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Navigating Casino Odds: The Best and Worst Games for Players

The flashing lights, high-pitched bells, and crazy buzzers of land-based and online gaming casinos are distracting, and the can make it tough to figure out which casino games have the best and worst odds. Before logging onto an online casino website or wandering into a land-based casino, first consider what’s most important to you.

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What You Want from Playing Casino Games

Do your own cost-benefit analysis and give reasons for what you consider the best and worst casino games:

  • How important is the experience? And how much is that worth? If having a fun experience ranks high, then you might enjoy learning and trying a new casino game even if the house holds a high edge.
    • Remember first to play the free versions of new online casino games so that you become familiar with the game, odds, and strategies before you put any real money down
  • Is winning money the priority? Then read on to learn about the various popular games and their odds.
  • Do you want to compete for a large jackpot in an online poker tournament or with progressive slot machines?

There’s more to consider than the odds of winning or losing. Anyone who plays a casino game with no understanding of how the game’s details work, relying solely on luck, is going to have a tough time overcoming the odds in any game.

Keep in mind that winning at casino games typically favors short-term strategies, so those who continue playing after winning increase their chances of losing their money. Have a personal strategy and reason for playing the games and know the variations of each contest.

Casino Games with the Best Odds

Classic Blackjack

This is widely considered one of the best casino games to play online and in-person since the odds of winning increase with a player’s knowledge and skill.

Payout:

Payouts of 3:2 can be anticipated if the player wins with a Blackjack.

House Edge:

Once you learn a basic strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%. For players relying on educated guesses, the house edge can easily range from 1% to 3%.

What to Consider:

Do you want the challenge of predicting the probability of what cards will turn up so you don’t bust? Some math is involved. Blackjack cheat sheets are easy to find and use for playing online to guide your decision-making, putting the odds more in your favor.

Blackjack variations include:

  • European Blackjack
  • Spanish Blackjack
    • Many players consider Spanish Blackjack to have the best odds of winning of any game in a casino. Learn the specific differences for the best playing strategy.
  • Vegas Strip Blackjack
  • Atlantic City Blackjack

Baccarat

Baccarat is a casino game that’s similar to blackjack. The game can be played with a single deck, six decks, or eight decks.

In Baccarat, there are three outcomes:

  • Player Win,
  • Banker Win,
  • or Tie.

“Punters” can bet on either the Player’s hand or the Banker’s. The bets are placed before the cards are dealt.

Payout:

The Player bet returns 1:1, the Banker pays 0.95:1, and you can bet on a tie which pays 8:1.

House Edge: 

The house edge in baccarat varies depending on the number of decks that are used, and each bet has a different house edge percentage.

  • The house edge for the Banker is the lowest and runs from 1.01% to 1.0579%.
  • For the Player, the edge can run from 1.28% in a single deck to 1.23% for six and eight decks.
  • Betting on a tie carries a high house edge ranging from 15.7% in a single deck to 14.3% in eight decks.

What to Consider:

You can just stick to the Banker bet for the best chances of winning.

Craps

Craps is a popular dice game that looks complicated. There are numerous bets to play. Study the layout of a craps table and select the outside and even money bets for the best chances of winning. Know that the bets in the center of the table greatly favor the house.

Payout:

For bets on the Pass Line, the payout in craps is 1:1. Other payouts differ according to the bet that’s placed.

House Edge:

In craps, the house edge varies widely based on what bet you choose. The Pass Line bet edge is almost even while a bet on a 7 has a 20% house edge.

Roulette

Roulette is a casino game that’s as easy to play online – even on a smartphone – as it is in a physical casino. You don’t need to have a high level of concentration like in most card games.

Roulette versions you can choose from:

  • American roulette, which has a zero and double zero on the wheel.
  • European roulette, which only has a zero. Thus the European version has better odds for winning than the American version.

In roulette the wheel spins and you bet on where the ball is going to land. It sounds easy, but for the best odds playing roulette you need to know where to place your bets.

Select black, red, the even numbers, the odd numbers, the low numbers (1-18), or the high numbers (19-36) to place low-risk bets.

Payout:

Outside bets are 1:1. If you bet on a column, the payout is 2:1 but your odds are worse. Betting on a single number, known as a straight-up bet, has the lowest odds, but winning can pay out 35:1.

House Edge:

The house edge for a straight-up bet is 37:1. When choosing red or black, high or low numbers, or evens and odds, the house edge in the European version is 2.7% while the American version is 5.6%.

Casino Games with the Worst Odds

Bix Six / Wheel of Fortune

This large round wheel is enticing, but the odds to win are relatively low. The player bets the number that the wheel will stop on. The game uses symbols showing $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20, plus jokers and wild cards.

Payout:

The payouts are based on the numbers. A $1 spin that wins is paid out at 1:1. The $10 spin is paid at 10:1, while the joker can bring as much as 45:1. However, the Big Six / Wheel of Fortune is far down the list of recommended casino games because the odds of winning are so poor.

