There’s nothing wrong with heading to a casino with a set budget, playing the games you enjoy, and treating any money lost as the cost of a fun evening out. But if you want to improve your chances of leaving the casino with more cash than you came in with, knowing which games offer better odds is key.
Tip: Remember, no casino game gives players truly great odds—hence the saying, “The house always wins.” Every game is designed to tilt the odds in the house’s favor, but some games are more generous than others. Even with the best strategy, you could lose, so it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it.
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Which Casino Games Offer the Best Odds?
When you’re in a casino, one simple rule to keep in mind: table games usually give you better odds than slots. Though table games may seem intimidating, they can offer a higher chance of winning if you learn the basics.
Here are three table games that give you decent odds of winning:
1. Blackjack — Odds of Winning: 49%
Blackjack is a straightforward card game that combines luck with a touch of strategy. Players face off against the dealer to see who can get closer to 21 without going over (busting). If your hand is closer than the dealer’s, you win.
Winning blackjack requires understanding when to draw another card or stay, and while there’s an element of skill involved, the dealer also relies heavily on luck. The house advantage is usually around 1%, making blackjack one of the better games for players. Brush up on your skills before you go. Maybe have a fun game with friends or play a free online version.
2. Craps — Odds of Winning: Close to 50%
Craps, a fast-paced dice game, offers nearly 50/50 odds if you stick to basic bets. One person, the “shooter,” rolls the dice while others bet on the outcome.
The initial roll, called the “come-out roll,” wins if it’s a 7 or 11. If a different number is rolled, that becomes the “point,” and the shooter must hit that number again before rolling a 7 to win. You can bet on whether the shooter will succeed, and a “pass line” bet gives you nearly even odds.
While more complex bets offer bigger payouts, they also decrease your chances of winning. Keeping it simple usually works best. Make sure you understand the rules before you invest a lot of money on this game. Make a few lower, simple bets to see how the game is going.
3. Roulette — Odds of Winning: Close to 50%
Roulette is played on a spinning wheel with numbered slots. You can bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black, which offers odds close to 50/50 (slightly lower because of the green 0 and 00).
You can also place more specific bets on numbers or ranges of numbers, which offer higher payouts but significantly lower odds of winning. Sticking to red or black is a safer bet.
Casino Games with the Worst Odds
Some of the most popular games in the casino, while easy to play, offer the worst odds for players. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play them if they’re fun for you, just be aware that the house edge is steep.
1. Big Six Wheel/Wheel of Fortune — Odds of Winning: 26% to 39%
In this game, players bet on which segment of the wheel the pointer will stop on, such as $1, $5, $10, $20, or a joker. Betting on $1 has the best odds but offers the smallest payout. Meanwhile, betting on the joker has a larger payout but a significantly lower chance of winning. The house edge ranges from 11% to 74%, making it one of the worst games for players.
2. Slots — Odds of Winning: 1 in 49,836,032
Slots are purely luck-based. You put money into the machine, spin the reels, and hope for the best. The odds of winning a jackpot are slim, but lower payouts are more common. Machines that require higher bets often have better odds.
Always check the payout information on the machine before playing, and keep in mind that slots have some of the worst odds in the casino.
3. Poker — Odds Vary
Poker is unique because, unlike most casino games, skill plays a big role in determining your odds. Luck influences the cards you receive, but how you play them makes a significant difference. Playing poker at a casino can be challenging since you’ll be up against a range of skill levels.
To improve your chances, sharpen your poker skills and pick tables that match your budget and experience level. For me poker is complicated beyond basic poker and even then I sometimes get flushes and straights confused, so I stay away from it. But if you feel confident in your knowledge, then poker can be a game that pays well.
Conclusion
These tips can help you make more informed decisions in the casino, but always remember: the house has the advantage. The more you play, the higher your chances of losing. That said, losing doesn’t make you a loser. Casinos are about entertainment, much like going to a theme park. As long as you walk in with a clear budget and are prepared to stop when you’ve reached it, you can have a great time without regretting the money spent.
Another important thing to remember is what your purpose is for going to the casino. If you are going solely to try and win money, then blackjack, craps and roulette are definitely better choices. But if your goal is to have fun then pick something that makes you comfortable and happy. For me that is playing slots. But craps can be a lot of fun if you get on a table with people who just want to have a good time. It can get pretty exciting. If you keep to your budget and play a game you enjoy, then going to the casino can be a great adventure.
We like to share information we learn and experience with you so that you can make informed decisions. We love going to casinos and traveling and hope to inspire you to find your adventure whether in a casino or at a park near your home. The most important thing is to find what makes you happy and have fun! To see some of our casino play, click here.
