Here at BetVictor, we know that when choosing a casino game, there are a myriad of different things to consider, but one of the most important is which casino game has the best odds. In this article, we will be exploring some of the leading online casino games and their various odds to the house and you, the player, offering insight into how each of these games compares in the UK casino market. While there is no casino or game that can guarantee a fixed outcome for each individual player, the odds of each of these games are based on long-term calculations but should offer an indication as to which of these games could yield the best potential return when played.
1. Blackjack
Blackjack, or live blackjack, has long been considered one of the best ROI games available at online casinos. This is because, whilst players compete against a dealer, the house margin is dramatically smaller than many other comparable games. The idea of the game, is to beat the dealer with the ultimate objective of having a higher scoring hand than the dealer, below 21. You can also claim victory if the dealer ‘busts’ by going over 21, as most Blackjack games will require the dealer to ‘hit’ when their cards total below 17, or ‘stand’ when they total 17 or above.
House Edge: 0.5% to 1%
The house edge, while it can be different based on which casino you are playing at, or which version of the game, is lower than many other card-based games available to play. By following the rules and even reading-up on blackjack strategies, you should be able to maintain a strong chance against the dealer. Please be aware that this house edge can increase if you make side bets such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3.
2. Baccarat
Baccarat is a relatively simple game to learn and has been one of the most popular card games for over 500 years. Players are required to place a bet on either the ‘Player’ or the ‘Banker’ to have the highest hand value, or whether it will be a tie. While the game itself seems relatively simple to play, the house edge is one of the lowest of all casino games, so is popular with new and veteran players alike.
House Edge: 1.06% on Banker and 1.24% on Player – however 14.4% on Tie.
As shown above, the Banker bet and Player bet offer favourable odds when chosen, with both coming in between 1 and 1.5%, however should you opt to bet on a tie hand, the house edge is considerably higher and would fall out the ranks of casino games that have the best odds.
3. Roulette
One of the most infamous casino games around, live roulette has grown from the standard European roulette board to include a multitude of different variations to date. The aim of the game is to select the number, row or column, segment or colour on which the ball will land once spun on the roulette wheel. While different versions of roulette carry different house edges, perhaps the most common one is the original, European Roulette, which holds one of the lowest non-card related edges at a casino.
House Edge: 2.7% on European Roulette
As mentioned above, while the European variant has a 2.7% house edge, the American version has an increased 5.26% thanks to the inclusion of a Double 0, while other versions including Lightning Roulette and Mega Fire Blaze Roulette are also less desirable in terms of their edge when playing against the house. While Roulette is slightly harder to predict than Blackjack in terms of model game play, there are several Roulette strategies that could benefit players should they glance over them before they take to the tables.
4. Video Poker
A casino-twist on the traditional poker game, albeit slightly less interactive as the computer does most of the work for you, there are hundreds of different types of online video poker to choose from. In the most popular variation, players are dealt five cards and have two ‘re-deals’ in which they select which of their five cards they want to keep and which to ‘twist’ on. The ultimate hand is a Royal Flush which is a ‘suited’ 10 through Ace, albeit it most online casinos pay well if you hold a flush or better after cards have been swapped.
House Edge: As low as 0.5% to 1% on original versions
As mentioned above, there are lots of different types of Video poker and while the original Jacks or Better versions would fit the list as a casino game with the best odds, newer and more flashy versions such as Double Bonus or Deuces Wild, even multi-hand, often have a lower player advantage even if they appear to give you a stronger chance of winning. Be sure to read up on the rules of each game before you choose to play, to ensure you know what your odds are.
5. Slots
While notoriously one of the lowest paying casino games in terms of house edge, online slots are exceptionally popular due to their extensive selection of different types, payouts and bonuses, such as Free Spins, Bonus Rounds and Jackpots. While players looking to maintain a tight house edge may opt away from these, there are several slot machines that do have a much lower house advantage than expected, notoriously low variance machines.
House Edge: 2% to 15%+
When it comes to selecting which slot machine you want to play, it’s important to understand what is RTP in slot games, as this is often affected by online slots that include progressive jackpots, where a percentage of the bet goes to the main pot, or Megaways slot machines, where the machine can carry up to 117,649 win lines, but with each win line paying a small bounty rather than conventional 20/30 line slots with higher payouts on each winning line.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing which casino game has the best odds for UK players, there really is no single correct answer, as almost every table game and slot game can be lucrative on any given day, and not the next, such is the definition of luck. However, casino games like Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette and Video Poker, have notoriously yielded the lowest house edges and could be perceived as having the best odds. Here at BetVictor, we welcome players to read up on the 3,000+ games we have and to make their own choice, remembering to always gamble responsibly and make use of our strategy guides where possible.
