls the dice, you’ll win even money (1:1) if they roll a 7 or 11. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you’ll lose your bet.
Any other number rolled at this initial stage starts what’s called the Point. Specialty tables will have a puck placed on the center of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 to indicate the Point number. The shooter then rolls the dice until they hit that same number, at which point you’ll receive even money on a Pass Bet.
If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the Point, then everyone with a Pass Bet will lose.
To speed up your play, don’t bother taking your winnings after each round—instead, leave your chips on your Pass bet and wait until you’ve either won or lost a few rolls. Then, take your entire payout at once.
With proper money management, the pass/don’t pass bet in craps offers an impressive return for not much risk. According to multiple , it enjoys one of the best odds in the game, with a respectable house edge of around 1.4%.
Don’t let the seemingly complex nature of craps deter you—it’s not difficult to get the hang of, and with this particular bet, you’ll find yourself coming out on top more often than not. And let’s be honest, the chaotic energy of the craps table is half the fun!
Plus, the fact that it can accommodate so many bets at once means the action never stops. Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, craps is definitely one of the best real money gambling games besides slots.
Looking for a reputable site to give it a go? I would recommend , which has a huge choice of real money gambling games including the exhilarating excitement of live craps tables.
4. Baccarat
Baccarat has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its prominence in James Bond films. Unlike the gritty urban setting of , baccarat seems tailor-made for the glamorous casino floor.
In all seriousness, baccarat has earned its reputation as one of the classier games you can play—there’s an air of sophistication that permeates through the ether, making even the most mundane wins feel rather lavish.
But beyond the surface level aesthetics, baccarat holds a special place among casino aficionados due to its exceptional odds. Much like craps, its most popular bet—wagering on the Banker hand vs. the Player hand to determine the winner of the game—boasts a minuscule house edge of approximately 1.06%.
Compared to the slot machines that often have house edges of 5% or more, that’s pretty darn good.
Here’s how it works: the objective is to predict whether the Banker hand or Player hand will win, or that the result will be a tie. It’s important to note that Banker doesn’t refer to the casino—it’s simply the term used for one of the two sides.
Similarly, the Player hand isn’t controlled by you; it’s just the other side of the equation. Both hands are dealt two cards to begin with, and depending on the value of those cards, they might draw additional ones.
usa new casino no deposit bonusThe closest this game comes to strategy is memorizing a score sheet to keep track of what cards get counted toward your total—essentially, cards with a value of 2 through 9 are face value, while 10s and face cards are zero, and aces are one point.
Add up the values of your two cards, follow the rules for a third card if needed, and compare the totals. Whoever is closest to 9 wins that round.
A unique quirk of baccarat is that it often feels like a losing streak isn’t far off, no matter how long the winning streak goes on. There’s almost a zen-like acceptance that comes with the understanding that everything balances out in the end.
Whether you’re a newbie or an old hat when it comes to casino games, I firmly believe that every gambler should experience the serene madness of baccarat.
Ready to put your knowledge into practice? Check out for a range of real money gambling games, including the classic baccarat.
5. Scratch Cards
When I think of traditional forms of gambling, the image of an elderly gentleman eagerly scratching away at a dirt-cheap lottery ticket doesn’t immediately spring to mind. However, scratch cards—whether physical or digital—deserve a spot on this list due to their surprisingly decent odds.
At first glance, the payouts on scratch cards seem pretty meh. It’s not uncommon to see enticing headlines boasting jackpots in the millions, but the reality is that your chances of striking gold are slim to none.
But here’s the thing—scratch cards are cheap! Most cost less than a dollar, with many offered at online casinos falling somewhere in the 25 ¢ – $5 range.
Do the math, and you’ll realize that even if your chances of winning the top prize are abysmal, the odds at lower tiers aren’t bad at all. In fact, many scratch cards offer an RTP of 70% or higher.
Put another way, that means for every dollar you spend on these virtual lottery tickets, you’ll win $0.70 back on average. Compare that to a slot machine with an RTP of 95%, where for every $100 you bet, you’re expected to win back $95.
There is a key difference though: with slots, there’s no limit to how much you can bet and walk away with. Hit that jackpot with a 25 cent scratch card, and you could find yourself hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in profit. Sure, the chances are lower—but that’s what keeps it interesting, no?
I know what you might be thinking: scratch cards are mindless, repetitive, and downright boring. And to that, I say… fair! They aren’t the most engaging form of gambling out there.
Online Casino Myths Debunked - US PlayersUnlike blackjack, which requires strategy; or video poker, which blends chance with choice; scratch cards are purely reliant on luck. Some people love that sense of randomness, while others crave a bit more interaction.
So if that sounds like you, fear not—there are other alternatives that strike a middle ground between slots and scratch cards. One such option is pull-tab games, which combine elements of both.
Available in most states with state-regulated lotteries, pull-tabs feature a sheet of paper with numbered tabs covering various patterns or images. To play, you pull off the tab corresponding to your bet, revealing either a loser or a potential winner. Keep pulling until you reach your desired payout amount—or until you’ve depleted your funds.
Pull-tabs typically have a higher payout rate than scratch cards, with some boasting an RTP of over 90%. On top of that, the physical act of ripping off those tabs can be oddly satisfying—kinda like popping bubbles, but with the possibility of actually winning money. Give it a try next time you find yourself at the gas station, okay?
Ultimately, my main goal with this piece was to open people’s eyes and show that there’s a whole world of gambling out there beyond the spinning reels of slot machines. Yes, they are undisputed kings of convenience and accessibility, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up.
Perhaps you’ll fall in love with the tactile thrill of pull-tabs, or the high-energy chaos of craps. Maybe you’ll become a video poker master or channel your inner James Bond at the baccarat table. Or hey, maybe you’ll stick to blackjack—because let’s face it, there’s a timeless appeal to trying to outsmart the dealer.
Whatever direction you choose, remember that the allure of gambling isn’t just about winning big (although, let’s be real—that’s pretty damn appealing). It’s about the rush of adrenaline, the dance with uncertainty, the tantalizing prospect of beating the house.
And if you’re lucky enough, you might just walk away with some extra dough in your pocket—not a bad way to cap off an exhilarating evening, amirite? So why not shake things up and explore the exciting realm beyond slots? Your future self might thank you for it.
If you’re keen to learn more gambling tips and tricks, the rest of our gaming blog is a great place to start.
