Everyone hopes to win a little money when heading to a casino. Seeing those slot reels line up just right can be a real thrill. Finding a nice win after doubling down at the blackjack table can include a nice fist pump and hitting a number on the roulette wheel.
While winning is the goal, many gamblers may ask: what casino game has the best odds? Players have many bets to choose from on the casino floor or when playing online at platforms like 888casino, but some wagers are better than others – with a lower house edge and a better chance to win.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the casino games that have the best odds.
Blackjack – House Edge of Less Than 1%
This classic game stands out at the casino as one of the best for players. When using basic blackjack strategy and finding games with the best rules, such as 3:-to-2 payouts on blackjacks, dealer standing on soft 17, and allowing double after a split, players can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%.
The problem with this scenario is that casinos have increased that house edge in recent years by eliminating some of those favorable rules, including offering just 6-to-5 payouts on blackjacks. However, some online research can help players find the best casinos and online casinos may also have more favorable rules for those looking to test their skills.
Beyond that, those who master card counting can even tip the advantage in their own favor. But this takes plenty of practice and can come with some other concerns – like getting booted from a property.
When it comes to what game has the best odds in a casino, you can’t really go wrong by taking a seat at the blackjack table.
Video Poker – House Edge Less Than 1%
This classic game based on the Five Card Draw poker game may be grouped with slot machines, but these gaming options could not be more different. While slots can come with a house edge of as much as 20%, video poker has an edge as low as 0.5% (or lower) when practicing basic strategy.
Like blackjack, however, players will have to look for the best games. There are also several versions to choose from, such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, so it’s critical to learn the basic strategy for the game you plan on playing.
Some great options can also be found online and the good thing about video poker is that you can use a strategy card to make the most-favorable decisions no matter what hand you’re dealt.
Craps – Low House Edges on Certain Bets
Roll some bones at the craps table for some solid bets that come with low house edges. Not all of the wagers available fit in this category, but bets like the pass line, don’t pass, come bar, and place bets feature low house edges and decent chances to win.
For example a bet on the pass line comes with a house edge of 1.41%, but placing odds on any pass line bet has no house edge at all – paying out the true odds of rolling that number. A place bet on the 6 or 8 comes with a house edge of just 0.46%.
Beyond these bets, steer clear of most of the other betting options, such as the prop bets in the center of the table. These have much higher edges and can be real money pits – in general avoid making too many of these bets as part of your own craps strategy.
Baccarat – House Edge of 1.24% and Slightly Lower
This is James Bond’s favorite game in the casino and you may just feel like an international spy grabbing a seat at the table. Baccarat may be a favorite for high rollers, but is actually a pretty easy game.
You simply have to bet on the player, banker, or a tie. The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible with numbered cards keeping their values. Kings, Queens, Jacks, and 10s count as 0 and aces are counted as 1. The player and banker are dealt two cards and there are certain situations where an additional card may be drawn, but this is all spelled out in the game rules.
The great thing about baccarat is that the game can be very favorable to players. Betting the player comes with a house edge of only 1.24% while putting some money on the banker checks in even lower at 1.06%.
The bad bet? Don’t bother betting on the tie. This wager comes with a ghastly house edge of 14% – yuck!
Roulette – House Edge as Low as 2.7%
This classic game has kept gamblers coming back for generations. It’s a simple game with several betting options, but some are better than others. Stick to single-zero games when at all possible. These more favorable wheels can be found in Europe and in some American casinos.
However, the traditional American version features two zeroes, ramping that house edge up for 5.26%. Some American casinos have even ramped that up even more with a third zero in recent years, making for an even worse house edge of 7.69%.
In general, when it comes to roulette strategy make the more favorable bets like splits (two numbers), squares (four numbers), red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Picking single numbers is a fun option for many, but can drain a bankroll because of infrequent wins.
One bet to avoid? Pass on the “basket bet” of the 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 grouping. You may be covering five numbers and get a 6-to-1 payout, but that comes with a hefty house edge 7.89%.
Poker – No House Edge
The great thing about hitting the poker table in a casino is that you’ll face no house edge at all. Instead you’ll be battling other players at the table. To spread casino games, the dealer simply takes a rake from cash games (the fee for playing) from each pot.
Tournaments also feature a fee, but those who play their cards right can cash with a big payout after making a deep run in the event.
Getting versed in solid poker strategies offers players a real chance to win – poker is a game of skill and not just luck. The best players tend to rise to the top over time. There are numerous books, videos, training sites, and other options to really work on your skills.
That doesn’t mean you’ll always be a winner. Variance certainly plays a role and you still have to beat the rake. But for a game where you won’t even have to worry about the house edge, head to the poker room.
Sports Betting – Not Betting the House
Scan those daily matchups for a chance at winning without having to worry about a house edge at all. Handicapping a few of the weekend’s football, baseball, or basketball matchups may not be easy, but using reason and solid judgement can pay off with some positive returns.
Casinos and sports betting operators simply take a percentage of the entire betting pool (known as the “vig”) to make money from sports betting. Bettors can and do win.
The key is to have reasonable expectations and to pick games that you have a good feeling about. Dig in to those statistics and trends to get a sense of each matchup. And while parlays may be fun, these can siphon funds from your bankroll. It’s hard enough to win a single game, needing to win multiple games to cash a winner is much more difficult.
