What Casino Games Have the Best Odds?
In any casino, whether online or land-based, the odds are always slightly in favour of the house. That said, not all casino games are created equal.
Some offer significantly better odds for players, giving them a higher probability of walking away with a profit. Others, though popular and exciting, offer little in the way of returns.
As many in the UK gear up for summer getaways or staycations that include visits to casinos, whether aboard cruise ships, in cities like Las Vegas, or at local UK venues, understanding the odds of each game can dramatically affect one’s overall experience and outcomes.
So, what casino games have the best odds? And how can you use that information to play smarter?
What Do Casino Game Odds and RTP Really Mean?
To make informed choices, it’s vital to understand the two core concepts used in measuring your chances at any casino game: RTP and house edge.
Return to Player (RTP)
This is a percentage that indicates how much a game pays out over time. For example, a game with a 98% RTP means that over the long run, it returns £98 for every £100 wagered. Of course, this is a statistical average, not a guarantee for every session.
House Edge
The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage on a particular game. If a game has a 2% house edge, it means the casino expects to make £2 on every £100 wagered. The lower the house edge, the better for the player.
Understanding these figures helps players choose games where their money lasts longer and the chances of profit are higher.
Which Casino Games Offer the Best Odds in the UK?
Industry professionals and mathematical experts agree: if you’re looking to win more consistently at a casino, table games like blackjack, baccarat, and craps offer your best shot. Jay Bean, a floor manager at Caesars, stated that too many people avoid table games due to intimidation, favouring slot machines instead.
However, that choice could cost them dearly, as slot machines often have a house edge that is two or three times higher than that of table games. Bean recommends starting by observing table games before sitting down to play. According to him, a small amount of learning goes a long way in improving a player’s odds.
Let’s examine the most popular casino games and how their odds compare.
1. Blackjack – Exceptional Odds for Strategic Players
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where player decisions directly influence the outcome. Its house edge is among the lowest, around 0.5%, when the basic strategy is used. In some cases, with perfect strategy and the right rules, the RTP can climb to over 99.5%.
The appeal of blackjack lies in its simplicity. Players are not competing against each other but against the dealer. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, and to beat the dealer’s hand.
Even beginners can quickly grasp the core principles, and with some practice, the game becomes highly rewarding. Many online versions now include built-in prompts and guides, further reducing the barrier to entry.
Blackjack House Edge by Variant
| Variant | Payout | House Edge (%) |
| European Blackjack | 3:2 | 0.39% |
| Classic (American) | 3:2 | 0.61% |
| Free Bet Blackjack | 3:2 | 1.00% |
| Face Up 21 | 1:1 | 0.85% |
| Live Dealer Blackjack | 3:2 | 0.49–0.72% |
2. Craps – Surprisingly Player-Friendly Odds
Despite appearing complicated with its boxes and jargon, craps is one of the most statistically fair games when players stick to the right bets. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets offer nearly even odds, with house edges around 1.4% and 1.36% respectively.
In craps, players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls with two dice. The simplicity is often lost in the variety of betting options, but players who focus on the basic bets stand to gain from one of the most favourable setups in the casino.
What makes craps even more compelling is the odds bet, a rare wager in the casino world that has no house edge. After the initial bet, players can back it with an additional wager that pays true odds, reducing the overall house edge further.
Common Craps Bets and House Edge
| Bet Type | Description | House Edge (%) |
| Pass Line | Bet the shooter will win | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | Bet the shooter will lose | 1.36% |
| Odds Bet | Backing your Pass/Don’t Pass bet | 0% |
| Field Bet | One-roll bet on specific numbers | 5.56% |
| Any 7 | One-roll bet that 7 will be rolled | 16.67% |
3. Roulette – Easy to Learn, Better with European Wheels
Roulette offers a mix of excitement, simplicity, and strategy. It’s also one of the few games where the odds can shift drastically based on the version you play. European roulette, with a single green 0, has a lower house edge than American roulette, which includes both 0 and 00.
While the idea of placing chips on your favourite number is tempting, the best odds are usually found by sticking with even-money bets such as red or black, odd or even.
Roulette Variants and Return to Player
| Game Type | RTP (%) | House Edge (%) |
| French Roulette | 98.65% | 1.35% |
| European Roulette | 98.37% | 2.63% |
| American Roulette | 94.74% | 5.26% |
French Roulette is especially favourable due to the “La Partage” rule, where players lose only half their even-money bet if the ball lands on 0.
