Casino Games with the Best Odds to Win

Stepping into a casino, whether it’s the dazzling lights of a Las Vegas establishment or the convenience of an online platform, brings a rush of excitement. The allure of winning big draws millions of players, but not all casino games offer the same chances of success. Some games are designed to favor the house significantly, while others provide players with better odds, making them more appealing for those looking to maximize their potential winnings.

In this in-depth guide, we explore the casino games that offer the best odds for players, focusing on those with the lowest house edges. We’ll explain what the house edge is, why it matters, and how you can improve your chances by choosing the right games and employing effective strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gambler, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and enhance your casino experience.

House Edge

The house edge is the cornerstone of casino profitability. It represents the mathematical advantage the casino has over players in the long run, expressed as a percentage of each bet. For example, a game with a 5% house edge means that, on average, the casino expects to retain $5 for every $100 wagered. This edge is built into the game’s rules and payout structures, ensuring that the casino profits over time.

However, the house edge is a long-term average. In the short term, players can win due to luck or skill, especially in games where decisions impact outcomes, like Blackjack or Video Poker. By choosing games with lower house edges, you can increase your chances of walking away with a profit and make your bankroll last longer.

House Edge vs. Return to Player (RTP)

The house edge is closely related to the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which indicates the portion of bets returned to players as winnings over time. For instance, a game with a 5% house edge has an RTP of 95%, meaning $95 of every $100 wagered is returned to players on average. Understanding both concepts helps you evaluate which games offer the best value.

Top Casino Games with the Best Odds

Based on reliable data from sources like Wizard of Odds, the following games consistently offer the lowest house edges, making them the best choices for players seeking favorable odds.

Blackjack

House Edge: 0.28%–0.5% with optimal strategy

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a card game where players aim to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. Its popularity stems from its low house edge and the ability of players to influence outcomes through strategic decisions.

How to Play

Each player and the dealer receive two cards. Players’ cards are face-up, while the dealer has one card face-up and one face-down. Card values are as follows:

• Number cards (2–10): Face value
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10
• Ace: 1 or 11, whichever is more favorable

Players can choose to:

• Hit: Take another card
• Stand: Keep their current hand
• Double Down: Double the bet and take one more card
• Split: If dealt a pair, split into two hands
• Surrender: Forfeit half the bet and end the hand (if allowed)

The dealer must follow fixed rules, typically hitting until their hand reaches 17 or higher.

Basic Strategy

To achieve the lowest house edge, players should use basic strategy, a set of mathematically optimal decisions based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard. For example:

• Hard 16 vs. Dealer’s 7: Hit
• Pair of 8s: Always split
• Soft 18 (Ace + 7) vs. Dealer’s 6: Double down

Basic strategy charts are widely available and can be memorized or used as a reference. According to Wizard of Odds, liberal Vegas rules (dealer stands on soft 17, double on any two cards, resplit aces, late surrender) yield a house edge of 0.28%.

Rule Variations

The house edge varies based on game rules. Key factors include:

• Number of Decks: Single-deck games have a lower house edge than multi-deck games.
• Dealer Rules: Dealer standing on soft 17 is better for players.
• Doubling and Splitting: More flexible rules (e.g., double after splitting) reduce the house edge.
• Payouts: A 3:2 payout for Blackjack is better than 6:5.

When choosing a table, seek player-friendly rules to maximize your odds.

Card Counting

Advanced players may use card counting to gain an edge by tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck. A deck rich in high cards (10s and Aces) favors the player, allowing for larger bets. However, card counting requires significant practice, and casinos may ask suspected counters to leave. For most players, basic strategy is sufficient.

Craps

House Edge: 1.36% (Don’t Pass/Don’t Come), 1.41% (Pass/Come)

Craps is a lively dice game that can seem intimidating due to its complex betting options. However, certain bets offer some of the best odds in the casino, making it a favorite for savvy players.

How to Play

In Craps, one player (the shooter) rolls two dice, and others bet on the outcome. The game has two phases:

• Come-Out Roll: The initial roll. A 7 or 11 wins for Pass Line bettors, while 2, 3, or 12 loses. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the “point.”
• Point Phase: The shooter rolls until the point is rolled again (Pass Line wins) or a 7 is rolled (Pass Line loses).

