Different casino games and variants have different house-edges. We look at the top gambling games to play at a casino
Consumers may be forgiven for assuming that no matter where they play their favorite casino games – the payouts for specific wins will consistent. This is not the case.
While the house always wins – in the long run – that doesn’t mean gamblers shouldn’t game-select wisely if they want to win BIG
- Casinos have the ability to manipulate the house-edge on many of their table games simply by altering the minimum bet required to play, or the payouts.
- Another example is that video-poker machine payouts are not consistent across all makes and models on the market for a Royal Flush (instead the payouts depend on the pay-table and the bet-size).
- Some card-rooms may charge more rake per hour on cash-games than others
Like everything in life – it pays to shop around for a good casino before you gamble. Some casinos offer games that have such a large house edge that most seasoned gamblers will just avoid those casinos or games altogether.
Best Casino Games To Play at a Casino
Poker
Live Poker
If you play poker against other players, the house usually collects a fixed amount of rake per hour, or rake from hands that go to a flop.
This cost can be offset somewhat if you arrange a “poker room rate” if staying at the casino. This will generally be available to poker players who put in a lot of hours on the cash tables. It’s advisable to check if a poker room rate is available with the card-room manager before booking your room.
Video Poker
A number of casinos offer video poker machines with high RTP (Return To Player) percentages which don’t “take” much from players over the long-run.
Finding high RTP video-poker machines is possible by examining the payouts on the pay-table on each specific gaming machine.
It’s important to know that you should generally bet the maximum bet (usually 5 credits) in order to get the maximum payout on a Royal Flush.
If you play a lot of video poker it’s possible that you are eligible for free comps (complimentary hospitality from the casino – which can include drinks, meals and even free or discounted accommodation.)
Roulette
Roulette house edge can be calculated for all of the popular variants found in casinos in the US, Europe and beyond. The rule of thumb is that the less Zeroes on the roulette wheel, the better.
The gambler’s edge at roulette is the expected return of a bet divided by the initial bet.
Single Zero Roulette
Sometimes referred to as “European roulette” – the roulette wheel has 36 numbers and one zero.
(35 – 36)/37 x 100 = -2.70% house edge
Double Zero Roulette
Found in France and elsewhere in the world, double-zero roulette has a 36-number wheel and two zeroes, a single and a double zero.
(35 – 37)/38 x 100 = -5.26% house edge
Triple Zero Roulette
Triple zero roulette first appeared in the US in Vegas at the Venetian in fall of 2016 (dubbed “Sands Roulette”). The game has since spread to most casinos as it is highly profitable for the house
33/5 – 30/5 x 5/38 = 3/5 x 5/38 = 3/38 = 0.0789474 = a 7.69% house edge.
Roulette’s house-edge dictates that given the choice – one should always play single zero or double zero roulette over triple zero.
Blackjack
In the casino game of blackjack, the house edge over an inexperienced player is around 2%.
Your odds of winning will be much increased if you understand basic blackjack strategy – knowing when to double down, split, or stand in every conceivable situation.
Learning basic blackjack strategy is simple, and you can print out charts that show you the best move to make in almost every circumstance.
You may put it this way: If you bet $100 in blackjack in a session you can expect to lose $2 on average.
There are undoubtedly extreme short-term swings where you could have a lucky streak and win a lot of money, or conversely things might not go your way and you could lose a chunk of your bankroll.
Understanding basic strategy, and respecting bankroll management is the key for profitable blackjack.
Smart blackjack players look for 3:2 Blackjack as opposed to 6:5 blackjack .
The distinction is small but very significant:
- If your blackjack hand wins at 3:2 blackjack you get paid $3 for each $2 wagered (1.5:1 odds on your money).
- However With winning odds of 6:5, you get paid $6 for each $5 wagered, (1.2:1 odds on your money).
Craps
When a casino offers 3-4-5 odds on line bets, the overall house edge falls below 0.05%!
| Bet | House Edge (Percent) |
| Pass Line/Come Bet | 1.41 |
| Don’t Pass/Come | 1.40 |
| Pass Line/Come Bet 2X odds | .85 |
| Don’t Pass/Come 2X odds | .83 |
| Place 6 and 8 | 1.52 |
| Place 5 and 9 | 4.00 |
| Place 4 and 10 | 6.67 |
| Buy 6 or 8 | 4.76 |
| Buy 5 or 9 | 4.76 |
| Buy 4 or 10 | 4.76 |
| Lay 6 or 8 | 4.00 |
| Lay 5 or 9 | 3.23 |
| Lay 4 or 10 | 2.44 |
| Field Bet | 5.56 |
| Any Craps | 11.11 |
| Hardway 6 or 8 | 9.09 |
| Hardway 4 or 10 | 11.10 |
| Yo or 3 | 11.10 |
| 2 or 12 | 13.90 |
| Any 7 | 16.70 |
Slots
Despite many people believing in “hot slots” – or slots that pay out more than others – land-based casino slots in the U.S pay out completely at random.
In general at slots the longer you play, the more you can expect to lose. Ideally you will play slots at a casino for a short while, and get lucky – hitting a large jackpot and walk out the door with the profits!
Savvy gamblers and slots players can earn a little payback from their play by signing up for casino rewards programs which issue players cards– which enable you to track your play and claim casino cashback rewards and other benefits.