Casino games are designed to provide bettors with fun and entertainment, but sometimes it can seem like the odds are stacked well against you, and winning can appear impossible. Although gambling should never be considered a way to build wealth or a way of living, constantly losing does not bring much fun or joy.
That is why in this article, we decided to uncover which casino game has the best odds and mention close runner-ups, which can also bring you better chances of winning.
We will also mention the worst odds games you should steer clear of and give you some tips on improving your chances of winning.
What Casino Game Has the Best Odds?
Some might be surprised to learn that you have the best odds of winning when taking part in casino table games. Although playing against a dealer and other players might seem intimidating, the odds are always on your side.
1. Blackjack Odds
With a 49% chance of winning, blackjack offers some of the best odds in casino table games. If you are unfamiliar with the rules of this game, we will try to give you a short crash course on how to play blackjack. The main objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer, and all bettors compete against the dealer’s hand.
Both the dealer and the players aim to get as close as possible to 21 or hit 21 directly to win the game; however, don’t be fooled into thinking that this game is based on luck; quite on the contrary, blackjack is based on numbers. The house edge in blackjack can be between 0.5% and 1% depending on your experience and expertise as a player since, in this game, your moves determine your fate.
2. Craps Odds
Craps is the second-best on our best casino game odds list. This dice-based game comes with a wider house edge between 0% and 16.67% due to the multiple betting options it offers. Unlike blackjack, this game is partly based on guessing and luck, which is why the craps table is known to bring the most thrill and excitement in a casino. Simply put, in Craps, one player called a shooter rolls the dice while the other players place their bets on how they think the dice will turn out.
The bets that come with the lowest house edge are the simple ones (Pass or Don’t Pass). As a player standing on the sidelines, if you bet on a pass, the shooter must score a 7 or 11 for both of you to win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. However, if they roll any other number, the game goes on, and the shooter needs to roll the same number one more time before having a go at 7 or 11 again.
3. Roulette Odds
When it comes to roulette, we must assess casino odds by game style. For example, the European version comes with a 2.7% house edge, while American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. However, there is also another factor — RTP (Return Per Player), which helps us decide which game style offers better odds.
Nevertheless, the odds are still in favor of European roulette with a 97.3% RTP; but just in case you are more fond of the American version, you should know it offers more than a solid return of 94.7%.
Some sources say that the probability of winning is just below 50% when placing bets on either “black” or “red.” Of course, betting on numbers can bring larger pay; however, placing wagers on color is the best way to minimize losses and maximize payouts.
4. Baccarat Odds
When played well, Baccarat can offer players an RTP of almost 100%. Even though this game might not be among the usual popular picks due to its high minimum bets of $25 to $50, the house edge is what earns its place on the best casino game odds list. The house advantage in Baccarat can often be as low as 1.01%.
When playing Baccarat, just the thought that you are betting blind on whose hand might be the closest to 9 in total can make you feel uneasy. However, by choosing the right type of table and making the right moves, you can be at a great advantage. One of the most important things to remember is to never take the tie and bet on the banker to increase your winning potential, as this option often offers the lowest house edge and the best return.
What Casino Game Has the Worst Odds?
Just as you might often wonder what clothes you should wear to a casino, questioning which are the worst odds in casino games you should steer clear of is also reasonable. But before we go on to explain why these games have the worst odds, we must note that there are no bad games at casinos, just games like the ones we will discuss that have bad short-term odds.
1. Slots Odds
We are all equal in the eyes of slot machines; there is no strategy or level of expertise that can give a player some advantage, and sadly there is no way to better the odds as well. So when playing slots, you simply rely on your luck and hope for the best.
The house edge for slot games varies between 2% and 15% based on the type of machine, limits, casino location, and more. Although you might think these are similar to the odds of winning at craps, that is not the case. While the total number of play lines can increase your chances of landing a winning line, there is no guarantee nor a way to predict the outcome, as slot machines operate based on a Random Number Generator (RNG).
