As an experienced casino player, the first thing I look for when trying a new game is the house edge – the built-in advantage that ensures the casino makes money in the long run. But not all games are created equal when it comes to their built-in odds. By sticking to options with a lower house edge, savvy players can minimize the casino’s statistical advantage and give themselves the best chance of walking away a winner.
In this article, I’ll share the most popular Lucky Elf Casino games with the lowest house edge so you can make informed decisions at the tables and slot machines. We’ll also look at the house edge percentages for these games compared to others you’re likely to find on the casino floor.
Games with the Best Odds
While no casino game has zero house edge some options give the players much better odds than others. By familiarizing yourself with the options below, you’ll know which games to seek out and which to potentially avoid if you want the best statistical chance of winning.
Baccarat
- House Edge: 1.06% (Banker bet)
Elegant and approachable, baccarat offers some of the lowest house edges in the casino. While there is some strategy involved, much of the game comes down to chance, making it popular among casual gamblers.
The best bet you can make is on the banker’s hand, which carries a house edge of just 1.06%, giving you an excellent chance to beat the dealer. Even the player and tie bets aren’t terrible at 1.24% and 4.84% respectively. Combined with its glamorous reputation, the low house edge makes baccarat a smart choice if you’re looking to gamble for extended periods with the best odds.
Blackjack
- House Edge: 0.5% (with perfect basic strategy)
When played properly blackjack gives you an almost even shot against the house thanks to the opportunity to make strategic decisions that can tip the odds in your favor. By using perfect basic strategy – playing according to the mathematically optimal decisions for each hand – you can reduce the house edge to just 0.5%.
While slightly intimidating for novice players, blackjack offers excellent odds. And unlike games that rely purely on chance, skilled blackjack players can significantly cut into the house advantage over time. Just be sure to take time to properly learn basic strategy first.
Craps
- House Edge: 1.41% (on pass/come bets with full odds)
Featuring a unique blend of chance and strategy, craps is beloved for its exciting pace and potential for hot shooters to go on huge winning streaks. The house edge varies depending on the bets you make but by sticking to good bets like pass/come with full odds, it’s possible to face just a 1.41% disadvantage against the house.
With players gathered around the shooter cheering big wins together, craps is a social, action-packed game. And with the right bets the house edge can rival that of blackjack or baccarat. Just beware of the numerous sucker bets available that heavily favor the house.
House Edge Compared to Other Casino Games
To put the house edge percentages into perspective, here’s a comparison of the games above against other popular casino options:
Game | House Edge |
Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% |
Blackjack (perfect strategy) | 0.5% |
Craps (pass/come with odds) | 1.41% |
Pai Gow Poker | 2.84% |
Roulette (single 0) | 2.7% |
Slots | 2%-10% |
Keno | 25% |
As demonstrated above, the games with the lowest built-in house edge are baccarat, blackjack and craps, with certain bets in pai gow poker and single-zero roulette also providing relatively good odds for players.
However, games like multi-line slots and keno should typically be avoided if your primary goal is to gamble with the best statistical odds. The house edge on those games is dramatically higher, giving you a much smaller chance of winning against the casino.
Tips for Making the Most of Good Odds
While the house edge provides a good statistic to compare casino games, making the most of the odds requires good gambling habits and discipline. Here are some tips:
- Set a gambling bankroll based on the length of your trip and stick to it, resisting the urge to tap into other funds while playing
- Take breaks periodically to clear your head and avoid chasing losses
- Learn the optimal strategy for the game you choose to get the lowest house edge
- Know when to walk away – quitting while you’re ahead
- Be willing to reduce your bet size if you hit a cold streak
- Avoid alcohol and distractions that could negatively impact your decision-making
Your Best Shot at Beating the House
Games like baccarat, blackjack, craps and pai gow poker offer your best statistical chance at walking away from the casino a winner thanks to lower built-in house edges. Just be sure to pick options you actually enjoy playing since you’ll get the most entertainment value from your gambling bankroll that way.
And remember – while the house continues to hold an advantage in the long run, in the short term anything can happen. By combining good odds with solid gambling habits, it’s possible for strategic players to take advantage of lucky streaks and beat the casino at their own game.
So which game will you take on first? With the inside scoop above, you now know where to find the best odds on the casino floor. Stay disciplined and that big jackpot could be yours for the taking! Good luck!