You walk into a Vegas casino — lights flashing, slot machines ringing, cheers from the craps table echoing across the room. The energy is electric, the stakes feel high, and the jackpot seems just one lucky spin away. But behind the glitz lies a hard truth: the house always has the edge.
Whether you’re playing blackjack, spinning the roulette wheel, or trying your luck at the slots, every casino game is designed to make a profit over time. This built-in advantage is called the house edge, and understanding it is key if you want a real shot at success.
In this casino blog, we’re breaking down the casino games that win real money — and ranking them from best to worst based on their odds. We’ll also look at how these games compare to options at the best online casino platforms, where the odds can sometimes be more player-friendly.
If you want to gamble smarter, not just harder, you’re in the right place.
Understanding House Edge & Payout Percentages
Before you place your first bet, it’s important to understand how casinos make money — and how that affects your chances of winning. That’s where house edge, RTP, and volatility come in.
What is House Edge?
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The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has over the player.
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It’s expressed as a percentage — for example, a 2% house edge means the casino expects to earn $2 for every $100 wagered.
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The lower the house edge, the better your chances.
What is RTP?
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RTP (Return to Player) is the flip side — the percentage of money a game is expected to pay back over time.
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An RTP of 98% means players get $98 back for every $100 wagered (on average).
What About Volatility?
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Volatility refers to how often and how much a game pays out.
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High volatility = less frequent wins, bigger payouts.
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Low volatility = more frequent, smaller wins.
At the top-rated casino sites, you’ll often find these stats listed transparently, helping players make informed decisions. Combine that with a good casino bonus, and you can significantly improve your edge while playing to win real money online.
The Best Odds in Vegas: Games You Should Consider
Not all casino games are created equal, and if your goal is to maximise your chances of winning, the house edge should guide your choices. Below are the top 5 games in Vegas with the best odds, giving you the best shot at casino games that win real money.
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Blackjack – House Edge: ~0.5%
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Often considered the best casino game to win money, especially if you play using basic strategy.
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Look for tables that pay 3:2 on blackjack and allow doubling down on any two cards.
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Avoid tables with 6:5 payouts — they significantly increase the house edge.
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Tip: Print or memorise a basic strategy chart to make the most of every hand.
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Craps (Pass Line Bet) – House Edge: ~1.41%
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The Pass Line bet is one of the simplest and most favourable in the game.
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Adding odds bets behind your Pass Line wager (once the point is set) has no house edge at all.
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Tip: Avoid proposition bets in the centre of the table — they carry some of the worst odds.
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Baccarat (Banker Bet) – House Edge: ~1.06%
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Baccarat is straightforward: bet on Player, Banker, or Tie.
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Always bet on the Banker — it statistically wins more often.
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Tip: Ignore betting systems and focus on consistency; the house edge is already low.
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Video Poker (Full Pay Deuces Wild) – House Edge: ~0.46%
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Offers some of the best odds in the casino — if you find the “full pay” version.
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Master the optimal strategy, and you can beat the house in some cases.
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Tip: Look for paytables that offer 9/6 (for Jacks or Better) or better. Learn the specific strategy for each variation.
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European Roulette – House Edge: ~2.7%
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Unlike American roulette, European wheels only have one zero, improving your odds.
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Stick to even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even for more consistent returns.
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Tip: Avoid American Roulette when possible — its double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%.
If you want to win real money online, many top-rated casino platforms offer these same games with similar or even better odds, plus bonuses that boost your bankroll. Knowing which games to play is step one; playing them smart is how you turn the edge in your favour.
The Worst Odds in Vegas: Games to Be Cautious Of
While some casino games give you a fair shot at winning, others are built to favour the house heavily. These games may look fun, flashy, or simple to play, but if your goal is to walk away with profits, proceed with caution.
Keno – House Edge: 25–30%
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One of the worst odds in the casino.
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You choose numbers and wait for a random draw, but the odds of hitting enough to win big are slim.
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Keno is more like a lottery — high on hope, low on payout.
Slot Machines – House Edge: 5–12% (or higher)
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Slot odds vary wildly between machines and casinos.
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Progressive slots often have lower payout percentages due to the jackpot pool.
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Tip: Higher denomination machines typically offer better odds than penny slots.
Big Six Wheel – House Edge: 11–24%
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Simple and visually appealing, but one of the worst value games.
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The more a space pays, the worse the odds of landing on it.
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It’s a game of pure luck with a poor return.
Baccarat (Tie Bet) – House Edge: 14.4%
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The Tie bet pays 8:1 or 9:1, but the odds of winning are extremely low.
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Stick with the Banker bet for the best odds instead.
These games are more about entertainment than expectation. If you’re playing just for fun, they’re fine. But if you’re aiming for long-term value, steer toward games with better returns — or try casinos online, where some versions offer higher RTPs and transparent payout data.
Our casino blog is here to help you make smarter choices, so you can enjoy the game without falling into the odds trap.
How Online Odds Compare: Are Digital Games Fairer?
When it comes to odds, online casinos often beat Vegas at its own game.
Top-rated casino sites typically offer higher RTPs (Return to Player) for both slots and table games. For example, while land-based slots may have a 5–12% house edge, their online counterparts often return 96–98% — a major upgrade for players looking to maximise value.
What gives online players the edge?
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Lower overhead: No expensive buildings or staff to maintain.
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Transparent game info: Most platforms display payout percentages.
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Casino bonuses: New and returning players often receive welcome packages, free spins, or cashback, giving their bankroll a significant boost.
At the best online casino platforms, you’ll also find verified and audited games powered by leading providers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution. These games are tested for fairness, with published payout rates available for most titles.
So if you're looking for casino games that win real money — and better odds while you're at it — going digital might be your smartest bet.
Play Smart, Not Just Often
When it comes to gambling, knowledge is your real edge. Whether you're in a Vegas casino or logged into your favourite site, the key is simple: know the odds, manage your bankroll, and avoid high-risk traps that favour the house.
This blog isn't just a guide — it's a strategy reference. Use it to choose smarter bets next time you're eyeing a table, a slot machine, or a digital spin.
Games like blackjack, baccarat, and video poker consistently rank among the best casino games to win money, while flashy games like Keno and Big Six offer entertainment at a cost.
If you want to win real money online, start by picking the right games — and the right platforms. The smart gambler plays with a plan, not just a gut feeling.
FAQ
What casino game has the best odds in Vegas?
Blackjack offers the best odds, with a house edge as low as 0.5% when played using basic strategy.
Are odds better online than in Vegas casinos?
Yes. Many online games have higher RTPs (Return to Player), especially slots. Plus, online platforms often offer bonuses that improve your overall value.
What’s the worst game to play if you want to win?
Keno is one of the worst in terms of odds, with a house edge as high as 30%. It’s more like a lottery than a casino game.
Can you actually win money regularly from casino games?
While the house always has an edge, players can win real money online by choosing games with better odds, managing their bankroll, and playing strategically.
