Picking the Right Games: What Casino Game Has The Best Odds?

In the gambling world, people are always trying to figure out what casino game has the best odds of winning; gamblers do anything to get an edge on the competition and the casino.

It’s an endless quest for researching the optimal game, the perfect strategy, the highest winning odds, the best gaming experience, and the biggest payout rates. 

In this article, we dive into the world of casino games and uncover which games have the best odds for players to maximize their chances of winning.

Highlights of the Article

• Blackjack players have relatively high chances of winning, with a potential return of approximately 99% when using the best strategy.
• Craps offers favorable odds, especially with bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line, which have a low house edge.
• The average winning amount in Craps depends on the bets you place and their house edges.
• European Roulette has the highest odds for players among Roulette variants, with a house edge of 2.70% compared to American Roulette’s 5.26% house edge.
• Roulette’s inside bets have the potential to pay out more than outside bets, but they also have a lower probability of winning.
• To hit the large jackpots in Wheel of Fortune, players must place bets with the maximum number of credits.
• The chances of winning in Keno rely entirely on the number of spots selected and the matches with the drawn numbers.
• In Video Poker, you’re up against a machine, not other players or dealers.
• Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha are the most popular Poker variants worldwide.

Which Casino Game Offers the Best Winning Odds?

Determining which casino game has the best odds requires factors like probabilities, event frequency, the casino’s RTP, House Edge, and payouts.

While all casino games have their appeal, Blackjack has the highest winning odds, offering a 92% probability of getting the best hand possible, with a 0.5% likely House Edge.

The game also has a simple premise of Players vs Dealer, which makes employing strategies more convenient and executable.

Quick Tip

Success at a casino requires more than just luck; it necessitates precision, understanding the rules and mechanics of the game, and exceptional strategic skills.

To enhance your winning odds in Blackjack, explore the tips and strategies seasoned players use in this article before you play.

Blackjack: Best Odds in the House

The Blackjack game has a long and rich history, starting from the Spanish in the 1400s. Though Blackjack has had many iterations, the goal remains the same: reaching a certain number.

Blackjack boasts the lowest house edge among all casino games, which makes it highly sought after for its high winning odds. An optimal strategy can reduce the edge to 0.5% or less.

Unlike other games, Blackjack’s outcome depends on both luck and the player’s ability to make strategic decisions. This premise further enhances its reputation for having favorable odds.

Winnings in Blackjack

The chances of winning in Blackjack are relatively high, with a potential return of approximately 99% if using the best strategy. It translates to an average return of $99 for every $100 wagered. 

While success is not guaranteed, players who employ smart tactics and follow optimal strategies significantly increase their chances of winning in the long run. 

Below are a few ways to win Blackjack:

• Natural Blackjack:

You win automatically if your first two cards are an ace and a ten-value card unless the dealer also has a natural Blackjack.

• Beating the dealer’s hand:

You win if you have a higher hand than the dealer without going over 21.

• Dealer busting:

It is when the dealer goes over 21, even if your hand is lower than 21.

The amount won typically varies based on the player’s skill level and strategy. Those who utilize basic Blackjack strategy can anticipate winning around 49% of their hands.

Fun Fact

Casino game variants are a prime example of the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.

”For instance, in 1989, Roger Wister developed the No Bust Blackjack as a workaround to the FIGR Act, State Penal Code 330, which outlaws house-banked games in US states.

This version of Blackjack pits players against each other, not the dealer, where players race to reach 22 instead of 21.

Blackjack Odds

Odds highlight two things for a gambler: their chances of winning a particular bet and how much they stand to earn if they win.

There are two sets of odds in Blackjack–the Player’s and the Dealer’s.

Below is a detailed look at each set of odds:

1. Blackjack Player’s Odds Table

Enhancing your Blackjack odds is feasible through various techniques, with card counting being a prime example (though not applicable in online play).

Casinos can employ strategies to reduce your odds, such as lowering payouts, increasing the number of decks in the shoe, or implementing rules like “no doubling after splitting.”

In the following table, you’ll discover a Blackjack odds chart illustrating the probability of opting to “hit” after the dealer has dealt your initial two cards.

2. Blackjack Dealer’s Odds Table

It’s a universal practice for casinos to incorporate a house edge, giving the dealer a consistent advantage and better odds of winning in Blackjack than players.

However, it’s essential to note that the game’s specific house rules influence the dealer’s Blackjack odds. For example, a dealer required to hit on a soft 17 is likelier to win than one who must stand on a soft 17.

