In online Casinos, while the allure of vibrant slots might be tempting, it’s the games that favor the house the least that often prove the most rewarding. Over my years of online gambling on Ignition Casino and many other sites, I’ve come to realize this stark reality.
Let’s delve into the top 10 casino games that stack the odds more in your favor.
1. Blackjack
A timeless classic. If played with a proper strategy, it can offer some of the best odds, which can range from 0.42% to 1.5%.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
- Always stand on 17 and above.
- Double down on 11 unless the dealer has an Ace.
- Split pairs of 8s and Aces.
- Never take insurance.
2. Craps
A dice game that, when certain bets are placed, can have a surprisingly low house edge. The exact edge depends on the type of bet made. A lay 4 or 10 will have a house edge of 2.44%, for example.
Basic Craps Strategy
- Stick to Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets.
- Take maximum odds.
- Utilize free odds bets when available.
3. Baccarat
Betting on the Banker might seem mundane, but it’s statistically the safest bet. The house advantage can be as low as 1.06% for skilled players.
Basic Baccarat Strategy- Bet on the banker; it has a slightly better chance to win.
- Always bet on the banker; it has slightly better odds.
- Avoid the tie bet; it’s heavily in favor of the house.
4. European Roulette
With only one zero on the wheel, it’s a more favorable version than its American counterpart. The house advantage can be as low as 2.70%.
Basic European Roulette Strategy
- Stick to even-money bets like red/black.
- Always bet on the banker; it has slightly better odds.
- Avoid the tie bet; it’s heavily in favor of the house.
5. Video Poker
Depending on the variant, and with optimal play, the house edge can be razor-thin. The house advantage can be as low as 0.76%.
Basic Video Poker Strategy
- Keep high pairs, 4-card flushes, and 4-card straights; discard single high cards if no hand is made.
- Always hold onto pairs, three-of-a-kinds, and four-of-a-kinds.
- Discard non-useful cards, aiming for potential straight, flush, or royal flush possibilities.
6. Pai Gow Poker
A game of skill and strategy, where a well-played hand can minimize the house advantage to 2.51%.
Basic Pai Gow Strategy
- Set the highest two-card hand you can without surpassing your five-card hand.
7. Three Card Poker
Its simplicity is its strength. Stick to ‘Ante’ bets for better odds. The house advantage can be as low as 2.01%.
Basic Tri-Card Poker Strategy
- Raise with Q-6-4 or a better hand.
8. Let ‘Em Ride
This poker variant can be favorable if you’re cautious with side bets.The house advantage can be as low as 3.51% for skilled players.
Basic Let ‘Em Ride Strategy
- Bet if you have a pair of tens or better; fold otherwise.
9. Caribbean Stud Poker
The progressive jackpot side bet can be tempting, but main-game bets offer better long-term chances. The house advantage can be as low as 5.2%.
Basic Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy
- Raise with any pair or better.
- Fold if you have less than the dealer’s qualifying hand (an Ace and King).
10. Keno
Okay, so there are games with much better odds out there, but I decided to include this for those who like the chance of huge wins.
Though not the best odds, 20-25% house edge on average. Selecting fewer numbers can slightly better your chances. The allure of the game is a relatively low investment for potentially life-changing payouts.
Basic Keno Strategy
- Pick fewer numbers; the odds are more favorable.
- Opt for consecutive numbers; some believe they’re drawn more often.
- Play the same numbers every time; it’s a game of chance.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Play for fun, not just to win; Keno has a high house edge.
Advanced Keno Strategy
- Selecting a smaller set of numbers can marginally improve your odds. For regular, smaller payouts, it’s wise to opt for fewer numbers.
- Many experienced players believe in the trend of back-to-back numbers being chosen more often. Although there isn’t concrete data to support this, giving it a try might be worthwhile.
- Staying consistent is crucial. Using the same numbers in each game doesn’t alter the odds, but it does bring a touch of predictability and method to a game predominantly based on chance.
- Always allocate a specific budget for Keno. Given its significant house advantage, approach the game as a fun activity, where any win is just a bonus.
In the End, It’s About the Experience
Seeking games with the best odds at Online Casinos? Opt for ones that favor the house the least. Top picks include Blackjack, Craps, and Baccarat. While slots may entice, games like European Roulette and Video Poker offer better returns. Choose wisely, refine your strategy, and maximize returns.
While the house always has an edge, certain games let you dance closer to profitability. Online Casinos typically offer a plethora of options, but the savvy gambler, the one who’s seen many a bet come and go, knows where to place his chips. Dive into these games, perfect your strategy, and may fortune favor your every play.
Where to Play?
I recommend playing online at Ignition Casino. Be sure to take advantage of their generous deposit bonus by going to this page.
For more, check out my article: The 10 Best Online Casino Games to Play (Lowest House Edge).
Jim James is well-known as the world’s leading expert on playing short or mid-stacked poker. He has over 15 years of experience playing poker professionally, has written extensively on the topic, and is the author of the best-selling poker strategy book Automatic Poker.
Using a no-nonsense mathematical and logical approach to beating the games, he has won 7 figures at the poker tables. His innovative simple poker charts make the game easier for everyone willing to learn. Today, he helps other players demystify what it takes to win money in No-Limit Hold’em and has helped countless people become winning poker players through his Online Poker Academy.