2. Wheel of Fortune Odds
Wheel of Fortune might be a fun game to play, but its odds are in no way promising. In this casino game, you bet wherever you think the wheel will stop, meaning you have $1, $5, $10, $20, and a joker as your options.
While you might think that betting on $1 is your safest option, this isn’t the case, as the house edge is still 11%. The house edge when a player places his bet on a joker can be up to 24% which also does not run in your favor. So if you are looking around a casino seeking the best odds at casino games, the Wheel of Fortune is not your friend.
3. Keno Odds
Keno is widely considered the worst game to play in a casino — much like other lottery games, it is based on luck rather than skill. So even if you want to calculate the mathematical possibilities involved, it is not used as there is a very little chance that it will be worth your while.
There are 80 numbers in total in this game, the house chooses 20 of those, and your winnings are calculated based on how many of those you have guessed correctly. Unfortunately, the house edge here varies between 20% and 40%, indicating that your chances of winning are very slim.
4. Casino Games at Cruise Ships and Airports
One independent survey showed that the worst odds in casino slots belong to airport machines. The odds of casino games available on cruise ships are also not favorable, as companies are well aware that your options are limited in that scenario. In contrast, Las Vegas is famous for providing players with the best experience and often with the best odds, depending on the establishment you choose.
DID YOU KNOW: According to gambling statistics, your chances of winning a slot machine game are somewhere between 1 in 5,000 and 1 in 34 million.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning in Casino Games
Although gambling is just a source of fun, you might want to make the most of it when reaching into your pocket. The first thing you should keep in mind is that there is a lot more to winning than figuring out which game has the best odds in a casino.
Cheating is not recommended as this is likely to get you banned; however, there are some things that you can do to increase your chances of winning, no matter if you’re playing a game of luck or skill.
Learn the Rules of the Game
Before you pull up a chair and join others on the Blackjack table or throw the dice in Craps, you should know that having little to no information about the game rules is a major disadvantage.
By making learning the rules a priority, you guarantee yourself both more fun and success when playing. Of course, you might have to go through many “how-to guides” or request the assistance of a casino dealer, and it will take you some time before you get the hang of a game, but it is well worth it.
Stick to a Gambling Budget
While on the lookout for the best odds at casino games, it is easy to get carried away and compromise your finances. Often gambling apps and gambling online altogether might even carry greater risk as the moment of checking your wallet is admitted.
Nevertheless, no matter your preferred gambling type, it is important to set a budget beforehand and be aware of how much money you can afford to lose.
Pay Attention to the RTP Percentage
The RTP percentage is a measurement that can help us determine if a casino game is worth playing or not. It represents the amount of money that comes back to you over time. So when you’re wondering what game has the best odds at the casino, just check the RTP.
By knowing the RTP, you can also easily determine the house edge. For example, if the RTP is set at 93% and you bet $100, you can expect to win $93 while the remaining $7 goes to the casino.
Do Online Casinos Have Better Odds?
Whether engaging in online casino games or playing in a physical setting, your chances of winning are the same, as both online casinos and land-based casinos offer the same player’s edge (RTP). However, this is only true for casinos that are consistent with the RTP they offer.
Be careful, as even if the odds of an establishment’s casino games seem convenient, they are at an unfair advantage if they hire unfair dealers or use rigged software. That is why it is important to make sure the casino you play in is properly licensed.
Online casinos get their license by hiring a third party to test RNG and the results of their games. MGA and AGA are some of the gaming commissions in charge of regulating licensed operators; some examples of fully licensed online casinos include Ignition Casino, Chumba Casino, BC.Game, etc.
On the other hand, land-based casinos must also offer fair odds of winning at casino games and use sealed cards only and regulated precision dice.
DID YOU KNOW: Counting cards while playing casino card games is not illegal; however, using electronic devices to help you in counting cards is.
Conclusion
When taking part in casino games, gambling responsibly is crucial for an optimal gambling experience. However, as we discussed throughout the article, knowing the ins and outs of the games can give you a better perspective and ensure you are entering a casino well-prepared.
Although knowing the best and worst odds at casino games is certainly helpful, choosing a casino that obeys the regulations set by commissions is also of high regard.
