Ah, the age-old quest of every savvy gambler: finding casino games where the house edge isn’t grinning at you like a smug dealer holding blackjack. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of walking away with some winnings.
What are the basics? The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. For example, if a game has a house edge of 2%, that means, on average, the casino will win $2 for every $100 wagered. The lower the percentage, the better for you.
The rise of safe non Gamstop casinos
In the last few years, web casinos not with Gamstop have become very popular. These casinos not on Gamstop offer you access to a larger variety of welcome bonuses, including free spins, cashback bonuses, and loyalty programs. Because they are not restricted by Gamstop, they also provide a wider range of games, giving you a better chance of finding those with a lower house edge. With more game options, you can seek out variations of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat that offer optimal odds.
Blackjack–The king of low house edge
If you’re looking for a game with one of the best house edges, blackjack is your go-to. With optimal strategy, blackjack can offer a house edge as low as 0.5%. Some variations, such as single-deck blackjack, can be even better, but make sure you check the specific rules of the game. The key here is knowing basic strategy—when to hit, stand, double down, or split.
Baccarat–Simplicity with an edge
Baccarat might seem like a game for high rollers in tuxedos, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most player-friendly games around. Betting on the banker has a house edge of around 1.06%, while betting on the player sits at 1.24%. Just avoid the tie bet, as its house edge soars over 14%!
Craps–Roll the dice, beat the odds
Craps is a lively, fast-paced game that can be intimidating at first, but stick to smart bets, and you’ll be in good shape. The best bet in craps is the Pass Line with odds, which can reduce the house edge to nearly zero if you take full advantage of the odds bets. Without the odds bet, the Pass Line bet still offers a solid 1.41% house edge.
European roulette–A smarter spin
Roulette is another classic, but there’s a huge difference between European and American roulette. European roulette has a single zero and a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette has an extra double zero, pushing the house edge to 5.26%. Always go for the European version to maximize your chances.
The games to avoid
Slots are fun, flashy, and full of big jackpot dreams, but they also have some of the highest house edges. While some slot games offer RTP (return to player) percentages of 95% or more, the house edge can still be around 5% or higher. Progressive jackpot slots are even worse, as they tend to have a lower RTP to fund those massive payouts.
If you’re playing keno for fun, go for it! But if you’re looking for the best house edge, stay far, far away. Keno often has a house edge of 25% or more, meaning you’ll be donating a good portion of your money to the casino every time you play.
Strategy that helps
Even in games with a low house edge, your strategy plays a crucial role.
Whether it’s blackjack or craps, knowing the best moves can dramatically reduce the house edge. Try to learn the game rules, and don’t wager on large sums until you have enough confidence in your skills.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and consider using betting systems like the Martingale with caution. Managing your bankroll can save you from unnecessary loss chaise.
Casinos offer deposit bonuses and free spins that can give you an extra edge. You can also look for similar bonuses and promotions.
If you’re new to a game, practice before wagering real money. Many casinos have demo versions of games and you’re welcome to try them out.
Are there any games in the player’s favor?
Well, no. No casino game is entirely in the player’s favor. Otherwise, casinos wouldn’t exist. Still, choosing games with the lowest house edge gives you the best shot at winning.
Blackjack, baccarat, craps, and European roulette are some of the choices if you’re looking for good odds. And if you’re playing at non Gamstop casinos, make sure you have a variety of games to choose from.
On the other hand, games like American roulette, keno, and slots are best to avoid since they don’t have such good odds.