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Top 13 Best Bets in the Casino
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Introduction
Here’s a compilation of what I believe are the 13 best betting options one can find in a casino. Initially, I aimed to list just ten, but I soon realized that I had overlooked three additional games. A discussion in my forum sparked lengthy debate regarding the criteria for assessing a game's value. My assessment is based on the comparison of average losses to the average amount wagered. In this context, lower values signify better options. I refer to this comparison as the risk component. Note that this should not be mistaken for the house edge, as the latter does not account for side bets in games like poker when considering average wagers.
A prime illustration of how these measurements are vital can be seen in Mississippi Stud. The house edge, which is defined as the proportion of money lost against the starting bet, stands at 2.64%. However, players typically wager an average of 71.4% on raising bets relative to the Ante bet. This extra wager significantly influences the game's overall value. Consequently, the risk component for Mississippi Stud translates to an expected loss of 0.0264 units against a total wager of 1.714 units, resulting in a more favorable rate of 1.54%.
Some individuals in my forum suggested that I should also consider the pace of the game, commonly quantified in hands played per hour. This is a valid observation, but the speed can differ greatly. I’ve provided hand-per-hour statistics for each game along with the corresponding standard deviation. Others maintained that games with low volatility should be prioritized. While that is understandable, certain players may prefer more unpredictable experiences. For those who appreciate a slow-paced game with low volatility—often referred to as a 'dribbler'—it would be wise to mentally include games characterized by reduced speeds and low standard deviations. On the contrary, if you’re seeking excitement, aim for games that offer higher speeds and variability.
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Several elements influenced my selection, particularly the game rules, which can differ significantly. I aimed to highlight the most favorable rules available here in Las Vegas, particularly at MGM-Mirage locations, known for offering better game conditions. Some rules may only apply to higher stakes, and I will note this where applicable. My goal was also to feature games that are commonly accessible, which sometimes involved personal judgment. I recognize that others might disagree with my views on what should be considered readily available games and rules, and that’s perfectly acceptable—please interpret my choices with some caution.
This compilation is built on the assumption that players are using strategies that are either optimal or close to optimal. The reality is that many players are unsure of their strategies at the tables, which can lead to costly mistakes in skill-based games. If you're making impulsive strategic choices, I would recommend adding around 3% to the risk component. Further, I am presuming that players are sticking to the core game and steering clear of side bets and any options not mentioned here. Including additional bets will only increase the house's advantage.
With these clarifications made, I present my ranking of the 13 most favorable bets within the casino, arranged from the least risky to the most.
13. High Card Flush
- House edge: 2.64%
- Element of risk: 1.54%
- Standard deviation: 1.63
- Hands per hour: Apx. 50
High Card Flush is a straightforward poker game that relies on flushes and has gained traction in recent years. As of now, in April 2020, my table games survey showed 11 placements around Las Vegas.
The goal of this game is to maintain a longer sequence of cards in one suit compared to the dealer. Similar to Three Card Poker, players only make a single choice to either raise or fold. The basic approach is quite straightforward: raise with a three-card combination of 10-8-6 or better.
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12. Mississippi Stud
- House edge: 2.64%
- Element of risk: 1.54%
- Standard deviation: 9.84
- Hands per hour: Apx. 50
Mississippi Stud has emerged as one of the most popular poker variants over the past ten years. The objective is to form a high-ranking five-card poker hand. Unlike some other games, there is no dealer hand to contest. As the dealer reveals cards, players must choose to raise minimally, raise significantly, or fold. The strategy is simple enough to fit on a small card.
Currently, this game boasts 13 locations in Las Vegas. However, be cautious, as the standard deviation is 9.84; it can produce wildly variable outcomes.
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11. Roulette
- House edge: 1.35%
- Element of risk: 1.35%
- Standard deviation: 0.99
- Spins per hour: 35
Roulette earns a spot on this list, but only when played under the more favorable French rules, specifically on even money bets. Here’s a brief overview of the various roulette rule types, arranged from least to most advantageous:
- Triple-zero: This variant has a house edge of 7.89% on all bets.
- Double-zero: The house edge is 5.26% on most wagers (with the exception being a 7.89% edge on the 'first five' bet).
- Atlantic City Rules: These are similar to double-zero rules, but even money wagers only lose half their stake if the ball lands in either zero. The house edge remains the same as double-zero rules, but on even money bets, it drops to 2.64%.
- Single-zero: Referred to as European rules, this variant has a house edge of 2.70% across bets.
- French Rules: These follow single-zero rules but reduce the loss on even money bets to half if the ball lands in zero. The house edge is the same overall but is lowered to 1.35% for even money bets.
Only even money bets in French roulette qualify for my top ten recommendations. Unfortunately, this game is predominantly found at high-limit tables. Many MGM-Mirage venues feature tables with French rules starting at a minimum of $50.
For more information, please see my roulette page.