Below, you can examine the dealer’s chances of going bust and see how alterations in house rules can impact this outcome:

The Blackjack House Edge 

The House Edge in a Blackjack game ranges from 0.5% to 1.5%, depending on the variant and the casino rules. Here is a table for the house edge in Blackjack based on different game variants and rules:

It is important to note that the house edge can also vary depending on the specific rules of the casino.

A basic strategy is a mathematical calculation set that tells the player the best move in any given Blackjack situation. Learning basic strategies can reduce the house edge by up to 0.5%.

Side Note

The casino has a percentage advantage over the player in a given game, called the house edge. It varies depending on the game variant and the rules of the casino.

Blackjack offers players the potential for big payouts, which makes the game enjoyable and thrilling. However, it is essential to remember that gambling is risky, and there is no guaranteed way to win. 

Basic Blackjack Payouts

The payouts for winning hands in Blackjack vary depending on the bet type and the casino. However, some basic payouts are standard to all Blackjack games.

The following is a brief introduction to the basic Blackjack payouts:

Other High-Odds Casino Games to Try

Each casino game offers differing odds and gambling experiences, catering to differing player preferences. Some prefer the thrill of card games, while others enjoy the social environment of Roulette or Bingo.

While it’s commonly believed that Blackjack boasts the best odds among casino games, several other enticing options provide favorable odds for players. 

Explore the following list of casino games that present excellent opportunities to enhance your chances of winning.

Craps: Favorable Odds With The Right Bets

Craps is a dice game played between a shooter and other players. It is an exciting, fast-paced casino game for players of all skill levels.

Odds of Winning in Craps

For beginners, understanding crap odds can be difficult, and the game’s fast-paced nature can be overwhelming. However, playing is relatively easy once you grasp the game’s rules, odds, and overall flow.

Here is a table of the house edge, odds, and probability for some of the most common Craps bets:

Craps Payout Table

The average winning amount when playing Craps depends on the wager placed and the house edge.

If you place bets with a low house edge, you can expect to win more money in the long run. On the other hand, placing bets with a high house edge can result in you losing more money in the long run.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common Craps bets and their corresponding payouts:

💸 Pass Line Odds / Come Bet Odds / Buy Bets (5% Commission)

💸 Don’t Pass Odds / Don’t Come Bet Odds / Lay Bets (5% Commission)

💸 Place Bets

💸 Field Bets

Roulette: Better Odds With The European Variant

Roulette attracts both beginners and experienced gamblers due to its easy gameplay and simple rules. The game is among the most appealing highlights of a casino, consistently contributing to a club’s revenue.

It offers various options, including betting on specific numbers, groups of numbers, colors, or whether the outcome will be odd. 

Odds of Winning in Roulette

The chance of winning depends on what type of bet the players will take and what variant of the game the players will be playing. 

Among Roulette variants, European Roulette has the best odds for players. It has a house edge of 2.70% compared to American Roulette’s 5.26% house edge.

European Roulette has only one green zero, while American Roulette has two green zeros.

Side Note

Besides its variants, Roulette also offers different play modes. Bettors can play the Roulette live or online, offering varying gambling experiences. The two also present differing betting limits and odds.

Roulette Payout Table

The Roulette payout table shows the possible winnings for each type of bet based on the bet’s odds and the amount wagered.

The payouts for inside bets are generally higher than those for outside bets since inside bets have lower odds of winning. 

The following table shows a basic Roulette payout table:

💸 Outside Bets: Lower Payouts and Higher Probability

💸 Inside Bets: Big Wins with Lower Probability

Based on the payout table, inside bets have the potential to pay out more than outside bets in Roulette, but they also have a lower probability of winning.

Quick Tip

If you’re a gambler who doesn’t want to risk losing in a game, play Blackjack over Roulette.

Regarding favorable odds, Blackjack gives players a better chance of winning than Roulette. 

Baccarat: Slight House Edge On Both Bets

Baccarat is a popular casino card game worldwide. Knowing and understanding the game is simple, but mastering it can be challenging.

The game has a standard 52-card deck, with the face cards and tens, each valued at zero. Aces valued at one. The cards are dealt face up, and the hand with the closest value to 9 wins.

Odds of Winning in Baccarat

Players can use Baccarat strategies to increase their winning odds. Some of the most popular strategies include:

• Betting on the banker: It’s generally a better choice to bet on the banker, as the banker bet offers a lower house edge than the player bet.
• Using a progressive betting system: This system involves players increasing their bets after each win and decreasing their bets after each loss, which can help players maximize their winnings and minimize their losses.
• Card counting: This technique tracks the cards played to help predict the outcome of future hands. Card counting is not illegal in Baccarat, but it can be challenging to implement and ineffective.

