Casino Games with the Best Odds

More on RTP

RTP, or return to player, is a key concept in casino games that tells you what percentage of all the money wagered on a game is expected to be paid back to players over time. For example, a game with a 96 percent RTP is designed to return 96 dollars for every 100 dollars wagered in the long run, with the remaining 4 dollars representing the house edge. It is important to remember that RTP is based on millions of plays, so short term results can vary widely.

RTP is essentially the inverse of the house edge. If a game has an RTP of 96 percent, it means the house edge is 4 percent. The two always add up to 100, which makes them two sides of the same coin. RTP is expressed from the player’s perspective, showing how much money is expected to be returned over time, while house edge is expressed from the casino’s perspective, showing how much the casino expects to keep.

The Casino Games with the Best Odds

Now that we understand what house edge and return to player mean, it is time to look at the specific games that give players the strongest chance in the casino. Each game has its own rules, betting options, and level of strategy, but a handful consistently stand out for offering better odds than the rest. In the sections that follow, we will break down the most player-friendly games and explain why they rank among the best choices for anyone looking to maximize value and minimize the house advantage.

So, without further ado, lets take a look at the individual games that have the best odds and why they rank better than all the others for the best odds in the casino.

Blackjack- Classic Casino Game with Great Returns

No matter if you are playing at Hard Rock Bet Casino in New Jersey, or in person in Las Vegas, blackjack offers the best odds of any casino game when you play smart. The RTP can reach up to 99.5%, which is one of the highest return percentages available in any casino game. That’s incredible value compared to most other casino games, and skilled players have even experienced amazing winning streaks with these favorable odds.

The secret sauce is basic strategy , a set of mathematically proven decisions that tell you exactly when to hit, stand, double down, or split. You don’t need to memorize complex charts or count cards like in the movies. Just follow some simple rules and you’ll dramatically improve your results.

Simple Moves That Improve Your Odds

These five basic moves will instantly make you a better blackjack player. You can learn how to play blackjack in about five minutes and use them every time you play.

Always split aces and 8s: Two aces give you a terrible hand of 12, but splitting them gives you two chances at blackjack. Two 8s equal 16, which is the worst possible hand in blackjack.

Never split 10s: You already have 20, which wins most of the time. Don’t get greedy and mess with a good thing.

Double down on 11: You can’t bust when you have 11, and there are more 10-value cards in the deck than any other value. This gives you an excellent shot at 21.

Stand on 17 or higher: The math says you’ll bust more often than you’ll improve your hand. Take your chances with what you’ve got.

Hit on 16 or less: You need to improve your hand because 16 and below loses to most dealer totals. The risk of busting is worth taking.

Hard Rock Bet’s blackjack interface makes these decisions crystal clear on your phone or computer. The buttons are clearly labeled, and you can take your time without feeling rushed by other players or dealers.

Craps – Where Smart Bets Keep the Edge Low

Craps might look intimidating with its complex table layout and rapid-fire betting action, but winning often comes down to one simple bet: the Pass Line. This wager gives you nearly even odds with just a 1.4% house edge, making it one of the smartest plays in any casino. In fact, craps odds bets carry “true odds” which means that there is no house edge on this bet. Learn more about how to play craps to understand more about how craps works. 

The Pass Line bet works like this: you win immediately if the first roll, called the “come out roll,” is a 7 or 11. You lose if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, becomes “the point.” Once a point is established, you need that number to roll again before a 7 appears. It’s that straightforward.

What makes craps special is the incredible energy and camaraderie around the table. Everyone betting the Pass Line wins or loses together, creating a team atmosphere you won’t find in other games. The shooter, the person rolling the dice, becomes the hero everyone’s rooting for.

• Come Out Roll: The initial roll that determines immediate wins, losses, or sets the point.
• Point Numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. These must repeat before a 7 to win your Pass Line bet.
• Seven Out: When a 7 rolls after a point has been established, ending the shooter’s turn.

Online craps removes the intimidation factor completely. You can take your time, place bets without pressure, and focus on the Pass Line without getting distracted by dozens of other betting options.

Simple Moves to Maximize your Craps Odds

• Stick to the Pass Line and back it with Odds

• Always take the maximum Odds allowed

• Use Come bets with Odds for steady action

• Avoid proposition and “sucker” bets

• Manage your bankroll with discipline

Baccarat: The Easiest Game Nobody Plays

Baccarat is the most underrated game in any casino. You literally just pick “Player” or “Banker” and watch the cards get dealt. There are no decisions to make after you place your bet, no strategy to learn, and no way to mess up your hand.

The Banker bet wins slightly more often than the Player bet, giving you some of the best odds in the entire casino. You’re looking at around 98.9% RTP on Banker bets, which puts it right behind blackjack for player-friendly games.

Think of baccarat like betting on a coin flip, except one side of the coin is slightly heavier. The Banker side wins about 51% of the time, Player wins about 49% of the time, and ties happen rarely. You don’t need to understand why,just know that Banker is your best bet.