Best Bets

Focus on bets with low house edges:

• Pass Line: Wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 or if the point is rolled before a 7. House edge: 1.41%.
• Don’t Pass: Wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push) or if a 7 is rolled before the point. House edge: 1.36%.
• Come/Don’t Come: Similar to Pass/Don’t Pass but placed after the point is established.
• Odds Bets: Additional bets made after a point is set, with a 0% house edge. Taking maximum odds reduces the overall house edge.

Bets to Avoid

Avoid high-risk bets like:

• Proposition Bets: One-roll bets (e.g., Any 7) with house edges up to 16.67%.
• Big 6/Big 8: House edge of 9.09%.
• Hardways: House edges of 9.09%–11.11%.

Sticking to Pass/Don’t Pass, Come/Don’t Come, and odds bets maximizes your chances, as noted by Casino.org.

Baccarat

House Edge: 1.06% (Banker), 1.24% (Player), 14.36% (Tie)

Baccarat is a straightforward card game that’s popular for its simplicity and low house edge, especially on the Banker bet.

How to Play

Players bet on whether the Player or Banker hand will have a value closer to 9, or if the hands will tie. Cards are dealt as follows:

• Number cards (2–9): Face value
• 10, Jack, Queen, King: 0
• Ace: 1

The hand value is the last digit of the total (e.g., 7 + 8 = 15, value = 5). If either hand totals 8 or 9, it’s a “natural,” and no more cards are drawn. Otherwise, additional cards may be drawn based on fixed rules.

Best Strategy

• Bet on Banker: Offers the lowest house edge at 1.06%, despite a 5% commission on wins.
• Avoid Tie Bet: Its 14.36% house edge makes it a poor choice.

Baccarat requires no decision-making beyond choosing a bet, making it ideal for beginners, as highlighted by Winstar Casino.

Video Poker

House Edge: Varies; can be <1% or positive with optimal strategy (e.g., 0.46% for 9/6 Jacks or Better, -0.76% for full-pay Deuces Wild)

Video Poker combines elements of poker and slots, offering some of the best odds when played correctly. It’s a skill-based game where strategy significantly impacts the house edge.

How to Play

Players are dealt five cards and choose which to hold or discard. The machine replaces discarded cards, and payouts are based on the final hand’s poker value. Common variants include:

• Jacks or Better: Payouts start with a pair of Jacks. Full-pay (9/6) versions have an RTP of 99.54%.
• Deuces Wild: All 2s are wild. Full-pay versions can offer an RTP of 100.76%.

Strategy

Each variant has an optimal strategy for holding and discarding cards. For example, in Jacks or Better, you might hold a low pair over a single high card. Learning these strategies, often available as charts, is essential. According to Wizard of Odds, perfect play on full-pay machines can yield a player advantage.

Pay Tables

The house edge depends on the pay table. Look for “full-pay” machines, such as:

• 9/6 Jacks or Better: Pays 9 for a full house, 6 for a flush.
• Full-Pay Deuces Wild: Offers high payouts for wild royal flushes and five-of-a-kinds.

Check pay tables before playing, as suboptimal tables increase the house edge.

European Roulette

House Edge: 2.70%

Roulette is a game of chance where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. European Roulette, with 37 pockets (1–36 and a single 0), offers better odds than American Roulette (38 pockets, including 00).

How to Play

Players place bets on numbers, colors (red/black), or other combinations. The croupier spins the wheel, and the ball lands in a pocket. Payouts vary:

• Single Number: 35:1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 1:1

Best Strategy

• Stick to Even-Money Bets: Red/black, odd/even, high/low have the lowest house edge (2.70%).
• Avoid American Roulette: Its 5.26% house edge is less favorable, as noted by Casino.org.

French Roulette

French Roulette, a variant of European Roulette, includes the “La Partage” rule, where half of even-money bets are returned if the ball lands on zero, reducing the house edge to 1.35% for those bets.

Other Games with Favorable Odds

Pai Gow Poker

House Edge: ~2.84%, lower with optimal strategy

Pai Gow Poker involves creating two poker hands (a five-card and a two-card hand) from seven cards to beat the dealer’s hands. Optimal hand-setting strategies and acting as the banker (when allowed) can reduce the house edge.

