Casinos are famous for their glitzy lights, energetic atmosphere, and the thrill of winning big. However, as the saying goes, “the house always wins.” But what if you could play the games with the best odds, giving you a higher chance to win or at least break even? Here are five casino games where players generally have the best odds of success. Knowing the odds and strategies for these games can help you make smarter bets and extend your playtime.

Blackjack: Skill and Strategy Meet Favorable Odds (Around 0.5% to 1%)

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide because it combines chance with skill and offers some of the best odds for players. The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closest to 21 without going over. Blackjack’s low house edge, which can be as low as 0.5% when played with optimal strategy, is one of the lowest in the casino.

To maximize your chances, familiarize yourself with the basic blackjack strategy. This includes knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs. Additionally, avoid taking insurance bets, as they generally favor the house. Another tip is to find tables with favorable rules, such as those that pay 3:2 for a blackjack rather than 6:5. Blackjack requires some skill and patience, but for players who know their way around the game, it can be a great way to minimize losses.

Baccarat: Simple and Straightforward with Favorable Odds (Around 1.06% on the Banker Bet)

Baccarat may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the simplest games in the casino and offers excellent odds for players. The game has only three possible bets: betting on the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. Betting on the Banker is statistically the best option, with a house edge of around 1.06%.

Since betting on the Banker has the lowest house edge, consistently placing your bets there is often recommended. Although the casino typically pays a small commission on Banker bets, it remains the best choice. Avoid the Tie bet, as it has a much higher house edge, usually around 14%, making it far less favorable than the Banker or Player bets.

Slots: Finding the Right Machines for Better Payouts (Varies Widely, Typically 2% to 10% or Higher)

Slots are often the most popular casino games due to their simplicity and the potential for large payouts. However, the odds on slot machines vary significantly based on the game and the casino, with the house edge generally being higher than in table games. Some online slots, especially those with progressive jackpots, tend to have a higher house edge, while others, particularly lower-stakes or high-variance slots, may offer slightly better odds.

Choose slot machines with higher Return-to-Player (RTP) percentages, representing the money returned to players over time. Look for games with RTP rates above 95%, as these tend to give you a slightly better shot at winning.

Also, keep an eye on non-progressive slots, which may have more consistent payouts than progressive jackpot slots requiring longer play times and having a higher house edge. Lastly, always set a budget, as slots can be fast-paced and may drain your bankroll quickly without careful management.

Roulette: European Over American for Better Odds (2.7% on European Roulette)

Roulette is a classic and relatively simple casino game where players place bets on numbers, colors, or combinations on the wheel. The house edge in roulette varies depending on whether you’re playing European or American roulette. European roulette has only one green “0” slot, giving it a house edge of around 2.7%, while American roulette has both “0” and “00,” which raises the house edge to around 5.26%.

To improve your chances, opt for European roulette tables whenever possible. European roulette’s single “0” slot gives you better odds than the American wheel. Stick to even-money bets, such as red/black or odd/even, for the highest probability of winning. While the payout is lower on these bets, they are safer and can help you sustain your bankroll longer.

Video Poker: Strategic Gameplay with Low House Edge (As low as 0.5% on Some Machines)

Video poker blends the features of slot machines and poker, creating a game that relies on both luck and skill. When played with the right strategy and by selecting the right machines, video poker can provide some of the most favorable odds in the casino. Variations like “Jacks or Better” and “Deuces Wild” can offer a house edge of 0.5% or less, provided players follow optimal strategy.

The key to maximizing your odds in video poker is learning the correct strategy for your specific game variation. Each variation has its optimal strategy, so take some time to study the pay tables and strategy charts for the game you choose. Look for machines with a “full pay” paytable, which provides the best payout percentages, and always play with the maximum number of credits to qualify for the highest payouts, especially on royal flushes.

Final Words

While no casino game can guarantee a win, knowing which games offer the best player odds can significantly improve your chances of success. Games like blackjack, baccarat, craps, European roulette, and video poker provide better odds than most other casino games. With a bit of strategy, good bankroll management, and a focus on the games with the lowest house edge, you can enjoy the casino experience with a better chance of coming out ahead—or at least extending your playtime and having a great time.