Did You Know?

Casinos discourage and strictly monitor cases of Card Counting in games like Blackjack and Poker because it can give players an advantage and disrupt the casino’s profitability.

In the case of Baccarat, the game’s rules and high variance make card counting less relevant, which is why it is generally allowed but not widely practiced.

The chances of winning a Baccarat bet differ depending on the bet that you place. The following table shows the odds of winning some of the most common Baccarat bets:

Baccarat Payout Table

The type of bet placed and the game’s outcome determine the Baccarat payout.

• Player Bet:

Bet on the player’s hand to win. A winning player bet pays out an even money (1:1).

• Banker Bet:

Bet on the banker’s hand to win. A winning banker bet pays out an even money with a 5% commission deducted.

The casino pays the commission because the banker has a slight edge over the Baccarat player.

• Tie Bet:

The wager on the game to end in a tie means that the player’s and the banker’s hands will have the same total value. The payout is 8:1.

To give you an overview, here’s a simplified payout table for Baccarat:

Side Note

Compared to Roulette, Baccarat has a slower game pace, more complexity, and better odds.

Video Poker: Good Odds With Some Variants

The game blends Poker and Slots, which involves playing on a computerized console resembling a Slot Machine, with the player being dealt five cards instead of spinning reels.

The player then chooses to hold or discard any cards, and the machine replaces the discarded cards with new ones. The player’s final hand is then compared to a paytable to determine the winnings.

Odds of Winning in Video Poker

Like any casino game, it’s crucial to determine the probabilities and house edge associated with Video Poker and how they might influence applicable strategies.

The table below outlines the most common Jacks or Better 9/6 pay table, providing information on the payout ratio, probability, and expected return rate for a hand:

House Edge for Jacks or Better 9/6 Video Poker

From the table provided, it’s evident that the chances of obtaining a winning hand in a single round are approximately 45.456%. 

When placing five credit bets, the return rate is 99.543%, while for bets ranging from one to four credits, it drops to 98.181%. This stipulation results in house edges of 0.457% and 1.819%, respectively.

Here are the approximate return rates and house edges for several popular Video Poker variants to provide more detail.

Video Poker Games House Edge

These games offer an 800 to 1 payout for this hand. Still, this payout applies when you bet five coins.

Video Poker Payout Table

The columns display the payouts for different hands based on the number of coins you’ve bet. All the payouts, except for one, depend on multiplying the number of coins wagered.

Fun Fact

Aside from the games above, among the upcoming games making its name in the online casino world with good winning odds is Crash Gambling.

The Crash game offers its players exciting themes, variations, simple gameplay, and a 97%-99% average RTP.

Casino Games with the Worst Odds

Alt Tag: Worst Odds Casino Games Visualizer

Not all casino games are built similarly. While every game has its appeal, enthusiasts, and offerings, some provide bettors with worse odds than others.

Having bad odds doesn’t make the game terrible; it just means that players may have fewer chances to win, but the gameplay and enjoyment stay the same.

This section lists casino games notorious for having the worst odds, shedding light on their win percentages, gameplay, mechanics, house edge, RTP, and average winnings.

Helpful Articles

RTP, or Return-To-Player, is a rate that determines how much of the money wagered will return to the player over time as they play a casino game.

It’s crucial to remember that the RTP is a long-term average and does not guarantee absolute profit.

Wheel of Fortune: Low Odds, Big Jackpots

Wheel of Fortune, or Big Six Wheel, is among the most infamous casino games. Based on the popular game show, this casino game offers the worst odds to its players.

Despite offering bad odds, the game is popular due to its fun, simplistic, and colorful nature. Players can seize the chance to win big prizes, and the machines are easy to comprehend.

The Wheel of Fortune is among the spectacles attracting visitors and tourists to some of the best casinos worldwide, such as the Golden Nugget, due to its vibrant presentation and offered prize pool.

Odds of Winning in Wheel of Fortune

Here is a table of the odds of winning different prizes on a Wheel of Fortune machine:

Big Prizes on Wheel of Fortune Slots

The table overview Wheel of Fortune Slot Machines and their progressive jackpots. There are three machine types:

• 25-cent machines: Starting with a $200,000 jackpot, which can grow to over $500,000. You need to bet three credits to qualify for the jackpot.
• $1 machines: They begin with a $1 million jackpot, and the maximum amount varies. You must bet two credits for a chance at the jackpot.
• $5 machines: Similar to $1 machines, they also start with a $1 million jackpot, which can vary. To aim for the jackpot, you need to bet two credits.

