Casino gaming isn’t just about luck—it’s about mathematics. Every casino game has a built-in statistical advantage for the house, known as the “house edge.” This percentage represents the average gross profit the casino expects to make from each game over time. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning.
For example, a game with a 5% house edge means that, on average, the casino expects to keep $5 for every $100 wagered. Therefore, the player can expect to get back $95 for every $100 bet over the long run. Understanding this concept is crucial when selecting which games to play.
What Makes a Casino Game Good for Players?
Several factors determine whether a casino game at Neospin Online Casino offers favorable odds:
- Low house edge (ideally under 2%)
- Simple rules that reduce the likelihood of player errors
- Slow pace of play to minimize losses per hour
- Availability of strategies that can reduce the house advantage
- Transparent odds that don’t hide the true mathematical disadvantage
Top 10 Casino Games with the Best Odds
Good casino games typically offer a reasonable return-to-player (RTP) percentage—the flip side of the house edge. An RTP of 98% means the house edge is 2%, with players receiving $98 back for every $100 wagered over time.
1. Blackjack
Blackjack stands as the casino game with potentially the lowest house edge when played with basic strategy. With a house edge as low as 0.5%, blackjack rewards skill and decision-making.
Basic strategy charts—which indicate the mathematically correct play for every possible hand combination—can reduce the house advantage significantly. In fact, card counting techniques can even flip the advantage to the player, though casinos actively discourage this practice.
According to gaming statistics from 2024, players who consistently use basic strategy face a house edge of only 0.5-1%, compared to the 2-5% edge experienced by intuitive players who don’t follow optimal strategy.
2. Craps (Pass/Don’t Pass)
Craps intimidates many casino visitors with its complex table and betting options, but its simplest bets offer excellent odds. The Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, while the Don’t Pass bet reduces this further to 1.36%.
Additionally, players can take “odds” bets after the point is established, which carry no house edge whatsoever. These are true even-money bets, making craps one of the most player-friendly games on the casino floor.
3. Baccarat
This elegant card game requires no skill decisions once bets are placed, making it perfect for beginners seeking favorable odds. The banker bet in baccarat carries a house edge of only 1.06%, despite the 5% commission charged on winning banker bets.
The player bet has a slightly higher house edge of 1.24%, while the tie bet should be avoided with its substantial 14.36% house edge. In 2024, baccarat accounted for 18% of total casino revenue despite its player-friendly odds, demonstrating its popularity among high rollers.
4. European Roulette
European roulette, with its single zero wheel, offers significantly better odds than American roulette. The house edge on all bets is 2.7%, compared to 5.26% on an American wheel with both single and double zeros.
French roulette enhances these odds further with the “la partage” rule, which returns half your bet on even-money wagers when the ball lands on zero, reducing the house edge to just 1.35% on those bets.
5. Video Poker (Full Pay)
Video poker combines elements of slots and poker while offering some of the best odds in the casino. “Full pay” Jacks or Better machines with 9/6 paytables (9 coins for a full house, 6 for a flush) provide a 99.54% return to player when optimal strategy is used.
Some video poker variations like Deuces Wild can even offer a positive expected return with perfect play, though these machines are increasingly rare. Industry reports from 2023 showed that video poker machines returned an average of 96.2% across all US casinos.
6. Pai Gow Poker
This poker variant pits players against the dealer, with each receiving seven cards to form a five-card and two-card hand. The slow pace (approximately 30 hands per hour) and push outcomes (when player and dealer split wins) make this an excellent choice for extending your bankroll.
Pai Gow Poker typically has a 1.5% house edge with optimal strategy, but this can rise to 2.5% for inexperienced players. Consequently, many casinos now offer free strategy cards to help players make correct decisions.
7. Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker offers straightforward gameplay with a house edge of 2.01% on ante-play bets and 2.32% on pairplus bets. The simple strategy of playing Q-6-4 or better keeps the house edge reasonable.
The game’s popularity stems from its simplicity and the potential for substantial payouts on premium hands. In 2024, Three Card Poker generated 5.2% of total table game revenue in US casinos.
8. Spanish 21
This blackjack variant removes all 10s (but not face cards) from the deck and adds player-friendly rules like late surrender and match bonuses. Despite the deck modification, favorable rules result in a house edge of approximately 0.8% with optimal play.
Spanish 21 has gained popularity in recent years, with the game now available at 67% of US casinos compared to 42% in 2015.
9. Casino War
This simple card game based on the childhood favorite offers a house edge of 2.88% on the primary bet.
While not the absolute best odds, its simplicity makes it difficult to make strategic errors.
Casino War became 15% more prevalent on casino floors between 2020 and 2024, appealing to casual players seeking uncomplicated gameplay.
10. Let It Ride
This poker-based game offers a house edge of 3.51% when played with optimal strategy. Though slightly higher than other games on this list, the slow pace and entertainment value make it worthy of inclusion.
Comparison of House Edge and Expected Return
| Game | House Edge | Return to Player (%) | Hands/Rounds Per Hour | Skill Factor (1-10) |
| Blackjack (Basic Strategy) | 0.5% | 99.5% | 60-80 | 8 |
| Craps (Pass Line with Odds) | 0.8% | 99.2% | 48-60 | 6 |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | 98.94% | 40-50 | 1 |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | 97.3% | 30-40 | 2 |
| Video Poker (9/6 JoB) | 0.46% | 99.54% | 400-600 | 9 |
| Pai Gow Poker | 1.5% | 98.5% | 25-35 | 7 |
| Three Card Poker | 2.01% | 97.99% | 40-50 | 4 |
| Spanish 21 | 0.8% | 99.2% | 60-70 | 8 |
| Casino War | 2.88% | 97.12% | 50-60 | 1 |
| Let It Ride | 3.51% | 96.49% | 30-35 | 5 |
Final Thoughts on Maximizing Your Casino Odds
While these games offer the best mathematical chance of winning, it’s important to remember that the house always maintains an edge in the long run. Therefore, responsible bankroll management remains essential regardless of which games you choose.
Furthermore, many casinos offer player cards that provide comps and benefits based on play. These rewards can offset some of your expected losses, effectively improving your overall return. In 2024, casino loyalty programs returned an average value equivalent to 0.3% of player wagers.
In conclusion, choosing games with favorable odds is the smartest approach to casino gambling. By combining game selection with proper strategy and responsible play, you can maximize entertainment value while minimizing losses—and perhaps even walk away a winner in the short term.