Casino games vary widely in their potential returns, and savvy players know that the house edge is crucial in selecting which games to play. This percentage represents the mathematical advantage that the casino maintains over players in the long run. A smaller house edge means better odds for players, extending playing time and improving the chance of walking away a winner. Finding games with favourable odds can make your gambling budget last longer and provide more entertainment value per dollar spent.

Certain games consistently rise to the top of the list when hunting for the best odds in a casino. Blackjack leads the pack with a house edge as low as 0.5% when played with perfect basic strategy. Craps offers excellent odds as well, particularly on the “pass line” and “don’t pass” bets, with edges around 1.4%. Baccarat is another strong contender, with banker bets carrying a slim 1.06% house advantage. Click here for more info about specific strategies to minimise the house edge in these games. Video poker variants like Jacks or Better can offer edges below 0.5% with optimal play, while European Roulette’s single-zero wheel provides much better odds than its American double-zero counterpart.

Strategy beats luck

The games with the lowest house edges share a common trait: they reward knowledge and strategic play. Unlike pure chance games, these options allow players to make decisions that directly impact outcomes:

1. In blackjack, memorising basic strategy charts reduces the house edge dramatically
2. Video poker rewards players who can recognise which cards to hold and which to discard
3. Craps players who stick to the fundamental bets avoid the tempting but terrible odds of proposition bets
4. Baccarat players who consistently bet on the banker position maximise their chances of winning
5. Pai Gow Poker gives knowledgeable players near-even odds when they know optimal hand-setting techniques

Keep the house edge low

While some casino games offer reasonable odds, others are designed to extract money quickly from players’ bankrolls:

• Keno tops the list of unfavourable games with a staggering 25-30% house edge
• Slot machines vary widely but typically carry edges between 5 and 15%
• Big Six Wheel/Wheel of Fortune games have house edges ranging from 11-24%
• Caribbean Stud Poker maintains a hefty 5.2% edge against players
• Most casino table game side bets are designed with edges exceeding 10%

Land based vs. Online wins

The digital realm often provides better mathematical returns than physical casinos. Online operations have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more competitive odds. Many internet casinos publish payout percentages, creating transparency rarely found in brick-and-mortar establishments. Digital blackjack frequently uses fewer decks, lowering the house edge. Video poker pay tables are often more generous online than in physical locations. Live dealer games bridge the gap between traditional and digital play while maintaining favourable odds compared to many land-based options.

The hunt for low-house edge games requires both knowledge and discipline. By focusing on games where skill plays a role and avoiding those designed to deplete your bankroll rapidly, you can extend your playing time and increase your chances of winning sessions. Remember that even games with favourable odds will still favour the house in the long run; that’s how casinos stay in business, but choosing wisely can stretch your gambling budget.

Agnes Green