The game moves quickly and doesn’t require any skill or experience, making it one of the most popular live dealer games online. You can jump right in and start playing without studying rules or memorizing charts. It’s perfect for new players to learn how to play baccarat and join in the table game excitement without the learning curve. 

Simple Moves to Maximize your Baccarat Bets

• Always bet on the Banker

• Avoid the Tie bet at all costs

• Keep bets consistent and simple

• Use small side bets sparingly (or not at all)

• Manage your bankroll with clear limits

Video Poker- Easy to Learn and Great Returns

Video poker bridges the gap between slot machine excitement and table game strategy. Jacks or Better, the most common variant, can deliver over 99% RTP when you play optimally. This means making correct decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard.

The strategy involves understanding poker hand rankings and probability. You might hold a pair of jacks over a four-card straight draw, or keep a single high card instead of going for an inside straight. These decisions directly impact your long-term results.

• Jacks or Better: The lowest paying hand is a pair of jacks or better.
• Deuces Wild: All 2s act as wild cards, creating more winning combinations.
• Bonus Poker: Offers extra payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands.

Video poker combines the solo play of slots with the skill element of table games. You control the pace, make strategic decisions, and can achieve near-even odds with proper play.

Simple Moves to Maximize your Video Poker Bets

• Always play max coins to unlock the top jackpot

• Learn and use the correct strategy chart for your game variant

• Choose full-pay machines with the best return percentages

• Hold high pairs over chasing straights or flushes

• Manage your bankroll and pace your play

Roulette- Choosing the Right Game Matters

American Roulette features 38 numbered pockets: 1-36 plus 0 and 00. This configuration gives American Roulette a house edge of 5.26%. European Roulette, with just one zero, offers better odds with a house edge of 2.7%  but is less common in American casinos. The good news is that Hard Rock Online Casino offers both American and European roulette options. 

The smartest roulette bets are the even-money options: red/black, odd/even, and high/low (1-18 or 19-36). These bets win nearly half the time and pay 1:1, giving you the longest playing sessions for your money. Inside bets on specific numbers pay much more but hit far less frequently.

Watching the wheel spin and the ball dance around the pockets creates unmatched excitement. The anticipation builds as the ball slows down, bouncing between numbers before finally settling. It’s pure theater with your money on the line.

Simple Moves to Maximize your Roulette Bets

• Choose European Roulette over American for a lower house edge

• Stick to outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) for better odds

• Avoid the “five-number bet” (0, 00, 1, 2, 3)  it has the worst edge

• Set win/loss limits and stick to them

What Casino Game has the Worst Odds?

Keno is widely considered one of the lowest RTP games in the casino. On the surface it looks simple and appealing as you pick numbers and hope they get drawn, but the math behind it is heavily stacked against the player. Depending on the casino and the paytable, the RTP for keno usually ranges from about 65 percent to 80 percent, which means the house edge can be as high as 20 to 35 percent. That is far higher than almost any other casino game.

Because of this, keno offers very little long term value compared to games like blackjack, baccarat, or even standard roulette. The potential payouts are huge, especially if you hit many numbers, but the odds of doing so are extremely slim. For players who enjoy the lottery style format, keno can be fun as a low cost, slow paced game, but it should be approached as pure entertainment rather than a strategy for stretching your bankroll or seeking the best odds.

How Can you Play Smarter?

Smart casino play isn’t about guaranteed winning systems; those don’t exist. Instead, it’s about maximizing your entertainment value while giving yourself the best possible chances. Think of it like planning the perfect concert experience: you want great seats, reasonable prices, and memories that last.

Start by setting a clear budget before you play. This money should be earmarked for entertainment, not for essentials like rent or groceries. Once you’ve spent your casino budget, walk away, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. This approach keeps gambling fun instead of stressful.

• Bankroll Management: Never bet more than 5% of your session budget on a single hand.
• Time Limits: Set alarms to remind yourself to take breaks and avoid overextending.
• Learn Basic Strategy: Invest time in mastering optimal play for skill games like blackjack and video poker.
• Avoid Side Bets: These typically carry much higher house edges, reducing your overall odds.

Online casinos offer unique advantages for smart players. Lower minimum bets let you stretch your bankroll further, while practice modes help you learn games risk-free. Hard Rock Bet’s Unity rewards program adds extra value to every session, turning your play into points that unlock exclusive benefits and experiences.

The key to smart play is treating casino games as entertainment, not investment opportunities. You’re paying for excitement, social interaction, and the thrill of possibility. When you approach gambling with this mindset, every session becomes a win, regardless of the final tally.

Choose games that match your personality and skill level. If you enjoy strategy and want the best odds, stick with blackjack and video poker. If you prefer pure chance and social energy, try craps or roulette. The most important thing is finding games you genuinely enjoy playing.

FAQ about Casino Games with the Best Odds

Below we’ve put together a few questions and answers about casino games with the best odds.