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10. Crazy 4 Poker
- House edge: 3.42%
- Element of risk: 1.09%
- Standard deviation: 3.13
- Hands per hour: Apx. 50
Crazy 4 Poker is another favored variant of poker that has 25 locations in Las Vegas as of this writing. The aim is to secure a better four-card poker hand than the dealer's. Players typically make one of three decisions: to fold, place a small raise, or (in certain situations) make a larger raise. The strategy here is refreshingly simple:
- Make a big raise with a pair of aces or higher.
- Otherwise, opt for a small raise if you've got a K-Q-8-4 or better.
- Otherwise, fold.
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9. Baccarat
- House edge: 1.06%
- Element of risk: 1.06%
- Standard deviation: 0.93
- Hands per hour: Apx. 70
Baccarat is quite an easy game, boasting a house edge as low as 1.06% if the player bets strictly on the Banker. Here are the house edges for all primary bets, ranked from most favorable to least:
- Banker: 1.06%
- Player: 1.24%
- Player pair, banker pair: 10.36%
- Tie: 14.36%
In all the time I’ve played, I’ve never seen anyone adhere strictly to the strategy of only betting on the Banker. Many baccarat players are quite superstitious and often switch between Player and Banker in an aimless attempt to read trends. If you consistently bet only on the Banker, your house edge will range between 1.06% and 1.24%. Just refrain from making any other types of bets! The significantly high house edges on ties, pairs, and other side bets can turn baccarat into a losing proposition.
The above statistics are based on the standard baccarat rules that include a 5% commission on winning banker bets. There are a few alternative versions where the banker bet typically pays even money. The drawing rules remain unchanged, resulting in equivalent odds for all other bets. Here's a summary of these versions:
- EZ Baccarat: If the Banker hand has a three-card sum of 7, it results in a push. Interestingly, the house edge on the Banker in this version is even lower at 1.02%.
- Nepal Baccarat: Here, the Banker hand wins with any total of 6 and pays 1 to 2. This version has a 1.46% house edge on the Banker.
More information:
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8. Free Bet Blackjack
- House edge: 1.04%
- Element of risk: Apx. 0.98%
- Standard deviation: Apx. 1.07
- Hands per hour: Apx. 70
Free Bet Blackjack presents a unique twist by allowing players to make most doubling and splitting bets without charge. Essentially, players are playing with free money for those additional bets following the initial wager. However, a pivotal catch is that if the dealer lands a 22, any outstanding bets will simply push.
This variant necessitates a different approach than traditional blackjack. The strategy focuses more on hitting, which can occasionally create tension among players who stick rigidly to conventional blackjack tactics. Nevertheless, embracing this strategy leads to an enjoyable experience as players can take advantage of the free splits or double opportunities.
Despite being a relatively new addition, this game has skyrocketed in popularity, now featuring 15 venues as of this writing.
For further insights, please refer to my dedicated page on Free Bet Blackjack .
7. Blackjack Switch
- House edge: 0.58%
- Element of risk: Apx. 0.52%
- Standard deviation: Apx. 1.14
- Rounds per hour: Apx. 70
Blackjack Switch is an intriguing variation of the classic blackjack game, giving players the option to swap cards between two hands simultaneously. Like Free Bet Blackjack, it also implements the Push 22 rule, which can lead to a unique approach to strategy that might confuse those relying on traditional blackjack tactics. Moreover, there exists a complex strategy specifically tailored for switching cards.
Currently, there are 18 locations in Las Vegas where you can enjoy Blackjack Switch.
For further insights, please refer to my dedicated page on Blackjack Switch .
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6. Texas Hold \"Em Bonus
Texas Hold 'Em Bonus represents another variant of poker where your goal is to achieve a stronger hand than the dealer's. This game provides players with three opportunities to raise their initial bets, which can often lead to final wagers significantly larger than the original.
The initial strategy for the first two-card hand is relatively straightforward, as there are only 169 possible combinations. However, the strategic approach becomes increasingly complex after that point, with much remaining unknown, including even to experienced players. James Grosjean’s Counting Exhibit CAA (pages 367-371) elaborates on this intricate strategy that follows the flop.
- House edge: 2.04%
- Element of risk: 0.534%
- Standard deviation: 3.51
- Hands per hour: Apx. 50
For further insights, please refer to my dedicated page on Texas Hold \"em Bonus .
5. Ultimate Texas Hold \"Em
- House edge: 2.19%
- Element of risk: 0.526%
- Standard deviation: 4.94
- Hands per hour: Apx. 50
Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em presents excellent opportunities for players who understand the game well. It happens to be one of my personal favorites. After playing extensively, I’ve noticed that most players fail to apply the right strategy, resulting in losses that could be minimized.
Your primary objective in this game is to outperform the dealer. Strategic decisions come into play when considering when to raise your Ante bet. The earlier you choose to raise, the greater your raising options. If you play effectively, you can anticipate only losing about half a percent of your total bets. Additionally, unique games like this are often well-comped. Nevertheless, it's advisable to play only if you are familiar with the game's nuances.