To hit the large jackpots, players must place bets with the maximum number of credits. For the 25-cent machines, that’s three credits, and for the $1 and $5 machines, it’s two credits. 

Not all Wheel of Fortune slots have these big jackpots, but they’re still a well-known game feature. 

Keno: Very Low Odds

Keno is a lottery-style game offering a unique form of gambling entertainment akin to Bingo. Players select a set of numbers and hope those picks match those numbers drawn by the game.

While playing can be enticing and straightforward, it’s important to note that the odds of winning substantial prizes in Keno are generally relatively low. 

Players should approach this game with an understanding of the odds and learn about Keno’s controllable factors to increase their chances of winning.

However, like with most casino games, luck is a significant outcome factor.

Odds of Winning in Keno

Here’s a table summarizing the approximate odds of winning at Keno for different scenarios:

The table above shows the odds and probabilities of winning based on the number of spots you select in Keno. 

For example, if you choose 3 spots, your winning odds are 1 in 71, with a probability of 1.41%.

• Number of Spots Chosen: This column represents how many numbers you select in a Keno game.
  • For instance, if you choose 3 spots, it means you’re picking 3 numbers from the available options.
• Odds of Winning: This column tells you the likelihood of winning based on the number of spots you’ve chosen.
  • For example, if you’ve picked 3 spots, your odds of winning are 1 in 71. On average, you can anticipate winning once every 71 games when selecting 3 areas.
• Probability: This column shows the probability of winning, given as a percentage.
  • If you select 3 spots, your probability of winning is approximately 1.41%. 

This factor means that, out of 100 games you play with 3 spots chosen, you can expect to win about 1.41 times.

Paytable of Keno

The Keno paytable represents the RTP, indicating the percentage of money the casino gives back to gamblers over time. Typically, Keno games feature an RTP ranging from 85% to 90%.

In simple terms, for every $100 bet, the casino retains around $10 and returns approximately $90 to players.

A $1 bet on 5 numbers resulting in all 5 matching numbers would secure you the jackpot, usually amounting to approximately $10,000. 

Meanwhile, a $1 bet on 5 numbers with 3 matching numbers would earn you $3.

Slot Machines: Worst Odds

Slot machines rank among the most popular casino games, yet carry grave risks. The house edge on Slots can reach high levels, and players can quickly lose substantial money.

It is also important to note that Slot games operate on a Pseudo or True Random Number Generator (RNG), guaranteeing that each spin’s outcome is random and unbiased.

Understanding these technical aspects can help players make informed decisions when playing Slot Machines.

Helpful Articles

There’s much more to learn about playing Slots than just pulling the lever or pushing the button.

Read this in-depth article on how to play Slots and explore key mechanics, tips, and strategies to maximize your gambling experience.

Slot Symbol Values

Over time, slot symbols have evolved alongside the various types of Slots, from classic bells and playing cards to many modern, sometimes themed, icons, making their meanings more diverse and intriguing.

Here is a table of some of the most common Slot Machine symbols and their values:

Slot Machine Winning Odds

Slot odds represent the statistical probability of winning a payout based on combinations, providing insight into your chances of hitting winning combos and scoring various prizes.

Did You Know?

Other than cards and bills, bettors can also place bets in Slots using pennies in a machine conveniently called Penny Slots.

This type of Slot machine is more complicated than it sounds and has a controversial status among Slot enthusiasts.

• Slot RTP: 

The winning odds on a Slot Machine differ from the game’s RTP and volatility. Instead, the return and risk-vs-reward rate determine the likelihood of an outcome occurring in the game.

High RTP and low variance slots offer better odds of a paying match, while low RTP and high variance slots have the lowest odds for profitable games.

• Slot House Edge:

Slot machines usually feature a higher house edge than traditional casino games since the chances of matching symbols for a 1-to-1 payout are very low. 

The odds of hitting the highest possible payout in slots are usually less than 0.10% due to the sheer number of possible outcomes.

Warning

When desperate, some gamblers cheat to increase their chances of winning. One such cheat is the “Top Bottom Joint Chest,” which involves interfering with the Slot Machine’s system to trigger a jackpot or increase the number of coins won.

This article will explore some of the most notorious Slot Machine cheats ever used by desperate players.

Calculating the Slot Odds

A Slot machine’s RNG ensures that the games’ combinations are random, meaning that variables such as the temperature of the coins inserted or the location of the machines never affect the results.

Let’s take an example of a 1×3 Reel Slot game with one pay line featuring 6-card symbols and one scatter symbol. The payout structure for this slot (Scattered Poker Slots by BetandBeat) is as follows:

Slot odds represent the probability of winning on a Slot Machine. You calculate them by dividing the winning combinations by the possible combinations.

