Fun and the chance to win money – that’s what casino games are all about. To improve your winning potential, you’ll need to understand the odds and how they work when it comes to online casino games. To help you out, our comprehensive guide to casino game odds will explain what odds are, break down RTP (Return to Player), and offer pro betting tips.
Make the best of your online gambling experience in the casino by playing games that offer you a better Return to Player (RTP) rate.
Understanding Casino Odds
Not all casino games offer the same odds of winning. And as we have already mentioned about casinos, their games are designed to have a player lose over the long run.
But that’s not to say you can’t get lucky.
And the best way to boost your luck is by playing games that give you a better chance of winning.
What Exactly Are Odds?
Odds are simply the probability or likelihood of something happening, expressed mathematically. In casinos, this is expressed in two ways: either as a house edge, or RTP.
What is a House Edge?
The higher the house edge, the less chance you have of winning over a certain period of play. The house edge is created naturally by the way some games are played, such as online blackjack or online roulette, and is programmed into games like video slots.
For example, the house edge in European Roulette is 2.7% and is attributed to the fact that there is a green zero on the board.
So even though you would think placing a bet on red or black would give you a 50% chance of winning, it’s a 48.65% chance of winning on black, a 48.65% chance of winning on red and a 2.7% chance of it landing on green. These percentages, in this case, reflect the house edge.
What is RTP?
On the flip side of the same coin is the Return to Player (RTP). It’s always expressed as a percentage. As an example, the famous slot game, Starburst, has a RTP of 96.09%, so if you place bets to the value of $100, you can expect to win back $96.09, or to put it another way, lose $3.91.
Keep in mind that both the house edge and RTP are worked out over millions and millions of games played, so there is no guarantee that you will win, or lose for that matter, when playing just a few hands or spins of a game.
Best Casino Games with Great Odds
But let’s get down to the question that you really want answered: what is the casino game with the best odds? Interestingly, you can find games with great odds in almost every category.
Here’s a breakdown of the games with the best odds by category.
Ideally, you’ll find a game that matches your interests and offers solid winning potential.
Table Games
Generally speaking, the casino game with the best odds is blackjack, usually with an RTP of about 99%. That’s not to say it’s always the best casino game to win money at, because to reach these odds you need to be wielding the perfect blackjack strategy.
Although table games may seem intimidating at first, learning the rules and strategies can significantly improve your odds.
Slot Games
The RTP of slot games can vary massively, and many players don’t even know to look out for it. That said, casinos are legally obliged to publish this information. So if slot games are your jam, all you need to do is check out the games’ RTP before you take a spin.
Ideally you want to be playing a progressive jackpot with a high RTP, so you can look forward to small, regular wins with a very tiny chance of winning the jackpot along the way.
Bloodsuckers by NetEnt has one of the highest RTPs of any slot game, at 98%. The RTP on slots can sometimes vary depending on how much you bet, with only the highest bets benefiting from a higher RTP.
Live Dealer
Live Dealer games hold the same RTPs as their table game counter parts. So, if live action is what you are looking for, you’ll have the best chances if you play European roulette or blackjack.
Online Video Poker
Some versions of Video poker have the highest RTPs at the best poker sites we’ve reviewed, with Juices Wild paying out 99.96% of the time. This is another game where you’ll need a little bit of knowledge to really take advantage of these odds.
However, it’s pretty easy to understand and get the hang of, and unlike video slots, it gives you a much bigger feeling of being in control of the game.
Games with high RTPs are often excluded from bonus wagering requirements at Canadian casinos. So, if you are hoping to play certain games in the hopes of withdrawing your bonus, be sure to check any bonus’ terms and conditions first.
Games to Avoid
It’s easy enough to find games that are beneficial for you to play, but it’s also good to look out for games that are more likely to suck up your hard-earned cash. Games with a high house edge can deplete your bankroll quickly and are best avoided.
Slot Machines
The slot machines at brick-and-mortar casinos usually pay out much less than mobile slots. Some even have RTPs as low as 70%, and rarely go over 90%.
So, even if you enjoy this game online, steer clear of them in the real world if you’re not willing to lose a bit of money.
Any online slot with an RTP under 96% should be avoided. Luckily, plenty of modern slot games stick to the parameter, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Table Games
Some might believe that casino table games are the best games to win money on, but there are actually instances where the odds aren’t in your favour.
This especially applies to games where there are many different bets that can be placed predicting the outcome of the game. Games like online roulette and online craps have some outcomes that pay out great, while the risk and house edge on other outcomes is just not worth the bets you’ll be placing.
It’s also best to avoid a game variation like American roulette, where the use of the double zero pushes up the house edge to 5.26%, giving it a terrible RTP in terms of table games.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which games of chance have the best – and worst – odds, you’ll know which ones to play and which ones to avoid, if payouts are your primary concern. If you’re after something that feels more immersive than typical online games, hybrid casino games—which combine real dealers with online play—might be worth exploring. No matter which game you choose, remember that chance plays a major role—so manage your expectations accordingly.
