Here are 7 casino games that generally offer the best odds, UK casinos not on GamStop giving you a better shot at maximizing your winnings:
1. Blackjack: The Strategic Card Game
Blackjack is consistently at the top of the list for best odds, boasting a house edge that can be as low as 0.5% or even lower when played with perfect basic strategy.
- Why the odds are good: Your decisions directly influence the outcome. Unlike pure chance games, knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split can mathematically optimize your play against the dealer.
- Key to maximizing odds: Memorize and consistently apply “basic strategy.” This isn’t card counting (which is generally discouraged or prohibited by casinos), but rather a statistically proven chart that dictates the best move for every possible hand combination against the dealer’s upcard. Avoid side bets, as they significantly increase the house edge.
2. Video Poker: Skillful Solitaire
Video Poker offers an impressive return to player (RTP) percentage, especially certain variants played with optimal strategy. Some “full pay” machines can have an RTP of over 99.5%, and a few rare versions can even theoretically exceed 100% with perfect play.
- Why the odds are good: It combines the random dealing of cards with player decisions on which cards to hold and discard. Each decision impacts your chances of forming a winning hand.
- Key to maximizing odds: Understand the paytable for the specific machine you’re playing (e.g., Jacks or Better 9/6 for full pay) and use a strategy chart. Always play the maximum number of coins (usually five) to qualify for the full bonus payout on the Royal Flush, which disproportionately increases the overall RTP.
3. Baccarat: The Elegant Simplicity
Baccarat is known for its low house edge and straightforward gameplay, making it appealing to both casual players and high rollers.
- Why the odds are good: The “Banker” bet typically has a house edge of just 1.06% (even after accounting for a 5% commission on wins), while the “Player” bet has an edge of 1.24%. These are excellent odds compared to many other games.
- Key to maximizing odds: Always bet on the “Banker” hand. Avoid the “Tie” bet, which, despite its tempting high payout, carries a very high house edge (often over 14%). The game’s outcomes are based on fixed rules, so no player strategy is needed beyond choosing your bet.
4. Craps: Favorable Bets on the Dice
Craps can appear complex due to its lively atmosphere and numerous betting options, but certain bets offer some of the best odds in the entire casino.
- Why the odds are good: The “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line” bets have very low house edges (1.41% and 1.36% respectively). More importantly, the “Odds Bet” (a secondary bet placed after a point is established) has 0% house edge, paying out at true odds.
- Key to maximizing odds: Stick to the “Pass Line,” “Don’t Pass Line,” “Come,” and “Don’t Come” bets, and crucially, always “take the odds” or “lay the odds” to the maximum allowed amount. Avoid all other “proposition bets” in the center of the table, as they carry significantly higher house advantages.
5. European Roulette: The Smarter Wheel
Roulette is a classic game of pure chance, but your odds vary significantly depending on the version you play.
- Why the odds are good: Always choose European Roulette over American Roulette. The European wheel has only a single “0” (zero) pocket, resulting in a house edge of approximately 2.7%. The American wheel, with both a “0” and a “00” (double zero) pocket, nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%. This makes a substantial difference over time.
- Key to maximizing odds: Simply select European Roulette. While there’s no strategy to predict where the ball will land, playing on the single-zero wheel significantly reduces the casino’s statistical advantage. Some variations of French Roulette, with rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison” for even-money bets, can reduce the house edge even further to about 1.35%.
6. Pai Gow Poker: A Slower Pace, Better Odds
Pai Gow Poker is a unique card game played with a 53-card deck (including a joker). Players are dealt seven cards and must set them into a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. You compete against the dealer’s two hands
- Why the odds are good: The house edge is generally around 1.5%, which is competitive. The game’s slow pace and the possibility of pushing (tying) many hands mean your bankroll can last longer.
- Key to maximizing odds: Learn optimal “house way” strategies for setting your hands. While the joker can be a wild card, understanding how to use it effectively (often as an Ace or to complete a straight/flush) is crucial.
7. Three Card Poker (Ante & Play): Quick and Favorable
Three Card Poker is a fast-paced and easy-to-learn game where you play a three-card hand against the dealer’s three-card hand.
- Why the odds are good: The “Ante & Play” bet, which is the main game, offers a house edge of approximately 3.37%. While higher than some other games on this list, it’s still relatively low compared to many popular casino offerings like most slot machines or Keno.
- Key to maximizing odds: The strategy is simple: always “Play” if your hand is Queen-6-4 or better, and “Fold” if it’s worse. Avoid the “Pair Plus” side bet unless you’re purely looking for higher volatility and understand its significantly higher house edge (typically over 7%).