Example: Let’s say we have a simple Slot Machine with three reels, each containing six symbols: a scatter symbol and five card symbols. 

The payout table for the Slot Machine is as follows:

There are 343 possible outcomes for this Slot Machine (6 x 6 x 6). There are 133 winning combinations:

• One Scatter Symbol: 108 combinations
• Two Scatter Symbols: 18 combinations
• Three Card Symbols: 6 combinations
• Three Scatter Symbols: 1 combination

The odds of winning on any spin are 133/343, or 38.78%. The odds of getting a push (one scatter symbol) are 108/343, or 34.49%. The odds of matching two scatters to earn a profit are 18/343, or 5.26%.

Helpful Articles

After learning all these facts and statistics behind the odds and mechanics of slot machines, the perfect place to apply what you learned and try your luck is in slot tournaments.

Explore this article on the mechanics of Slot tournaments to learn the rules and strategies to win that sweet prize and become the Slot pro you were destined to be.

Which Casino Game Has Balanced Chances of Winnings

While determining the odds is crucial to knowing whether you win or lose in a gambling game, there are instances wherein players can win with bad luck through sheer skill and determination.

Gamblers often rely on strategies and memorizing certain patterns, like in Blackjack. But some games throw luck out the window and require a player to be good at taking risks to win it all.

Such is the case with Poker, among the most iconic gambling games ever.

Poker: 50% Luck – 50% Skill

Compared to other casino games, Poker emerges as a game that combines a gambler’s decision-making, bluffing skill, strategizing, and working with the luck at hand.

Poker involves players competing against each other, with social interaction and player decisions playing a significant role in determining the game’s outcome.

Side Note

Among the differences between Poker and Blackjack is the gameplay. While Blackjack employs player vs dealer mechanics, Poker pits players against each other, with the dealer providing cards and assessing the game situation.

Poker Winnings

• Win Percentage:

Poker doesn’t have a fixed winning rate like other games. The odds of winning a particular hand can vary significantly depending on the game’s circumstances, the players’ skills, and the strategies used. 

Skilled players enjoy a higher winning rate over time, which could be well above 50%.

• Average Amount of Winnings:

The average winnings in Poker vary widely based on factors like the specific variant played, the stakes, and the player’s skill level. 

Top-tier professional players competing in prestigious tournaments can rake in millions of dollars. For example, Antonio Esfandiari won $18.3 million during WSOP’s Big One for One Drop 2012, one of the biggest gambling wins ever.

Conversely, casual players enjoying friendly home games might pocket $50 or $100 on a successful evening. 

Helpful Articles

Aside from strategies, odds, and winnings, a crucial aspect that makes any Poker player elite is their ability to manage their betting bankrolls.

Explore this article for tips on how gamblers can manage their poker bankrolls to develop a habit of responsible gambling and avoid losses.

Winning Odds of Poker Hands

This table provides a comprehensive overview of various Poker hands, their descriptions, the odds of obtaining each hand, and typical winnings associated with them in a standard 5-card Poker game:

Fun Fact

“Heartbreaker” is a nickname for a Heart Flush hand (e.g., 4♥️ 9♥️ K♥️ 3♥️ 8♥️ ), especially when you find yourself on the losing end despite holding a full house of hearts.

This fun moniker is among the hundreds of Poker Hand nicknames that players can familiarize themselves with to become experts in the game.

Poker Payout Table

The pay table will also list the payout for each winning hand as a multiple of the ante or bet. For example, a royal flush may pay 800 to 1, while a high card may pay 1 to 1.

Here is a common pay table for live Poker:

The table illustrates a typical Poker pay table for Jacks or Better, outlining the payouts for different winning hands, ranging from a Royal Flush to a pair of Jacks or Better.

This table gives players an overview of potential winnings based on their hand rankings from 800 to 1.

Helpful Articles

Poker is among the most iconic gambling activities worldwide. Many gamblers aspire to be professional Poker players due to the payouts, the thrills of the game, and its overall appeal.

Read about the countless training sites that give extensive lessons on becoming elite at Poker in this Playtoday article.

Final Thoughts

If you are wondering, “Which casino has the best odds?” here’s the scoop: Blackjack and Video Poker are the top picks. On the other hand, Slot games have the worst odds among casino games.

While it’s good to know your chances of winning in casinos, remember that game designers create all casino games to give the house an edge, meaning there is no guaranteed way to win 100%.

However, by choosing games with better odds and playing smart, you can minimize your losses and improve your chances of winning in the long run.