4. Baccarat – Simple, Elegant, and High-RTP
Often associated with high rollers and James Bond films, baccarat is far simpler than it appears, and it offers excellent odds with minimal player decisions.
Players bet on whether the player’s hand or the banker’s hand will win, or whether the round will result in a tie. Despite the name, betting on the banker is statistically the best option, winning just over 50% of the time.
Baccarat Outcome Probabilities
| Outcome | Win Probability | House Edge (%) | Payout |
| Banker Win | 45.8% | 1.06% | 95% (with 5% commission) |
| Player Win | 44.6% | 1.24% | 100% |
| Tie | 9.6% | 14.36% | 8:1 or 9:1 |
Due to the much higher house edge on tie bets, experienced players tend to avoid them altogether.
5. Video Poker – Skill-Based and Highly Rewarding
Video poker stands out because it rewards strategy as much as luck. It combines the format of slots with the skill of poker and can offer some of the highest RTPs of any game in the casino, provided players follow an optimal strategy.
Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild often return over 99% RTP when played correctly. However, RTP varies by machine and developer, so it’s essential to check the paytable.
Popular Video Poker Games and Their RTP
| Variant | Optimal RTP (%) |
| Jacks or Better | 99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | 99.42% |
| Joker Poker | 98.60% |
If you’re just starting, practise in demo mode and learn the correct hand rankings and strategy before playing for real money.
What About Slot Machines?
Slots are the most played casino games, but their odds are less favourable. The house edge ranges from 4% to over 10%, depending on the machine, bet amount, and game type.
Higher denomination slots (£1 or £5) often provide better returns than penny slots. Progressive slots offer massive jackpots but lower RTPs.
Unlike blackjack or poker, slot outcomes are completely random and cannot be influenced by player decisions.
No Deposit Bonuses: Play Smart Without Spending
Many UK online casinos offer no deposit bonus codes, allowing players to try games like blackjack, roulette, and video poker without making a financial commitment. While these offers often come with wagering requirements, they provide a great opportunity to test high-odds games in a risk-free environment.
Taking advantage of these offers allows players to gain experience and potentially win real money, without risking their own funds.
Comparative Table of Casino Game Odds and RTP:
| Game | RTP (%) | House Edge (%) | Strategy Level | Best for Beginners? |
| Blackjack | Up to 99.5% | 0.5 – 2% | High | Yes |
| Video Poker | Up to 99.54% | 0.46% | High | With practice |
| Baccarat | 98.94% | 1.06 – 1.24% | Low | Yes |
| European Roulette | 98.37% | 2.63% | Low | Yes |
| Craps | 98.6% | 1.36 – 1.41% | Medium | Yes (with guidance) |
| Slot Machines | 90 – 96% | 4 – 10%+ | None | Yes (low effort) |
Conclusion
No casino game guarantees a win, but choosing the right games can give players a much better shot. Blackjack, craps, baccarat, and video poker are widely regarded as the best games for beating the house. While slots and games like Big Six Wheel might be exciting, they usually offer poor returns.
Whether you’re heading to a land-based casino or playing from home in the UK, understanding which games give you the best odds, and how to play them strategically, can make your experience more enjoyable and potentially profitable. Remember to gamble responsibly, set a budget, and treat any wins as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
FAQs About Casino Games and Odds
What’s the most profitable casino game?
Blackjack, when played with optimal strategy, consistently offers the best odds and highest RTP.
Are slot machines worth playing?
They’re fun and offer large jackpots, but generally provide lower odds compared to table games.
Can you win real money using no deposit bonuses?
Yes, as long as you meet the wagering requirements and play eligible games.
Should beginners try craps or roulette?
Roulette is easier to learn, while craps offers slightly better odds with practice.
What’s the best roulette version to play?
French Roulette offers the best odds, followed by European. Avoid American Roulette due to its higher house edge.
Is video poker better than slots?
Yes. Video poker provides better odds and rewards strategic thinking, unlike slots which are purely chance-based.
Can I use strategy to beat the house?
You can improve your chances, but in the long run, the house always retains a small edge.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. We do not promote or encourage gambling or the use of any specific online casino platforms or services. Gambling involves financial risk and should always be approached responsibly. If you choose to participate in gambling activities, please ensure you are of legal age and aware of the risks involved.
