In the following sections, we'll explore the top 10 casino games that offer the lowest house edges, listed in descending order. The game with the lowest house edge will take the number one spot, providing you the best statistical chance of success.
#10 Casino War - House Edge 2.88%
When it comes to straightforwardness, Casino War is the epitome. With roots in a children's game, it's as easy as choosing whether your card will be higher or lower than the dealer's. However, such simplicity comes with a price tag. With a house edge of 2.88%, it may not be the first choice for those wanting to stretch their gameplay. The game lacks complexity, offering little room for strategic depth or skilled play. Essentially, it's a game of pure chance, and the house edge reflects that.
Yet, for many, the game's uncomplicated nature is part of its charm. If you're not interested in learning complicated rules or engaging in intricate strategy, Casino War serves as a convenient entry point into casino gaming. However, for the practical player focused on profitability, the 2.88% house edge serves as a cautionary tale, signalling that while the game may be simple to understand, it may not be the most rewarding in the long term.
#9 Caribbean Stud Poker - House Edge 2.56%
Moving along, we come to Caribbean Stud Poker, which offers a more palatable house edge of 2.56%. Unlike Casino War, this game allows for a touch of strategy, making it a more engaging experience for those who enjoy pitting their wits against the house. The game itself involves five-card stud poker; however, you play against the house rather than other players, which significantly alters the dynamic and strategy.
In Caribbean Stud Poker, understanding when to fold and when to call is crucial. Skillful play can actually lower the house edge, making it a more appealing option for those who like to have some control over their gambling destiny. Yet, make no mistake, the house still has the edge, albeit a slightly more favourable one compared to Casino War. For those who enjoy a blend of strategy and luck, Caribbean Stud Poker provides an engaging middle ground.
#8 Ultimate Texas Hold'em - House Edge 2.43%
Ultimate Texas Hold'em takes the familiar contours of Texas Hold'em poker and adds its own unique spin, pitting players against the dealer rather than each other. This is particularly inviting for those who prefer a more solitary experience, as you only need to focus on beating one hand. Despite the game's complexity, which includes a variety of bets and the need for strategy, it has a house edge of 2.43%. This makes it a fairly reasonable choice for players seeking the thrill of poker with a somewhat lower risk.
The game's blend of skill and chance offers a different appeal than games like Caribbean Stud Poker or Casino War. For those who take the time to learn the game's ins and outs, Ultimate Texas Hold'em provides an avenue where skillful play can make a real difference. But even with your best moves, remember the house edge is always there, lurking in the background, making this game more suited for seasoned players who understand the nuances of poker strategy.
#7 Three Card Poker - House Edge 2.01%
Three Card Poker offers a quick yet interesting take on the traditional game of poker. Instead of the usual five-card hand, you're working with just three, which speeds up the game significantly. The simplified structure has its advantages, mainly, it's easier for newcomers to grasp. Each player and the dealer receive three cards, and the goal is straightforward: beat the dealer's hand. However, you have a decision to make before that—whether to fold or to continue by making a 'Play' bet.
The house edge for this game stands at a moderate 2.01%. It's an appealing rate that means, over time, you'll lose only about $2.01 for every $100 wagered, assuming you play optimally. To get the most out of this game, a solid grasp of when to make that 'Play' bet and when to fold is essential. So while it's simpler than other poker variations, a bit of strategy can go a long way.
#6 European Roulette - House Edge 1.35% (En Prison Rule)
European Roulette distinguishes itself from its American counterpart in several ways, but the most noticeable is the absence of the double zero ('00') on the wheel. This simple difference significantly impacts your odds, raising the house edge in American Roulette to an unfriendly 5.26%. European Roulette offers a much more palatable house edge of just 1.35%, especially when the 'En Prison' rule is active. This rule applies to even-money bets such as red/black or odd/even.
The 'En Prison' rule works like this: if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet isn't immediately lost. Instead, it's 'imprisoned,' giving you another opportunity to win on the next spin. If the next spin goes your way, you get your original bet back, but without additional winnings. This rule effectively halves the house edge for even-money bets, making European Roulette one of the better choices for those looking to minimise the casino's advantage.
