For many, the allure of the casinos not on GamStop lies in the thrill of potential riches. While the house always maintains an advantage (the “house edge”), some casino games offer significantly better odds of winning than others. Understanding these odds can empower players to make more informed choices, stretching their bankroll further and increasing their chances of walking away with a profit.
Here are 5 casino games renowned for having the best odds for players:
1. Blackjack (House Edge: 0.5% – 2% with Basic Strategy)
Often hailed as the king of casino table games, Blackjack stands out due to its low house edge, especially when played with optimal “basic strategy.” This game combines luck with an element of skill, as your decisions directly impact the outcome
- Why the Odds are Good: The primary reason for Blackjack’s favorable odds is that players make strategic decisions (hit, stand, double down, split) that can reduce the house’s advantage. With perfect basic strategy (a mathematically proven way to play every hand), the house edge can be as low as 0.5% in favorable rule sets.
- Key to Success: Learning and consistently applying basic strategy is paramount. Deviating from it significantly increases the house edge. Look for games with player-friendly rules, such as those that pay 3:2 for a blackjack, allow doubling down on any two cards, and allow re-splitting aces.
2. Baccarat (House Edge: Banker Bet ~1.06%, Player Bet ~1.24%)
Baccarat is a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple card game that offers some of the best odds in the casino, requiring virtually no skill from the player.
- Why the Odds are Good: There are primarily three bets: Banker, Player, and Tie. The Banker bet has a slightly better chance of winning (around 45.86%) than the Player bet (around 44.62%), even with a 5% commission usually taken on Banker wins. The house edge for the Banker bet hovers around 1.06%, while the Player bet is about 1.24%.
- Key to Success: Always bet on the Banker. While it carries a small commission, it statistically has the highest probability of winning over the long run. Avoid the “Tie” bet at all costs, as its house edge can be astronomically high (often over 14%).
3. Craps (House Edge: Pass Line ~1.41%, Don’t Pass ~1.36%, Free Odds 0%)
Craps might look intimidating with its array of betting options and lively table, but certain bets offer excellent odds, making it one of the most player-friendly games.
- Why the Odds are Good: The fundamental bets, “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line,” have a low house edge of 1.41% and 1.36% respectively. The real game-changer is the “Free Odds” bet. Once a point number is established on a Pass or Don’t Pass bet, players can make an additional “Free Odds” wager, which pays out at true odds with absolutely no house edge (0%).
- Key to Success: Stick to the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets, and always back them up with the maximum allowable Free Odds bet. Avoid proposition bets (like Any 7 or Hardways), which have very high house edges.
4. Video Poker (House Edge: Varies, some “Full Pay” machines < 0.5% or even positive expectation)
Video Poker combines elements of poker with the rapid play of slot machines. Its odds are highly dependent on the specific game variation and, critically, the “pay table” of the machine.
- Why the Odds are Good: Unlike slots, video poker is based on a standard deck of cards, allowing for mathematical analysis. “Full Pay” machines offer the highest theoretical Return to Player (RTP) percentages, sometimes exceeding 99.5%, and in rare cases, even slightly over 100% (meaning a skilled player has a marginal advantage). Games like Jacks or Better (9/6 version), Deuces Wild (full pay), and Double Bonus Poker (full pay) are known for their favorable odds.
- Key to Success: Learn the optimal strategy for the specific video poker variant you’re playing (strategy charts are readily available online). Always look for “full pay” machines, indicated by their payout schedule for hands like a Full House and Flush. Playing the maximum number of coins (usually 5) is also crucial, as the royal flush payout is disproportionately higher for max bets.
5. European Roulette (House Edge: 2.7%)
Roulette is a game of pure chance, but not all roulette wheels are created equal. European Roulette offers significantly better odds than its American counterpart.
- Why the Odds are Good: The key difference lies in the wheel’s design. European Roulette wheels have 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). American Roulette wheels have 38 pockets: 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This extra pocket in American Roulette almost doubles the house edge, from 2.7% (European) to 5.26% (American).
- Key to Success: Always choose European Roulette over American Roulette. The “en prison” or “la partage” rules (where you get half your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero) further reduce the house edge to 1.35% on those specific bets. Stick to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) for the best odds, although all bets in European Roulette have the same 2.7% house edge.
While no casino game offers guaranteed wins, choosing games with a lower house edge and employing optimal strategy where applicable can significantly improve your chances of enjoying a longer, more successful session. Responsible gaming remains paramount, but armed with this knowledge, you can approach the casino floor with a clearer understanding of where your money has the best fighting chance.
