Which casino game has the highest odds of winning?
Most players asking "Which casino game has the highest odds of winning?" mean one of two things: which game gives you the best long-term return, and which game gives you the best short-term chance of a win. The short answer: games that combine a low house edge with skillful play—like blackjack and certain video poker variants—offer the best odds. How close you get to those numbers depends on rules, strategy, and bankroll management.
How casinos measure odds: RTP and house edge explained
Casinos report game returns in two common ways. Return to player (RTP) shows the percentage of total wagered money a game pays back over time, while house edge equals 100% minus RTP and represents the casino’s average advantage. A 99.5% RTP equals a 0.5% house edge. Small differences in rules or pay tables can move those numbers, so always check the specific game rules before you play.
Blackjack: top contender when you use basic strategy
With solid basic strategy, many blackjack tables drop the house edge to roughly 0.5% or better. Rule tweaks—like dealer hitting soft 17, number of decks, and doubling restrictions—move that edge up or down. Card counting can improve odds further, but it requires skill and isn’t welcome at most casinos. If you want the best mathematical chance at a live or online table, learn basic strategy and look for player-friendly rules.
Video poker: high RTP for disciplined players
Full-pay video poker, such as "Jacks or Better" 9/6, can offer RTPs around 99.54% when you play perfect strategy. That makes it one of the rare casino choices where skill and correct card-hold decisions materially improve your expected return. The caveat: pay tables vary, and many casino versions reduce returns. Use strategy charts and prioritize full-pay machines if video poker is your focus.
Craps: some bets are much better than others
Craps looks complex, but some bets are very favorable. The pass line has a house edge near 1.41% and the don’t-pass around 1.36%. The standout is the "odds" bet placed behind your pass/don’t-pass bet: it pays true odds and carries no house edge. Combining a low-edge base bet with odds is one of the smartest moves in the pit—just be aware some casinos limit how much you can back those odds.
Baccarat and roulette: simple games, clear math
Baccarat is simple to play and offers low house edges: the banker bet is about 1.06% (after the commission), the player bet around 1.24%, and the tie bet is a severe house advantage. Roulette depends on the wheel: American double-zero wheels have about a 5.26% house edge, while European single-zero wheels cut that to roughly 2.70%. Choosing single-zero wheels or avoiding sucker bets improves your odds immediately.
Slots: biggest variance, check RTP and provider
Slot machines vary widely. Many online slots offer RTPs from the low 90s up to the high 90s; some progressive or feature-heavy titles are lower on average. Always check the listed RTP and prefer games from reputable studios. For example, classic titles from major providers often publish favorable RTPs, while smaller or niche games can be lower. If you want to try a specific themed slot, see game details for paytables and features—titles such as Mandarin Tiger show typical slot mechanics and payline structures.
Software matters: pick games from trusted studios
Game rules, RNG fairness, and RTP transparency vary by provider. Well-known studios tend to publish detailed game specs and maintain consistent returns. If provider reputation matters to you, look for software from established developers on licensed sites; companies with long track records are easier to research. Pragmatic Play
Use bonuses smartly, and read the fine print
Casino bonuses can boost your bankroll, but wagering requirements and game restrictions affect value. For example, some operators offer a 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000 with a 25x playthrough on deposit plus bonus, and crypto welcome offers can reach higher percentages across multiple deposits. Note that certain games—like craps and live dealer tables—are often excluded from bonus contributions, and bonuses can be non-sticky, letting you withdraw your deposit without meeting wagering if you don’t use the bonus. Always read terms, verify contribution rates, and watch for bonus abuse policies.
Practical moves to maximize your chance of winning
Pick games with the lowest house edge you understand, learn and use basic strategy where applicable, and manage wagers so a few bad sessions won’t wipe you out. Avoid long-shot or high-variance bets when your goal is consistent wins, and use bonuses only after confirming eligible games and realistic wagering conditions. Finally, keep stakes in line with your bankroll and treat gambling as entertainment, not income.
If your aim is the best mathematical chance of winning, prioritize blackjack and full-pay video poker, combine low-edge bets with odds in craps, and favor single-zero roulette wheels when available. Rules and discipline make the difference between a hopeful bet and a smart play.