#5 Pai Gow Poker - House Edge 1.28%
Pai Gow Poker is an East-meets-West card game that combines traditional Chinese Pai Gow tiles with American poker. The result is an engaging, strategic game where you create two poker hands out of seven cards. One hand has five cards and the other has two, and both must beat the dealer's respective hands to win. The unique aspect here is that you can't just think about creating the strongest five-card hand; you also have to manage what's left for the two-card hand, which requires some tactical manoeuvring.
In terms of house edge, Pai Gow Poker comes in at a quite reasonable 1.28%. Much like other strategic games, understanding the nuances can further reduce the house advantage. This includes knowing how to split your hands, as well as other strategies that lean on the game's Eastern origins. And while the house edge is already quite low, effective strategy can get you close to an even playing field with the casino.
#4 Baccarat - House Edge 1.06%
Baccarat is a game that seems complicated but is exceptionally straightforward. You're basically betting on one of three outcomes: a player win, a banker win, or a tie. The cards are dealt according to set rules; there's no strategy in terms of card play. However, there's strategy in where you place your bets. The banker bet has a lower house edge, which is why it's often recommended by savvy gamblers.
Specifically, the house edge when betting on the banker is a mere 1.06%, among the lowest you'll find in the casino. Why so low? In Baccarat, the banker has a slight statistical advantage because they act last, and this edge is reflected in a 5% commission taken from wins on banker bets. Even with this commission, betting on the banker remains the most statistically sound bet you can make in the game. So if you're up for a round of Baccarat, backing the banker is typically your smartest move.
#3 Craps - House Edge ~1.36% (Don't Pass/Don't Come)
Craps is a classic casino game that's all about the roll of the dice. However, not all bets in craps are created equal. If you want to minimise the house edge, your best bets are 'Don't Pass' and 'Don't Come,' both of which come with a house edge of around 1.36%. These wagers essentially do the opposite of 'Pass' and 'Come' bets. Instead of betting on the shooter to win, you're betting against them. It might not make you the most popular person at the table, but it's a strategy that puts the odds more in your favour.
As you navigate the craps table, it's crucial to stick with these smarter bets and avoid the enticing yet riskier options like single-roll bets, which can have house edges as high as 16.67%. In craps, the excitement can get to your head, leading you to make impulsive bets. Stick to 'Don't Pass' and 'Don't Come' to keep the house edge low.
#2 Video Poker - House Edge <1% (Optimal Strategy)
Video Poker is a blend of slots and five-card draw poker, but unlike typical slot machines, it requires skill and decision-making. The game comes in various types like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Bonus Poker, among others. The house edge in Video Poker can be less than 1%, but this requires an optimal strategy and, importantly, the right machine. Machines with 9/6 pay tables (9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush) usually offer the lowest house edge when using optimal strategy.
Selecting the right machine is only part of the equation. You'll also need to employ optimal strategy, which involves knowing what cards to hold and discard for each hand type you're dealt. Perfect strategy can be complex, but cheat sheets are available that can guide you through it. By picking a favourable machine and applying a solid strategy, you can indeed bring the house edge to below 1%, making Video Poker one of the most player-friendly games in the casino.
#1 Blackjack - House Edge as low as 0.13% (Perfect Strategy)
When it comes to low house edges, Blackjack reigns supreme, but there's a catch—it requires perfect strategy. Unlike other casino games where luck plays a significant role, Blackjack allows the player's choices to influence the game's outcome significantly. In a game with favourable rules, employing perfect basic strategy can reduce the house edge to a scant 0.13%. This involves making the mathematically correct decision for every card combination you and the dealer possess, from whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.
The beauty of Blackjack is that perfect strategy charts are readily available. You won't need to memorise every possible hand, but you will need to practise until making the optimal move becomes second nature. It's a game that rewards skill, attention, and a good memory, along with a bit of luck. If you're willing to put in the work to master perfect strategy, Blackjack offers the best chance of walking away from the table as a winner.