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4. Video Poker
- House edge: 0.54%
- Element of risk: 0.54%
- Standard deviation: 4.42
- Hands per hour: Apx. 500
The house edge in video poker can vary significantly, generally ranging from 5% to a slight negative edge, providing a potential advantage to the player, depending on the specific game and its pay table. Typically, the more complex a game is to master, the better the odds. Video poker exemplifies this principle: a skilled player is aware of the expected returns for common variants and pay tables, and knows how to play all 2.6 million hand combinations optimally. Conversely, a player who randomly chooses a machine and makes decisions based on luck is sure to lose funds quickly, though perhaps not as fast as on traditional slot machines.
In the context of this discussion, I'm using the house edge based on data from specific sources. The properties owned by MGM-Mirage usually feature this game in their high-limit slot areas. Employing the correct strategy can yield a player return of 99.54%, which indicates a house edge of only 0.46%. 9-6 Jacks or Better While there are games that surpass the 9-6 Jacks or Better in quality, most alternatives tend to be less favorable. If you're playing optimally and patronizing casinos that offer better games, your rewards in comps and promotional mailings could actually exceed your losses. However, keep in mind that mastering video poker requires effort; otherwise, everyone would engage in it, leading to worse pay tables.
I have compiled a vast array of resources on video poker that I highly encourage you to explore for further insights.
To cash out, the bonus and deposit amount must be wagered 90 times on Video Poker.
More information:
- Rules, strategy, and analysis
- Jacks or better demo game (there are many more)
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3. Spanish 21
- House edge: 0.42%
- Element of risk: Apx. 0.38%
- Standard deviation: Apx 1.14
- Hands per hour: Apx. 70
Similar to video poker, the house edge in blackjack can vary considerably depending on specific game rules. The cited house edge of 0.19% assumes you are playing a two-deck game where the dealer stands on a soft 17 and allows doubles after splits. You can find such rules at places like the Mirage, Aria, Bellagio, MGM, and Treasure Island, generally with minimum bets ranging from $50 to $100. If those conditions aren't available, the more commonly encountered 'liberal Vegas Strip' rules using six decks, with the dealer standing on soft 17, allowance for double after splits, surrender options, and re-splitting aces, have a slight increment in house edge to 0.26%. However, be cautious as some variations may raise the house edge to as high as 2% if blackjack payouts are lowered to 6 to 5, a trend that's starting to become prevalent.
In addition to choosing favorable rules, applying correct basic strategy is crucial. Many players believe they grasp the basic concepts but often falter when tested. Here’s a brief quiz designed to challenge your understanding of blackjack strategy:
More information:
2. Craps
- House edge: 1.41%
- Element of risk: 0.27%
- Standard deviation: 4.91
- Under the previously mentioned relaxed rules, what would be the best course of action if faced with:
Would you accept 'even money' when dealt a blackjack against a dealer showing an ace?
Comparable to video poker, blackjack also rewards skilled players while punishing those who lack expertise.
- Rules, strategy, and analysis
- Craps demo game
- Demo game video
- Video with Angela (part one of five)
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1. Blackjack
- House edge: 0.19%
- Element of risk: 0.17%
- Standard deviation: 1.14
- Hands per hour: Apx. 70
Blackjack Switch is an interesting twist on traditional blackjack, as it permits players to interchange cards between two separate hands they are managing simultaneously. It follows the same 'Push 22' rule found in Free Bet Blackjack, leading to a need for an adjusted strategy that may confuse those who are applying standard blackjack tactics. Additionally, the strategy for switching cards adds a layer of complexity to the game.
As of the latest update, there are 18 designated locations in Las Vegas where Blackjack Switch is offered.
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- Ace-7 against a 9?
- Ace-2 against a 5?
- 4-4 against a 6?
- Total of 16 against a 10?
- Total of 12 against a 2?
- 9-9 against a 9?
- 8-8 against a 10?
- Total of 9 against a 3?
- 6-6 against a 4?
- You can receive a 100% bonus, with a cap of $1,000.00, applicable once a day. There’s a limitation on cashing out, which is set at a maximum of $2,000. Note that the bonus chips cannot be converted to cash and will be deducted from your cashout. This offer is exclusive to players from the USA and Canada.
Please see this post at Wizard of Vegas for the answers.
To withdraw your bonus and deposit, you are required to wager a total of 90 times on Classic Blackjack.
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Honorable Mentions
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Conclusion
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- Bet in moderation.
- Do not trust in betting systems.
- Texas Hold 'Em Bonus introduces a new dimension to poker where the aim is to beat the dealer's hand in Texas Hold 'Em. This game gives players three opportunities to increase their initial stake, meaning that the final bet can be significantly higher than the original.', "Understanding the strategy for the initial two-card hand is straightforward since there are only 169 unique combinations. However, the strategy for subsequent rounds is less clear, even for seasoned players. James Grosjean's Counting Exhibit CAA, particularly pages 367-371, elaborates on a detailed and still ongoing strategy for post-flop play.