Knowing which table games slash the house edge can boost your bankroll and stretch your playtime. Let’s explore the games that give you the best shot at winning.
Table of Contents
Blackjack With Basic Strategy
Blackjack stands out as the king of low house edge. Using basic strategy cuts the house advantage down to about 0.5%. This strategy involves knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. For example, always splitting Aces and 8s but never 10s. Popular providers like Microgaming and NetEnt offer blackjack classics that adhere closely to standard rules, making it easier to apply your strategy reliably.
What’s fascinating is how small rule variations affect the edge. For instance, a six-deck shoe with dealer standing on soft 17 offers better odds than one where the dealer hits soft 17. And the payout for blackjack at 3:2 instead of 6:5 matters-a 6:5 payout pushes the house edge significantly higher. So, pick your tables carefully.
Baccarat’s Banker Bet
Baccarat is often overlooked, but the Banker bet is a gem for anyone chasing low house edges. It carries a house edge of roughly 1.06%, slightly better than the Player bet at 1.24%. The catch? The casino takes a 5% commission on Banker wins, but it’s still the smartest bet you can make at the baccarat table. You’ll find these bets across many sites, including popular ones that accept Google Pay Casino Online UK, making deposits and withdrawals smoother.
The game is simple: bet on Banker, Player, or Tie. The Tie bet is tempting with its high payout (8:1 or 9:1), but it has a steep house edge above 14%. Stick to Banker to keep your odds favorable.
Craps Odds Bets
Craps might seem intimidating at first, but it offers some of the best bets in the casino. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets have a house edge around 1.41% and 1.36% respectively. However, the real treasure lies in the Odds bets you can take after your initial Pass or Don’t Pass bet.
Odds bets are unique-they carry no house edge at all. You can back your Pass Line bet with odds up to a multiple allowed by the casino, sometimes 3-5x or more. For instance, a $10 Pass Line bet backed by $30 Odds bet effectively lowers the combined house edge to around 0.4%. Casinos like those powered by Evolution Gaming often allow generous Odds bets, rewarding savvy shooters.
Selected Video Poker Variants
Video poker is a rare hybrid of slot simplicity and strategic depth. Variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild can have house edges below 0.5% when played with perfect strategy. For example, full-pay Jacks or Better offers an RTP of 99.54%, assuming you know which cards to hold or discard.
Some sites feature video poker with Apple Pay deposits, as explained in this view source. This convenience encourages longer sessions, so mastering strategy here pays off.
Remember though, video poker’s complexity can trip you up. Without perfect play, the house edge climbs quickly. So, if you’re a casual player, blackjack or baccarat might be safer bets.
| Game | Best Bet | House Edge | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | Basic Strategy | ~0.5% | Hit/Stand/Split/Double based on dealer’s upcard |
| Baccarat | Banker Bet | 1.06% | Always bet Banker, avoid Tie |
| Craps | Pass Line + Odds | ~0.4% | Take max odds after Pass/Don’t Pass |
| Video Poker | Full-Pay Jacks or Better | <0.5% | Perfect card hold/discard strategy |
Bets to Skip at the Table
Not all bets are created equal. In fact, many popular side bets and options carry house edges above 5%, sometimes soaring to 15% or more. For example, the Tie bet in baccarat, various proposition bets in craps like Hardways, and side bets in blackjack like Perfect Pairs or 21+3.
These bets might look tempting with high payouts but will drain your bankroll faster. Casinos often use them to pad profits. Even in video poker, side games with non-standard pay tables can kill your edge.
Here’s a tip: focus on the main bets with proven low house edges. If you want thrills, set a small budget for high-risk bets, but don’t expect to win in the long run.