House Edge:

The $1 bet is typically an 11% house edge, while aiming for the big payout with a joker gives the casino a 24% house edge.

Keno

Playing Keno is easy. Winning, of course, is the tough part.

Keno is based on a card with 80 numbers. You get to pick up to 20 numbers that you think will be winners (though some casinos may only allow you to pick 10 to 12 numbers). The more of your numbers that are winners, the greater your payout.

Like slot machines, newer Keno games now use a random number generator to select the numbers. Don’t count on having a lucky number since the number generator resets.

Experienced casino players say playing Keno has odds that are as bad as playing the lottery, securing its prime place in the Worst Casino Games to Play category. Still, it’s a low entry fee, and for those lucky ones who get the numbers, the payout is high.

Payout:

Expect payouts to vary from one casino to another.

House Edge:

Expect a 25% house edge or higher, depending on the casino.

Slot Machines

Slot machines are easy to play, with beginners having as good a chance as experienced players at winning since the results are randomly generated.

Slots are popular, and the vast variety of slot machines creates a thrilling casino experience – or tremendous amounts of frustration. Slots are among the casino games that one plays for the experience – not the chance to win money.

Payout:

The higher the bet, the higher the odds of winning. Symbols can payout at specific rates when they’re lined up. Check the pay table of an online slot machine to see how the symbols pay out.

House Edge:

Expect a wide range of house edges from a few percent all the way to 11% and higher. Don’t expect to know what the house edge is for the slot machine you choose to play.

Beware of Side Bets: A Closer Look at House Edge

Regardless of a game's appeal, it's essential to approach side bets with caution. These bets often come with high house edges, comparable to the riskiest propositions in standard gameplay. In games known for their favorable odds, like blackjack, indulging in side bets can drastically diminish your chances of success.

The house edge is fundamental to casino gaming. It represents the casino's average profit from a player's bet. This edge ensures that if you continue to play, regardless of initial wins, the odds will eventually favor the house, leading to potential losses.

Choosing a game to play should align with your personal preferences and goals. While strategizing for wins is a common approach, the essence of casino gaming can also lie in the enjoyment of the experience, available across the plethora of games in both online and land-based casinos.

FAQ: Navigating Casino Odds for Players

What Should I Consider Before Playing Casino Games?

Before diving into online or land-based casinos, it's crucial to determine what you're looking to get out of the experience. Are you chasing the thrill and fun, prioritizing winning money, or aiming for big jackpots in games like online poker or progressive slots? Understanding your priorities, including the game's enjoyment versus the profit potential, will guide your choices and strategies.

What Casino Games Have the Most Favorable Odds for Players?

  1. Classic Blackjack: Offers the best odds with a house edge as low as 0.5% for those who apply a primary strategy. The appeal of blackjack lies in the player's capacity to affect the result by employing proficiency and tactics.
  2. Baccarat: Known for its simplicity, baccarat offers good odds, mainly if you stick to betting on the Banker, which has the lowest house edge ranging from 1.01% to 1.0579%.
  3. Craps: While the game may appear complex, selecting simple bets like the Pass Line bet can offer nearly even odds, providing a favorable chance for players.
  4. Roulette: The European version offers better odds due to having one less zero on the wheel than the American version. Betting on simple outcomes like red or black provides almost even odds.

What Are the Worst Casino Games in Terms of Odds?

  1. Big Six / Wheel of Fortune: Despite its visual appeal, the high house edge makes it one of the least favorable games for players.
  2. Keno: With a house edge exceeding 25%, Keno is comparable to lottery odds, making it a challenging game for securing wins.
  3. Slot Machines: While famous for their ease of play, slot machines have a wide range of house edges, often making them less favorable for those looking to maximize their chances of winning.

How Important Is Understanding the House Edge in Casino Games?

The advantage held by the house is a crucial element in casino gambling representing the casino's average profit from players' bets. A lower house edge means a better chance for players to win in the short term, but it's essential to remember that the odds always favor the house in the long run. Knowing the house edge can help you decide which games to play and how to bet.

Are Side Bets a Good Strategy in Casino Games?

While side bets can add excitement to casino games, they typically have higher house edges than the main game. This means that although they offer the potential for higher payouts, the risk of losing is also greater. It's advisable to approach side bets cautiously, especially in games like blackjack, where the base game offers better odds.

Final Thoughts: How Should I Approach Casino Gaming?

Choosing which casino games to play should align with your preferences, goals, and the level of risk you're willing to take. Whether you're in it for the thrill of the game or in pursuit of winnings, it's essential to have a strategy and to know the odds and rules of the games you choose to play. Remember, the essence of casino gaming can lie in the enjoyment of the experience and the strategic pursuit of wins.

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