Everyone wants to win some money when they go to a casino. Watching those slot reels align perfectly can be quite exciting. Scoring a nice win after doubling down at the blackjack table might involve a celebratory fist pump and hitting a number on the roulette wheel.
Although winning is the main objective, many gamblers wonder: which casino game offers the best odds? Players have a variety of bets to select from on the casino floor or when playing online at sites like Yukon Gold Casino, but certain bets are more favorable than others – featuring a lower house edge and a higher chance of winning.
Baccarat
House Edge of 1.24%
You just need to place a bet on the player, banker or a tie. The aim is to get as close to 9 as you can, with numbered cards keeping their values. Kings, Queens, Jacks and 10s are worth 0, while aces are valued at 1. Both the player and banker receive two cards, and there are specific scenarios where a third card may be drawn, all of which are detailed in the game rules.
One of the best aspects of baccarat is that it can be very advantageous for players. Betting on the player has a house edge of just 1.24%, while betting on the banker is even better at 1.06%.
Craps
Low House Edge
Try your luck at the craps table with some great bets that have low house edges. Not every wager falls into this category, but options like the pass line, don’t pass, come bar and place bets offer low house edges and good winning chances.
For instance, a bet on the pass line has a house edge of 1.41%, but placing odds on any pass line bet has no house edge at all – it pays out the true odds of rolling that number. A place bet on the 6 or 8 has a house edge of only 0.46%.
Aside from these bets, avoid most other betting options, like the prop bets in the center of the table. These have much higher edges and can drain your money – generally, try not to make too many of these bets as part of your craps strategy.
Blackjack
House Edge is Less Than 1%
This classic casino game is one of the best options for players at the casino. By using basic blackjack strategy and choosing games with favorable rules, like 3-to-2 payouts on blackjacks, the dealer standing on soft 17, and allowing double after a split, players can lower the house edge to as little as 0.5%.
The issue is that casinos have raised the house edge in recent years by removing some of these favorable rules, such as offering only 6-to-5 payouts on blackjacks. However, doing some online research can help players find the best casinos, and online casinos might also offer better rules for those wanting to improve their skills.
Additionally, players who become skilled at card counting can shift the odds in their favor. But this requires a lot of practice and can lead to other issues, like being banned from a casino. When considering which game offers the best odds in a casino, sitting at the blackjack table is a solid choice.
Video Poker
House Edge is Below 1%
This traditional game, which is based on the Five Card Draw poker, is often categorized with slot machines, yet these two gaming types are quite distinct. While slot machines can have a house edge of up to 20%, video poker can have an edge as low as 0.5% (or even less) when using basic strategy.
Similar to blackjack, players need to find the best games available. There are also multiple versions to select from, like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, making it essential to understand the basic strategy for the specific game you intend to play.
You can also discover excellent options online, and the advantage of video poker is that you can utilize a strategy card to help you make the best decisions regardless of the hand you receive.
Poker
No House Edge
One of the best aspects of playing poker in a casino is that there is no house edge. Instead, you compete against other players at the table. The dealer takes a rake from cash games, which is a fee for participating, from each pot to facilitate casino games. Tournaments also have an entry fee, but players who strategize well can earn a significant payout after progressing far in the event.
Learning effective poker strategies gives players a genuine opportunity to win – poker relies on skill rather than just luck. Over time, the most skilled players usually come out on top. There are many resources available, including books, videos, training websites and more, to help you improve your skills.
However, this doesn’t guarantee that you will always win. Variance plays a part, and you still need to overcome the rake. But for a game where you don’t have to worry about a house edge, head to the poker room.
