Understanding the House Edge in Vegas Casinos
One of the reasons for the popularity of online baccarat is the excellent odds it offers players. However, sometimes we all like to branch out, and this will be particularly true if you are lucky enough to be visiting a Las Vegas casino.
However, while the bright lights and flashing slot machines can’t fail to draw the eye, not all games give players an equal chance at winning. Some have a relatively low house edge, which gives players a better chance of walking away with something, but others tilt heavily in the casino’s favor. Understanding which games offer the best and worst odds may help your bankroll go further and allow you to play for longer.
Casino Games with the Best Odds
n general, games that have an element of skill or strategy offer players better odds. However, the games tend to be more complicated and using the correct strategy is the only way to capitalize on the lower house edges.
The exception to this is baccarat. It has one of the lowest house edges of all casino games. Betting on the banker gives the lowest house edge, at 1.06%, while the player bet has a slightly higher edge, at 1.24%. The tie bet should be avoided as it has a house edge of over 14%. However, baccarat requires no strategy, making it a fantastic choice for players who want a simple game with favorable odds.
In contrast is blackjack, which is one of the best games for players who use the right strategy. The house edge can be as low as 0.5% if you follow a basic strategy, which includes knowing when to hit, stand, split, or double down based on the dealer’s upcard. Unlike slots or roulette, where luck dictates the outcome, blackjack allows skilled players to improve their chances significantly.
Craps is another game that offers excellent odds for players who know which bets to place. The pass line and don’t pass line bets have a house edge of around 1.4%, while the odds bet has no house edge at all, making it one of the best bets in the casino. However, more complex bets, such as hardways or any seven, have a significantly higher house edge, which reduces your chances of winning.
Video poker is an excellent option for those who prefer games with a skill element. The best-paying versions, such as Jacks or Better with full pay tables, can offer a house edge of less than 1% when played optimally. Unlike regular poker, you’re playing against a machine rather than other players, removing the psychological aspect of the game. However, the strategy can take some time to master.
If you don’t want to worry about strategies, then roulette is another option. However, you have to be careful about which version you play. European roulette, which features a single zero, has a house edge of 2.7%, making it far superior to its American counterpart, which has a house edge of 5.26%. Even better is French roulette, which can have a house edge as small as 1.35% thanks to rules such as La Partage and En Prison.
Casino Games with the Worst Odds
There is a reason why casinos try to draw players towards the slot machines. They have some of the worst odds of all games. The house edge varies depending on the machine, and while it can be as small as 2%, it can also be as large as 15%. However, with their exciting graphics and sound effects, there is no denying that they can be hugely engaging to play.
One of the most famous games in Vegas is Wheel of Fortune. However, while it may look like a lot of fun, it is actually one of the worst bets in the casino. Even the safest bet, the $1 option, has an 11% house edge, while riskier bets can go as high as 24%. The odds are heavily stacked against players, making it a poor choice for anyone looking to maximize their chances of winning.
Even worse than Wheel of Fortune is Keno, which offers some of the worst odds in any casino. The game is similar to a lottery, where players pick numbers and hope they match those drawn by the house. The odds of matching multiple numbers are extremely low, and the house edge can reach up to 40%. Unless you have the kind of luck Chevy Chase’s character had in “Vegas Vacation”, where an old man miraculously helped them with a win at Keno, you’re better off avoiding this game.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
If you’re heading to Vegas, knowing which games offer the best and worst odds can make a big difference to your experience. However, gambling is all about having fun, so as long as you budget properly and don’t overspend, the best thing you can do is simply play the games that you enjoy the most.
