For many casino players, the ultimate goal is not just to be entertained, but to maximize their chances of winning. One of the most important concepts to understand in achieving this is the house edge, which is the casino’s built-in mathematical advantage. A lower house edge means a better return for the player in the long run. By choosing the right sweet bonanza demo slot games and making smart decisions, you can significantly improve your odds.
Here are some of the casino games with the lowest house edge, along with the strategies needed to achieve it.
Blackjack (House Edge as low as 0.5%)
Blackjack is famous for offering one of the lowest house edges in the casino, but this is only true when played with basic strategy. This is a mathematically proven set of rules that tells you the optimal decision (hit, stand, double down, split) for every possible hand you are dealt against every possible dealer’s card. Without using basic strategy, the house edge can climb significantly. Blackjack is a perfect game for those who enjoy a blend of chance and skill.
Craps (House Edge as low as 0%)
Craps may seem intimidating due to its fast-paced action and complex betting layout, but by sticking to a few key bets, you can play with an extremely low house edge.
- Pass Line & Don’t Pass Line Bets: These are the most fundamental bets in craps and offer a house edge of just 1.41% and 1.36%, respectively.
- Free Odds Bet: The most player-friendly bet in the entire casino, the Free Odds bet, has a house edge of 0%. This is a supplementary bet placed after a point has been established on the Pass Line.
Baccarat (House Edge around 1.06%)
Often associated with high rollers, baccarat is a very simple game that requires no skill. The player’s only decision is to choose which hand to bet on: the “Player” or the “Banker.”
- The Banker Bet: The Banker bet has a very low house edge of just 1.06%. Even though the casino takes a small commission on winning Banker bets, it remains the most favorable bet on the table due to the rules of how the hands are dealt.
- The Player Bet: This bet is also favorable, with a house edge of 1.24%.
- Avoid the Tie Bet: The Tie bet, which has a much higher house edge of over 14%, should be avoided by players looking for the best odds.
Video Poker (House Edge as low as 0.46%)
Video poker can offer an extremely low house edge, sometimes even lower than blackjack. However, this is contingent on two things: finding a “full-pay” machine and playing with optimal strategy. A full-pay machine has a paytable that offers higher payouts for certain hands, like a Full House or a Flush. By learning the optimal strategy for a specific video poker variant, such as Jacks or Better, you can reduce the house edge to less than 0.5%.
European Roulette (House Edge of 2.70%)
While not as low as the other games on this list, European Roulette is a far better choice for players than its double-zero variation. The single zero on the wheel reduces the house edge to 2.70%, compared to the over 5% house edge on the double-zero version. This makes it a great option for players who enjoy a game of pure chance with better odds than most.
By focusing on these games and making informed, strategic decisions, you can play for longer and improve your chances of success.