When you step into a casino, online or otherwise, it’s easy to get caught up in the flashing lights, the sound of rolling dice, and the hum of slot machines. But while many games are tempting, only a handful offer a genuine shot at walking away with some cash. So, if you're wondering which casino games give you the best chance of winning, let’s break down the ones with the most favourable odds. Who knows, it may even give you an edge next time you hit the tables.
Before we get into specific games, let’s talk about the house edge - the statistical advantage that keeps casinos profitable. Every game has a house edge, but some are far lower than others. Lowering the house edge isn’t cheating; it’s about knowing which games are naturally structured to be fairer. That means with the right strategy, you can genuinely up your odds.
If you’ve ever dreamed of beating the casino at its own game, blackjack is your best bet. The beauty of blackjack lies in its simplicity: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. But here’s the secret sauce - it’s one of the few games where a solid strategy can make a big difference.
With proper strategy, blackjack’s house edge can be as low as 0.5%. Yes, you read that right. This game rewards players who pay attention, use basic strategy, and avoid risky moves. And while you can’t control the cards, you can control your moves - which goes a long way in lowering that house edge.
Avoid the insurance bet. It might sound like a good backup, but it’s really a way for the house to increase its edge. Stick to the basics, and you’ll stay ahead.
Craps can be intimidating, with its crowded table and endless betting options, but if you stick to the basic bets, it’s one of the best games for players. By focusing on the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, you’ll be playing with a house edge as low as 1.36% - a great deal for the dice game lovers out there.
The secret here is to avoid the complex, high-stakes bets. Sure, they look flashy, but they’re also stacked against you. Instead, stick to the simple bets, keep your cool, and you’ll find that craps is one of the most fair games on the floor.
If you’re just starting out, watch a few rounds to get comfortable. Once you’re ready, focus on the straightforward bets that give you the best chance of winning.
Baccarat has always carried a bit of mystery, partly thanks to the silver screen. But beneath its fancy exterior, baccarat is a straightforward game with solid odds. Here, you can bet on either the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie.
The best play? Bet on the banker’s hand. It might sound counterintuitive, but the banker’s hand comes with a house edge of just 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in the entire casino. Betting on the player’s hand is also a safe choice, with a house edge of around 1.24%. Avoid the tie bet, though - that’s where the casino cashes in, with a house edge around 14.4%.
Baccarat doesn’t require complicated strategies. Just remember, banker bets offer the best chance of winning, so keep it simple.
Roulette is a classic, but not all roulette wheels are created equal. American roulette has a house edge of about 5.26%, thanks to the double zero. European roulette, however, only has a single zero, reducing the house edge to a more reasonable 2.7%. So if you’re itching to try your luck, find a European wheel to improve your chances.
While roulette is mostly a game of chance, betting strategies like focusing on even-money bets can keep your odds respectable. It won’t make you a fortune overnight, but it’s an enjoyable option with decent chances.
Skip American roulette tables if you can. The double zero is a casino favourite, not a player’s friend.
If you enjoy a mix of luck and strategy, video poker offers some of the best odds in the casino. Unlike slots, where results are purely random, video poker rewards smart play. By following the optimal strategy, you can bring the house edge down to as low as 0.5% on certain variations like Jacks or Better.
Video poker is all about knowing the odds of each hand and playing accordingly. It’s not a game to just wing it - a few hours of practice on basic strategy can make a big difference. For anyone willing to put in a little effort, video poker is a great choice.
Choose games with better pay tables. Variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild have good odds for strategic players.
If you’re heading to the casino hoping to win, skip the pure luck games like slots and keno, which come with high house edges. Instead, look for games where skill and strategy matter - like blackjack and video poker - or stick to low-edge bets in games like craps and baccarat.
With a little know-how, you can flip the odds closer to your favour, and while no casino game guarantees wins, you’ll be playing a lot smarter. So next time you’re at the casino, walk past the slot machines and head for the tables where you can play with a plan. Who knows? That next roll of the dice or flip of the card might just be the one that sends you home a winner.