Those looking to play games at popular online casinos like Caesars Palace, BetMGM, and DraftKings may want to stick to some of the games and wagers with the best odds.
This gives you a better chance at a winning session in the long run.
Certainly not every game in a casino offers players the opportunity to make this happen. Some games have the odds really stacked against you, but other games feature very thin edges that make it possible to score some cash with smart play.
Keep reading to find out more about the best games and bets to play at various online casinos.
Blackjack
It’s important to note that some of the “easy” games one might find in a casino, such as keno or slots, often come with the worst odds.
However, the more strategic games tend to come with the tiniest house edges.
Blackjack certainly fits into the latter category. While this may be a simple game to learn, players who master basic strategy and find the best games with the most favorable rules (such as a single deck and blackjack payouts at 3 to 2 rather than 6 to 5) can move the odds to less than 1%.
This makes the game one of the best bets in a casino.
The game also features extra betting opportunities like splitting and doubling down, critical moments that offer players a chance to win twice their bet or more.
Look for more favorable rules to make sure you have the best shot at winning (card counters can even tip the odds in their favor in live casinos). The best part about playing online is that it’s much easier to find these games than you might even in Las Vegas.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some bad bets.
Skip insurance when the dealer has an ace for an upcard. This is a bad bet with a big house edge and not worth it. But in the long run, blackjack can be a good game for those looking for the best odds.
For more on basic strategy, including handy charts to memorize and practice with, there are numerous online sources to check out.
Video Poker
Like blackjack, video poker is a game in which players can also find very slim house edges, sometimes less than 1% depending on the game rules and payouts.
It’s also important to master basic strategy, which tells players what move to make in all scenarios.
The problem with this is that there are several types of video poker games to play and strategy can vary by game and rules.
Those looking to play and slice some of the odds away may want to focus simply on a game or two, such as Jacks or Better or Deuces WIld, so that they can successfully master the strategy and give themselves the best odds at winnings.
One key is finding a “9/6 machine.” This refers to the payouts on a full house (9 to 1) and a flush (6 to 1).
Veteran video poker players refer to this as a “full pay” machine. When playing maximum bets and using perfect strategy, the expected returns can be about 99.5%.
In Las Vegas, 9/6 machines can usually be found off the Strip but many online operators feature some of the best odds for those who enjoy the game.
Video poker is a cousin to slot machines, but requires much more strategy and comes with much better chances for players to book winning sessions.
Craps
This is an exciting game that can leave players on the edge of their seats with each roll of the dice.
Those new to the game will see a table full of betting opportunities and combinations, but only a few matter it comes to the best odds.
The pass line (betting with the shooter) or don’t pass (betting against the shooter) offer some of the most favorable odds. After the point number is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), pass line wagers mean the bettor is hoping that the shooter hits the point again before rolling a 7.
The original pass line wager pays even money if the point is hit, with a house edge of only 1.414% (1.36% on the don’t pass).
But players can also “take odds” on the pass line once the point number is established, from twice a player’s wager and much higher depending on the casino.
There is actually no house edge on the odds bet, meaning players will get paid the true odds of hitting that number.
For example, a player may have $5 on the pass line and $10 in odds. If the point number 6 is hit, the house would pay $5 for the initial bet and $12 for the $10 free odds bet.
The 6 and 8 are paid out at 6 to 5, the true odds of rolling the number, and the game’s other point number payouts include 5 and 9 at 3 to 2, and 4 and 10 at 2 to 1.
These are pretty easy bets to make once a player gets a feel for the mechanics of how things work.
The come bar also functions as a pass line bet in the middle of a roll and offers the same odds. These are great odds for players and offer some real chances to win.
Place bets on the 6 and 8 also feature low house edges at 1.52%. Craps can not only be a fun game but also offers players some small house edges to hopefully collect plenty of casino chips.
Baccarat
This isn’t just a game for James Bond and other well-heeled gamblers.
The game dates back centuries and was once seen as appealing to gambling’s glitterati, but now is also available on the main casino floor at many properties and is also available online.
Playing online is also a great way to learn the game at lower stakes and take advantage of a small house edge as well. The game may look intimidating, but it’s actually fairly easy to get in on the action.
In baccarat, each card retains its numerical value with Kings, Queens, Jacks, and 10s counting as 0 and aces valued at 1.
When a hand begins, a “player” faces off against the “banker” with players wagering on either of those or a tie. The player and the banker are dealt two cards with the goal being to get as close to 9 as possible.
Any two-card hand adding to 9 is called a natural, such as 10-9 because the 10 has no value and the 9 makes for a perfect score of 9.
Any hand over a total of 9 simply drops 10. For example, a player dealt 8-8 has a total of 16. However, that hand is actually valued at 6. If neither player has a 9, then the next best hand is an 8 (which is also often called a natural).
If the two hands are the same with an 8 or 9, then the hand is a tie.