French Roulette

House Edge: 1.35% for even-money bets

As mentioned, French Roulette’s La Partage rule makes it one of the best roulette variants for players, per Casino.org.

Games to Approach with Caution

Some games have significantly higher house edges, making them less favorable:

• Slot Machines: House edges range from 2%–15% or more, depending on the machine (Wizard of Odds).
• Keno: House edge of 25%–29%, one of the highest in casinos.
• Big Six Wheel: House edges up to 24% for some bets.

These games can be fun but are riskier for players aiming to win.

Odds and Probability

Probability is the likelihood of an event occurring, expressed as a fraction or percentage. In casino games, probabilities determine payouts and the house edge. For example:

• European Roulette: The probability of hitting a single number is 1/37 (~2.7%), but the 35:1 payout is less than the true odds, creating the 2.70% house edge.
• Blackjack: Probabilities are complex due to multiple card combinations, but basic strategy uses these to guide decisions.

Understanding these concepts helps players make informed bets and avoid common pitfalls.

Strategies to Maximize Your Chances

To improve your odds across these games:

• Learn Game-Specific Strategies: Master basic strategy for Blackjack, optimal hold/discard decisions for Video Poker, and low-edge bets for Craps and Baccarat.
• Choose Favorable Rules: Seek single-deck Blackjack, full-pay Video Poker machines, or European/French Roulette tables.
• Avoid High-Risk Bets: Steer clear of Tie bets in Baccarat, proposition bets in Craps, or single-number bets in Roulette unless you’re willing to accept higher risk.
• Practice Online: Many online casinos offer free versions of these games, allowing you to practice strategies without risking money.

Bankroll Management and Responsible Gambling

Even with the best odds, gambling carries risks. Effective bankroll management is essential:

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t increase bets to recover losses, as this can lead to bigger losses.
• Take Breaks: Step away periodically to maintain perspective.
• Know When to Stop: Set win and loss limits to avoid emotional decisions.

Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. The house edge ensures casinos profit over time, so play responsibly. Resources like Gambling.com emphasize the importance of responsible gambling.

Online vs. Land-Based Casinos

The odds discussed apply to both online and land-based casinos, but there are differences:

• Online Casinos: Often offer more game variations and sometimes better RTPs due to lower overhead. However, ensure the casino is reputable and licensed.
• Land-Based Casinos: May have stricter rules or less favorable pay tables, but the atmosphere can enhance the experience.

Check game rules and pay tables in both settings to confirm the house edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New players often make mistakes that increase the house edge:

• Ignoring Strategy: Playing Blackjack or Video Poker without strategy significantly raises the house edge.
• Chasing High Payouts: Betting on high-risk options like Baccarat’s Tie or Craps’ proposition bets reduces your chances.
• Misunderstanding Odds: Assuming a “hot streak” will continue can lead to overbetting.
• Not Checking Rules: Playing at tables with unfavorable rules (e.g., 6:5 Blackjack payouts) hurts your odds.

Hypothetical Scenario: A Night at the Casino

Imagine you’re at a casino with a $200 budget. You start with Blackjack, using basic strategy at a single-deck table with a 0.5% house edge. After an hour, you’re up $50. Next, you try Craps, sticking to Pass Line bets with odds, keeping the house edge at 1.41%. You win a few rolls, adding $30. Finally, you play European Roulette, betting on red/black for a 2.70% house edge, and break even. By choosing low-edge games and managing your bankroll, you leave with a small profit and a fun experience.

Recent Trends in Casino Games

As of 2025, online casinos are introducing new game variants with competitive RTPs, as noted by Vegas Insider. Live dealer games, which combine online convenience with a real casino feel, are also gaining popularity. Additionally, some casinos offer promotions or bonuses that effectively reduce the house edge, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing casino games with the best odds is a smart way to enhance your gambling experience. Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Video Poker, and European Roulette stand out for their low house edges, especially when played with optimal strategies. By understanding the house edge, learning game-specific tactics, and practicing responsible gambling, you can maximize your chances of winning and enjoy your time at the casino.

Whether you’re rolling the dice at a Craps table or hitting on 16 in Blackjack, knowledge is your best ally. Play smart, stay within your limits, and let the odds work in your favor.

House Edge Comparison Table