When you walk into a casino with dreams of striking it rich, the cold, hard reality is that the games are mathematically designed to favor the house. With glitzy architecture, free drinks, and flashing lights carefully engineered to part you from your money, casinos stack the odds significantly in their favor across virtually all games. But there are some options that give savvy gamblers a fighting chance to walk away winners. Here’s an overview of which casino games offer the best odds, along with tips to stretch your gambling bankroll and gain an edge against the house.
Blackjack
Of all the casino table games available at StarVegas blackjack offers the best odds, with the house holding just a slight 0.5% edge against players using perfect basic strategy. By learning the mathematically optimal plays for every hand, you can dramatically cut the house edge and tip the odds slightly in your favor with perfect play. Basic strategy charts outline the best decision for every card combination, telling you exactly when to hit, stand, split, or double down. While memorizing the charts takes some work up front, flawless basic strategy combined with smart betting and bankroll management can stretch your gambling dollars.
Baccarat
Baccarat offers some of the best odds in the casino, with a low house edge of around 1.06% on the banker bet. While the game can seem intimidating at first, its simple rules give players a near 50/50 chance against the house. The key is avoiding the tie bet, which carries a whopping 14% house edge, and betting consistently on the banker. Combine that with the relatively slow pace of play, reasonable minimum bets, and good odds, and baccarat is one of your best options for gambling with a small bankroll.
Craps
Craps holds an allure for gambling enthusiasts with its fast action, communal atmosphere, and potential for large payouts on long-shot bets. But when it comes to odds, not all bets are created equal. While one roll prop bets pay out huge odds, they also carry huge house edges, some over 16 percent.
The pass/come and don’t pass/don’t come bets offer a low house edge of around 1.4% but also feature modest payouts. For the best odds, stick with making place bets on 6 or 8, which hold a house edge under 1.5% and deliver solid payouts. With some practice, a disciplined betting strategy, and a bit of luck, craps players can capitalize on this popular game’s decent odds.
Slot Machines
Slot machines may feature flashy graphics, innovative themes, and riveting bonus rounds, but they are undoubtedly the worst casino games in terms of odds. The house edge on slots ranges from a ’low’ of around 6% on the most generous machines to over 15% on stingier options. With their reliance on pure chance, slot machines are programmed to pay back less than they take in over the long haul. High hit frequencies and the illusion of near misses keep players glued to their seats despite the odds being stacked significantly against them. While slots are amazingly entertaining and captivating, they are also the fastest way to deplete your gambling bankroll.
Roulette
Roulette offers gamblers an elegant and easy-to-understand play jack and the beanstalk slot free game where players try to predict which number the spinning ball will land on. But while the game seems to offer even odds, the addition of zeros on the wheel tilts the odds in the casino’s favor. On a standard American wheel with 38 numbered pockets, the house edge stands at 5.26%, while a European wheel with just one zero cuts that down to 2.7%. Savvy gamblers should seek out single zero wheels when possible and employ betting strategies like betting on multiple numbers to minimize risk. Even so, roulette players face an uphill battle against the house.
Other Table Games
While games like Caribbean Stud and other specialty table games seem intriguing, they generally offer some of the worst odds in the casino. The more exotic and complex the game, the more likely the house has found a way to build in a significant mathematical advantage. For your best chance, stick to established games like blackjack and baccarat, where the optimal strategy makes the house edge manageable.
Gaining an Edge Against the House
No matter what games you choose to play, there are steps you can take to gain an extra edge against the built-in house advantage. Here are tips to stretch your gambling bankroll:
- Learn optimal strategy – Understanding the mathematically best plays for games like blackjack or video poker significantly cuts the house edge. Doing your homework pays off.
- Set loss limits – Establish a set budget for gambling and stick to it, quitting when you reach your loss limit for the day or trip.
- Look for player rewards – Sign up for player’s clubs and loyalty programs to earn valuable comps and discounts on rooms, dining, and entertainment.
- Take advantage of bonuses – Online casinos compete aggressively for players through generous welcome bonuses that stretch your bankroll.
- Compare payout rates – For slots and video poker, research returns to players’ percentages and seek out higher-paying options.
- Play optimal denominations – Lower denomination slot machines generally pay out at higher overall percentages.
- Manage your money – Properly allocating bets relative to your overall bankroll minimizes risk and extends play.
While the house may have inherent mathematical advantages across casino games, players do have options to narrow the odds and gain an edge. By understanding the built-in house edge, establishing loss limits, and using optimal gambling strategies, players can stretch their entertainment dollars and enjoy their casino experience. Just going in blind and hoping for dumb luck is certainly not the sharpest play. Learning the best options for your bankroll and playing smart give savvy gamblers their best shot against the house.
