Ever walked into a casino and thought, Man, this place was built to take my money? Well, you’re not wrong. Every game on that floor is designed to keep the house ahead. But here’s the thing – some casino games are way worse than others when it comes to your chances of winning.
Some games are basically an ATM for the casino (looking at you, keno), while others at least give you a fighting chance. And that’s where house edge comes in – a fancy way of saying “how much of your money the casino expects to keep over time.” The lower the house edge, the better your chances of walking away with something other than regret.
So, if you actually want to play smart, here’s where you should be putting your chips.
1. Blackjack – Your Best Shot (If You Play It Right)
📉 House Edge: ~0.5% (with basic strategy)
If you’ve ever watched a casino movie, you’ve probably seen some genius counting cards and walking out with stacks of cash. That’s… not gonna be you (sorry). But even without card counting, blackjack is one of the best games you can play.
Why? Because it’s one of the only games where skill actually matters. If you learn basic strategy (which is basically just a cheat sheet for when to hit, stand, double down, etc.), you can shrink the house edge to around 0.5%. That means for every $100 you bet, the casino expects to make about 50 cents off you. Compare that to slot machines, where they’ll pocket $5-10? Yeah, I’ll take blackjack.
Just don’t go with your gut. “Feeling lucky” is how casinos make money.
2. Craps – Stick to the Smart Bets
📉 House Edge: ~1.36% (on Pass Line bets)
Craps can look chaotic if you’ve never played – people yelling, dice flying, random high-fives. But don’t let the noise fool you. If you stick to simple bets like Pass Line, you’re only facing about a 1.36% house edge, which is solid.
Just avoid the crazy side bets (like “Yo Eleven” or “Hard 8”). Those exist to take your money faster than a Vegas wedding.
3. Baccarat – The Fancy Game That’s Stupid Simple
📉 House Edge: 1.06% (Banker bet)
Baccarat looks fancy – James Bond plays it, people in suits play it – but honestly, it’s just glorified coin flipping. You bet on one of two sides: Player or Banker. That’s it. And if you’re smart, you’ll always bet on Banker.
Why? Because it has a house edge of just 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in the entire casino.
One rule: Never bet on a tie. That’s a sucker bet with a house edge of nearly 14%. You have a better chance of winning an argument on the internet.
4. Video Poker – If You Pick the Right Machine
📉 House Edge: ~0.5% (if played perfectly)
Video poker is like slot machines’ nerdy cousin. It looks similar, but the difference? Strategy matters. If you find the right version (Jacks or Better, full pay) and use proper strategy, you can bring the house edge down to 0.5%.
But not all machines are created equal. Some casinos sneak in lower payout machines that boost their edge, so check the payout tables before you start pressing buttons. If you see 6-to-5 payouts instead of 9-to-6, run.
5. Roulette – European or Nothing
📉 House Edge: 2.7% (European), 5.26% (American)
Roulette is fun. The wheel spins, the ball bounces around, you hold your breath – classic casino vibes. But if you’re gonna play, make sure it’s European Roulette (single zero), not American Roulette (double zero). That extra zero nearly doubles the house edge, and that’s just rude.
Stick to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) if you wanna make your cash last. And don’t fall for the “hot streak” myth – each spin is random, no matter what that guy at the table tells you.
Games That’ll Eat Your Money Faster Than You Can Say ‘Bad Idea’
Not all casino games are created equal. Some are just straight-up brutal:
❌ Keno – House edge can hit 25%. It’s basically a lottery with worse odds.
❌ Slot Machines – Most have a 5-10% house edge. Sure, they’re fun, but the longer you play, the worse it gets.
❌ Big Six Wheel – The house edge here can be as high as 24%. If you wanna give money away, charity is a better option.
Play Smart, Have Fun
Look, you’re not gonna break the casino. The house always has an edge – that’s just how they keep the lights on. But if you pick the right games, you can stretch your bankroll, have fun, and maybe even walk away a winner.
So, what’s your go-to casino game? Do you go for strategy-based games like blackjack, or are you all about the thrill of the slots? Let me know – I’m always curious how people play!
