Casino Game Odds: Which Table Game Offers Better Odds?

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Apr 23, 2024 9 min read Last updated Jun 11, 2024

Table games are a staple in casinos around the world, offering players an exciting and interactive way to gamble.

Unlike slot machines, which are purely based on luck, table games involve elements of strategy and skill, making them popular among both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike.

From classics like Blackjack and Roulette to lesser-known games like Baccarat and Craps, there's something for everyone at the casino table.

Understanding Odds in Casino Games

Odds play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of winning in casino games. They represent the probability of a particular outcome occurring and are typically expressed as a ratio or percentage. The higher the odds, the greater the chance of winning.

Understanding the odds is essential for making informed decisions while playing table games and can help players maximize their chances of success.

Comparing Popular Table Games

The table below compares the odds for the different types of casino games you can play online.

As you can see, whilst there is a set house edge in most games, the odds of receiving a favorable outcome can vary with certain games. this is due to the various bets that can be made, and in the case of craps, the existence of 'true odds' which determine the probability of a result occurring but are different to the actual payout odds.

Let's look at each of these games in turn, and how the gameplay and strategy affect the odds of winning.

Blackjack Odds: The King of Table Games

In blackjack, odds refer to the likelihood of winning a hand based on the cards you and the dealer have been dealt. The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand without going over a total of 21. Knowing the odds of different outcomes can help you make strategic decisions during gameplay, such as whether to hit, stand, double down, or split your hand.

When it comes to house edge, in a standard blackjack game, the house edge can be as low as 0.5% or even lower. This means that for every dollar wagered, the casino expects to retain only a small percentage as profit over the long term. By understanding the house edge and choosing games with lower house edges, players can increase their odds of winning and minimize their losses over time.

Roulette Odds: Betting on Chance

Roulette odds are based around a specific outcome occurring, such as hitting a specific number or color on the wheel. Understanding the odds of each different type of bet available (and there are a few in roulette!) can help you make informed decisions and make your game more effective.

The layout of the roulette wheel is critical to understanding the odds:

• In American roulette, the wheel contains 38 numbered pockets, including 1 through 36, 0, and 00. This extra double-zero pocket increases the house edge and affects the odds of winning on certain bets.
• In European roulette, the wheel contains only one zero pocket so the odds increase to 1 in 37 so it’s slightly less favorable.

Understanding the differences between the American and European roulette wheel can help you choose the game with the most favorable odds and maximize your chances of winning.

When it comes to the types of bets to make in roulette, the odds of a payout can vary again:

• Straight bets on single numbers offer higher payouts but lower odds of winning.
• Even-money bets like red/black or odd/even have higher odds of winning but lower payouts.

Choosing specific bets is a good way to balance risk and reward and increase your chances of developing a successful strategy.

Craps Odds: The Dice Game with Many Bets

Like all casino games, the key to understanding craps odds is knowing about the house edge. The house edge refers to the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player. In craps, this depends on the type of bet you place. For example, the Pass Line and Come bets have a relatively low house edge of around 1.41%, making them favorable options for players looking to maximize their chances of winning.

In craps, there are numerous betting options available, each with its own set of odds and payouts. Some of the most common bets include:

• Pass Line Bet: This is one of the simplest and most popular bets in craps. With a house edge of around 1.41%, the Pass Line bet offers favorable odds for players.
• Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet, the Come bet also has a low house edge of around 1.41%.
• Place Bets: These bets involve wagering on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. The odds and payouts for place bets vary depending on the number chosen.
• Field Bet: This is a one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. However, the house edge on the Field bet is relatively high, ranging from 2.78% to 5.56%.

Baccarat Odds: A Simple Card Game with Good Odds

Baccarat is a simple yet elegant card game that offers players some of the best odds in the casino. With only three possible outcomes – player win, banker win, or tie – baccarat is easy to learn and play.

Each of these outcomes has its own associated odds, payout, and house edge (casino's advantage):

• Banker Bet: This wager statistically has the highest chance of winning, with odds around 45.86%. The payout for a winning Banker bet is usually 1:1 (you win $1 for every $1 wagered), minus a commission (often 5%) that the casino takes on winning Banker bets. This commission reflects the slight house edge the casino has on this bet.
• Player Bet: The odds of winning on the Player bet are slightly lower than the Banker bet, at around 44.63%. The payout for a winning Player bet is also typically 1:1. However, there's no commission deducted, so you keep the full winning amount.
• Tie Bet: The Tie bet is the least likely outcome, with odds around 9.51%. The payout for a winning Tie bet is much higher, often 8:1 or 9:1. However, the significantly lower chance of winning makes the Tie bet a riskier proposition.

By understanding the house edge and choosing bets with lower inherent risk, players can improve their chances of winning and minimize potential losses.

Tips for Maximizing Odds at the Casino

Whilst chance plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of casino games, you can aid your understanding of the odds by following these simple tips:

• Know the rules: This sounds obvious, but understanding the rules of each game is essential for making informed decisions and giving yourself the best chance.
• Use basic strategy: Many table games, like Blackjack, have optimal strategies that can help you to understand the game better and determine the best bet to make in a certain situation.
• Manage your bankroll: Setting a budget and sticking to it is crucial for responsible gambling. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away.
• Take advantage of bonuses and promotions: Many casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can give you extra value and improve your odds of winning.

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Learn more about your favorite casino games by reading our Casino Games Hub, including in-depth guides to blackjack, craps, roulette and more!

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Playing the Odds: PokerNews Says...

While each casino game offers its own unique set of odds and gameplay mechanics, there's no denying that some games offer better chances of winning than others. By understanding the odds and implementing effective strategies, players can increase their chances of success as well as enjoying the overall experience. Above all, you should understand that casno games are games of chance and therefore, there is no way to generate a specific outcome one way or the other.

By trying casino games at regulated and licensed casinos, you can gain further understanding of these games work, including the odds and specific bets to make. Start with our comprehensive casino reviews to find your favorite and then grab a bonus to start playing!

Casino Table Game Odds

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