Which Casino Game Has the Best Odds? Exploring Your Winning Chances
Learn how to pick the right games and avoid common mistakes that could drain your bankroll.
Published July 19, 2024.
In this article
How Casino Odds Work
Blackjack: The Casino Game With the Best Odds
Games You Should Approach With Caution
Why Variance in Casino Games Matters
Show More
You enter the casino lobby, ready to try your luck. But with so many options to choose from, you can't help but wonder which casino game gives you the best chance of winning. Some players prefer traditional games like blackjack and roulette, and others favour modern slots with the potential for significant jackpots.
Below, we explain which casino games offer the best odds for players. While there's no magic formula for guaranteed riches, understanding the different odds and strategies can help you make smarter choices.
» Explore these live casino games now and see how the odds stack up in real time
How Casino Odds Work
Casino odds show your chances of winning or losing a particular game. They're usually expressed as a ratio or percentage. These odds determine the house edge—the casino's statistical advantage over you.
Note: A lower house edge means better odds for you. It indicates the casino has less of an upper hand. So, you have a higher probability of winning in the long run.
5 Factors That Influence Game Odds
Several factors can influence casino odds and the house edge, making some games more favourable to players than others, including:
- Skill vs. luck: Games like poker, blackjack, and video poker allow players to use skill-based strategies, which can significantly improve their winning chances. In contrast, games like slots and keno depend more on luck and give players limited control over the outcome.
- Game rules variations: Casinos may slightly modify game rules, which can impact your odds. For instance, in blackjack, some casinos require the dealer to stand on a soft 17. This practice can give you a This practice can give you a better chance of winning than when the dealer hits on a soft 17.
- Payouts: A game's payout structure directly affects the odds. In roulette, a single number win pays 35:1, but the actual odds of hitting a single number on a European wheel are 1 in 37. This means the house has the edge.
- Table conditions: The number of decks used in card games like blackjack influences the house edge. Fewer decks generally mean better odds for players because card counting becomes more feasible.
- Promotions and bonuses: Casinos sometimes offer promotions that enhance player odds through bonuses or reduced house edge days. For example, some casinos provide "loss rebates" that can temporarily shift the odds in players' favour.
» Learn more about the benefits of casino bonuses for players
Blackjack: The Casino Game With the Best Odds
From my perspective, blackjack offers the best odds for players. Specific factors contributing to these odds include:
- Relatively low house edge (0.5% - 2%)
- A high return-to-player ratio (typically above 99%)
- The ability to use skill-based strategies like card counting
- The option to adjust bets based on game conditions
Blackjack's rules favour players by allowing them to decide when to hit, stand, or double down based on their hand value. This control enables you to make informed choices about when to take risks and when to play it safe.
Compared to other popular casino games, blackjack typically provides better odds than roulette (house edge of around 2.7%) and slots (house edge often above 5%). In these games, you have limited control over the outcomes.
Certain blackjack variations, like European Blackjack or Double Exposure, may have even better odds due to rule changes or lower house edges. For example, in European Blackjack, the dealer's lack of a hole card reduces the house edge by approximately 0.5%.
Baccarat can also be a good choice for those who understand its rules and betting systems, as it usually has a low house edge of about 1.06%.
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Games You Should Approach With Caution
Slot Machines
Slot machines often have high house edges, sometimes exceeding 10%. As a beginner, it's crucial to set strict budgets and avoid getting swept up in the excitement. Since slots involve no skill, players are at the mercy of variance, which can result in substantial losses.
» Uncover the role of Random Number Generators in slot machines and how they dictate your chances
Roulette (American)
The double zero pocket in American Roulette significantly increases the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26%, making it a less attractive option for beginners. Moreover, since the game relies more on chance, players have limited control over their wins and losses.
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Why Variance in Casino Games Matters
Variance refers to the natural ups and downs in winning and losing that occur over time. Even if you have favourable odds, variance can still lead to short-term losses. In casino games, variance can manifest in different ways:
- Hot streaks: You might experience a prolonged winning streak, even if the underlying odds are against you.
- Cold stretches: Conversely, you might face a dry spell where losses pile up despite having advantageous odds.
- Randomization: Sometimes, variance can result in unexpected outcomes due to the sheer randomness of events. For instance, you might get dealt two strong hands in blackjack and win big or roll a series of low numbers in craps.
Beginners need to understand how variance affects the games they play because it:
- Prevents overconfidence: Recognizing that variance exists helps you avoid getting too cocky when on a hot streak or too discouraged during a cold stretch.
- Promotes bankroll management: Knowing that short-term losses are possible even with favourable odds encourages you to be more cautious with your bankroll. You'll be less likely to chase losses or make impulsive bets.
- Helps set realistic expectations: Variance reminds you that winning or losing is not solely dependent on your skills or the game's odds; there's an element of chance involved. By accepting this fact, you can approach the games with a more balanced mindset and enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome.
» Understand how variance influences your odds before you play live online casino games
Gain Your Winning Edge
The key to success in casino gaming lies in finding the right balance between playing the odds and managing your expectations.
Remember, games like blackjack offer some of the best odds, thanks to their low house edge and the opportunity to use skill-based strategies. But you need to approach even these games with caution, as variance can still lead to short-term losses.
» Learn how to make informed decisions and play responsibly
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