There are specific rules to drawing cards for lower totals, predetermined by rules available at the table – players don’t even have to decide. Baccarat comes with a small house edge on either the player at 1.24% or the banker at 1.06%.
Either is not a bad bet, but those who really want the best odds possible will bet the banker.
Like other great games, there are some drawback bets also. On baccarat, that’s the bet on a tie. Stay away from this bad bet as it comes with a herculean house edge of 14.36%! Instead pick one of those great bets already available.
Roulette
Casinos make money at roulette by not paying out the odds of hitting certain numbers. For those betting on individual numbers, the odds are 1 in 38 on a double-zero wheel (American style) and 1 in 37 on a single-zero wheel (European style).
This type of betting comes with a house edge of 2.7% (double-zero) and 2.63% (single-zero). Betting more than one number can bring those percentages favoring the casino from more than 5% to as high as more than 10% when picking four numbers.
However, certain bets on the roulette table can trim those house edges even more. Most online platforms also offer the more favorable single-zero game for players to get slightly better odds on these as well.
The 50/50-type bets offer players the slimmest odds and are just a matter of picking red/black or odd/even numbers. Of course, these aren’t actually 50/50 bets as the house builds in an edge to make money.
But these bets do give players a 48.6% chance of winning on a European wheel (47.37% chance on an American wheel). That’s a ratio of 1.06 to 1, meaning for every 1.06 times you don’t win, you may win once.
These are very simple wagers to make and offer some chances of winning.
Sports Betting
For another nice betting option, head over to the sportsbook that is seamlessly integrated in many online gaming platforms like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.
While there are numerous examples of “action junkies” who bet on every game and sport imaginable, there are players who indeed win money with deep research and observation of the on-field action.
Making note of trends, key injuries, and matchups can help players find some winnings on a weekend of action. For example, some savvy football bettors make note of factors others might not consider, such as offensive line play, weather, and more.
These bettors may also be selective, only picking a few games on the schedule where they feel confident.
Those who “line shop” can also find success by finding better odds for their selections. Another important idea is to have reasonable expectations.
Pick four or five games and hope to win one game ahead with even higher hopes to edge that higher if things really work out. That kind of winning makes for a nice record over the course of the season.
Don’t go over your budget or wager money you can’t afford to lose.
Poker
Like sports betting, poker is available as a seamlessly integrated option for players on the BetMGM platform. The operator offers a nice poker option with plenty of cash games and tournament options.
Unlike in other casino games, poker players battle each other and rely on their own skills with a bit of luck mixed in. The casino only takes a small portion of each pot.
Those who play smart have a real chance to win over time. There can also be some big bang for the buck when playing in larger tournaments that offer some big payouts for top finishers.
BetMGM even offers online qualifiers for major live tournaments are properties like the Borgata in Atlantic City and Aria in Las Vegas.
There are some strategic considerations to think about, so for those looking for an easier gaming experience, poker may not be for you.
It’s important to play at stakes you can afford and have reasonable expectations. Work on those skills at lower levels and continue to build your bankroll.
Play your cards right and some real winnings may be coming your way.
Slots
In general, slot machines come with a sizable house edge that can get as high as 25% at a live casino, depending on the game. However, it’s important to pay attention to the RTP ( return to player).
This is the amount of money that is wagered in a game or at a particular casino that is paid back to players.
Obviously, the higher the RTP, the better it is for players and the better chance you have to get some of your money back. Some games at live casinos have an RTP from 85% and a good RTP may come in the low 90s.
But online slots often go much higher, with RTP rates of 98% not unheard of.
And while slots aren’t really the best bet when it comes to odds, playing online at least gives players a better shot at getting some of their money back. That at least works in your favor to some degree if you’re a slot player.
Free-to-Play Games
New to online casino gaming? Most platforms offer the chance to play for free without putting a single dime on the line.
These are real versions of the games and can offer a great way to learn –rom blackjack and baccarat to craps, slots, and poker.
These options offer a great way to learn, especially when it comes to games that involve more strategy play.
They also allow you to experiment with numerous gaming options to determine which are the best fit for your own personality.
Responsible Gaming & Disclaimer
Even when playing games with the best odds, it’s important to realize that the house always has an edge and players can really lose money.
Even when playing basic strategy in blackjack or maximizing free odds on the craps table, there is still plenty of potential for losing.
That’s why it’s always important to practice responsible gaming.
Here are some quick tips to remember when playing either online or at a live casino.
- Only gamble money you can afford to lose and that isn’t needed for other daily needs. Gambling should be seen solely as entertainment.
- Take breaks, especially when you’re on a losing streak.
- Set limits and stick to them.
- Take advantage of deposit and wagering limits available on many platforms.
If you think you may have a gambling issue, we encourage you to seek professional help. Many state gambling regulators offer free counseling for those needing help.
These may also offer live casino and online gaming self-exclusion programs, which make casinos and online platforms bar them from playing.
For more help, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-GAMBLER.