Understanding the house edge is key when deciding what games to try your chances on online. This percentage shows how much the casino expects to keep from your wagers over time, so it can help you find the games that best suit your play style and preferences. Some casinos offer promotional offers like no deposit free spins, which can give you more opportunities to try your chances. But deciding which games to play can be tricky. With this, let’s explore the games where the odds are a little bit lower.
Blackjack
Blackjack tops the list with a house edge as low as 0.5%. Blackjack strategy cards are available to use to guide your play and can tell you what the best move is based on your current hand, despite it ultimately being a game of chance. The actual house edge can vary between game versions though, so look for tables where dealers stand on soft 17 or allow doubling after splits.
Baccarat
Baccarat games can also offer lower odds, especially when you back the banker’s hand, which typically has a 1.06% house edge. Player bets aren’t far behind at 1.24%. Just steer clear of tie bets, as these have a house edge of 14.36%.
Video Poker (Jacks or Better)
Jacks or Better is a variation of video Poker that has the potential to offer a house edge as low as 0.46%. However, you’ll need to opt for “full pay” games that offer 9x your bet for a full house and 6x for a flush.
To play, you’ll need to learn the right moves for each hand so you can make the best decisions throughout the chance-based game.
Craps
Craps might look complicated, but certain bets can offer decent odds. Pass line and come bets both carry a 1.41% house edge. In fact, taking odds after a pass line bet carries no house edge whatsoever – a rare find in any casino game.
European Roulette
In Roulette, your choice of wheel can make all the difference. European Roulette, due to having a single zero pocket, gives a 2.70% house edge – nearly half that of American Roulette’s 5.26% with its extra double zero pocket.
That’s not all. Some online variants even include “La Partage” rules that can lower the house edge even further. Plus, with any variation of Roulette, you can choose which bets to place. Bets are split into two main categories – inside and outside bets – with outside bets generally offering better odds than inside bets.
Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a slower-paced Poker variant with a house edge of 1.5%. Ultimately, you’ll place fewer bets per hour of gameplay, which helps your bankroll last longer.
Some online versions even let you play as the banker, which has the potential to slightly improve your odds. This option is mainly found in live dealer games, though.
Playing games with a lower house edge could help with your bankroll management.
Always check which version of a game you’re playing, as rule variations can affect the house edge. Before you start playing, make sure you’re on a licensed platform with fair play certification and transparent paytables.