Last updated on March 11th, 2025 at 01:22 pm
iGaming is ruled by one concept: odds. Every table game offers a specific payout. Some games pay out better than others. If you’re looking to go on the most profitable run of your life at Mega Dice, this guide fills you in on choosing the games offering the best casino games odds. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how house edge and RTP interact—and how to use it to your advantage to make better game choices and in-play decisions.
Understanding House Edge and RTP
Comparing casino game odds to choose the best casino games to play hinges on two fundamentals of iGaming:
- House edge. House edge represents the built-in mathematical advantage of casino games favoring the house over the player to cover costs and be profitable. It tells you how much each game pays out on average and which games offer the best casino games odds. Despite lucky streaks, all casino games are designed to give the house the advantage over time.
- Return to player (RTP). RTP is a percentage representing how much money wagered on a casino game players can expect to win back. It gives a general idea of how much players will likely win for every dollar they bet on a particular game.
Games featuring a lower house edge or higher RTP tilt the odds in favor of the player. By using this readily available information, you can avoid games that give you a worse chance of winning.
Comparing Common Casino Games
By comparing casino game odds, you’ll find the games that give you the best chance of winning.
Blackjack
Blackjack odds offers the lowest possible house edge assuming you’re playing with standard rules and flawless basic strategy. Basic strategy can bring the house edge to a miniscule 0.5%.
Roulette
Roulette odds vary substantially depending on the variant.
- American roulette. The 38-pocket American variant with an additional “00” pocket is the worst in terms of roulette odds. In American roulette, the house edge is 5.26% for even money bets.
- European roulette. House edge-wise, single-zero European roulette is strictly better than its American cousin. By removing the additional 00, European roulette reduces the house edge to 2.7% on even money bets.
- French roulette. French roulette is identical to its European cousin in terms of gameplay. However, its introduction of the en prison and la partage rules allows you to get half your stake back when the ball lands on 0. These game-specific rules reduce the house edge of French roulette to as low as 1.35% on even money bets.
This makes French roulette and European roulette the variants with the best odds. Whenever available, opt for French or European roulette over American roulette.
Baccarat
Baccarat odds offer some of the lowest house edges in the game. In single-deck baccarat, the banker bet offers a house edge of just 1.01%. That’s almost a 100% RTP on your bets.
The banker bet still offers a minuscule house edge of just 1.06% in standard six to eight-deck baccarat games. Betting on a player win yields a house edge of just 1.24%. The Tie bet has the highest house edge out of all three main bets at 14%.
Based on these statistics, the best bet in terms of house edge is the banker bet. Baccarat is perfect for players who want simple, high-octane gameplay and a better chance of winning.
Craps
Craps is the most popular dice game in most casinos. The multitude of betting options gives craps a broader range of odds and house edge than any other game.
For instance, the Don’t Pass bet offers a 1.36% house edge, while the Pass Line bet offers a 1.41% house edge, making them the best bets in the game. Odds bets on either offer a 0% house edge, giving you a 100% RTP off the bat. However, single-roll proposition bets like Snake Eyes or Box Cars feature an enormous 13.9% house edge. In craps, it’s best to stick to Don’t Pass or Pass Line bets to maximize your odds of winning.
Slot Machines
Unlike other table games where skill can improve your odds against the house, no amount of strategizing or experience will improve slot machine odds. All you do in slots is make a bet, hit spin, and wait for the result. Modern slots offer RTPs ranging anywhere from 83% to 98%, but their house edge can still be higher than table games.
Specialty Games and Their Odds
Specialty games like Pai Gow, Caribbean Stud, and Video Poker feature different odds. Caribbean Stud poker has a high house edge of 5.22%, while Video Poker can have a house edge as low as 1%.
Video Poker
They say the house always wins—but video poker could be the exception to the rule. You can tilt the odds slightly in your favor when you choose a video poker variant with generous pay tables. Some video poker titles favoring the house can still have a 100% RTP, factoring in cashback, free play, and assuming optimal play.
Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a low-risk poker game featuring slow gameplay and plenty of ties. It isn’t hard to play optimal strategy with Pai Gow. Most hands are obvious to play. Everyone plays against the dealer. Like video poker, you could reduce Pai Gow’s house edge from 2.84% to approximately 1.42% by playing as the banker.
Choosing the Right Game for You
Choosing the best game to play all boils down to your understanding of the game and its odds and aligning them with your personal preferences.
Considering Skill vs. Luck
Casino games’ odds differ based on game type. Chance-based games like roulette and slots are a product of pure luck, leaving little to no room for player influence. Their outcomes are completely random. Games like blackjack and video poker introduce an element of skill that could give players a slight edge over the house. Playing blackjack with basic strategy can drastically improve your odds of a favorable outcome. Games with simpler mechanics and lower payouts tend to have lower house edges. Games with more complex gameplay and bigger payouts tend to have higher house edges.
Balancing Entertainment and Odds
So does that mean you shouldn’t play any game or make any bet with a statistically lower probability of winning? Not necessarily. Games and wagers with lower odds of winning can be just as thrilling as one where you’re completely obsessed with just winning. Who wouldn’t want to hit Snake Eyes with a 30:1 payout? Who wouldn’t want to hit the occasional inside bet when you’re feeling it? It’s perfectly fine to let it roll with little regard to the odds—after all, that’s the whole idea of gambling.
A key tenet of responsible gambling recognizes gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to earn money. You should see gambling as a recreational pastime rather than a money-spinning venture. By recognizing the risks, you can foster a healthier, more realistic relationship towards gambling. Likewise, no amount of skill will ever reduce the inherent house edge that casino games have over players. Winning, losing, or drawing is purely a result of randomness in all cases and skill in few. The casino games’ odds are what they are.
Conclusion
The knowledge of casino games’ odds and house edge distinguishes recreational players from those who approach the tables with a strategic mindset. By grasping the concept of odds and mathematical realities, you’ll put yourself in a better position to profit over the long run. You’ll choose better games and set yourself up to make better decisions. While no strategy or skill will ever guarantee a profit in gambling, choosing games with the best odds and learning optimal strategy can enhance your iGaming pleasure. Always remember to keep it fun—enjoy iGaming responsibly.
FAQ Section
Which casino game offers the best odds for players?
Blackjack offers the lowest house edge and best odds when played with optimal strategy. Baccarat is another low house edge option for players who prefer faster, simpler gameplay.
Is it worth learning strategy for casino games like blackjack or video poker?
Learning strategy can help you boost your odds of winning by drastically reducing the house edge. By learning an optimal strategy, you can reduce the house edge to 0% on select variants.
How does the house edge affect my chances of winning over time?
House edge gives you a general idea of your odds of winning. It also gives you an idea of how much a game pays out. It helps you manage your expectations and bankroll. Instead of viewing it as your odds against the house, you can view it as the price of being entertained.
Can I find RTP information for slot machines online?
RTP information can be found in game descriptions in casinos, software developers’ pages, and review sites. The availability of RTP information may vary depending on where you play.
Are games with a low house edge always the best choice?
Games with a low house edge offer you better odds of winning. But house edge isn’t everything. For many players, gambling is merely a recreational pastime. They play with the goal of enjoying the uncertainty and thrill of the game. Some prefer to take on the unfavorable odds in exchange for a potentially life-changing payout. The best approach is to leverage your knowledge of casino games odds and house edge, acknowledge its existence, and keep it in mind when you bet.