Casino game odds
Some casino games cost ten times as much as others. This is the order.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Best: blackjack, about 0.5%.
- Then baccarat banker, 1.06%.
- Single-zero roulette, 2.70%.
- Worst common bets: baccarat tie, American roulette.
In brief: Blackjack with good rules has the best odds, then baccarat's banker bet, then single-zero roulette. Slots average around 4%.
Best to worst
| Rank | Bet | House edge | Cost per £100 staked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackjack, good rules and basic strategy | Around 0.5% | £0.50 |
| 2 | Baccarat, banker | About 1.06% | £1.06 |
| 3 | Baccarat, player | About 1.24% | £1.24 |
| 4 | French roulette, even-money | 1.35% | £1.35 |
| 5 | European roulette | 2.70% | £2.70 |
| 6 | Slots, typical | Around 4% | £4 |
| 7 | American roulette | 5.26% | £5.26 |
| 8 | Baccarat, tie | Around 14% | £14 |
Typical long-run figures.
Per hour
| Game | Stake | Rounds an hour | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | £2 | 60 | £0.60 |
| European roulette | £1 | 40 | £1.08 |
| Slots | 20p | 600 | £4.80 |
Pace matters as much as edge.
Bets to avoid
- The tie in baccarat.
- Insurance in blackjack.
- 6 to 5 blackjack tables.
- Double-zero roulette.
- Most side bets.
Price any session: house edge calculator.
More on games: Blackjack strategy, Roulette bets and odds and High RTP slots UK.
Elsewhere in games: Online roulette UK, Online baccarat UK and Blackjack strategy.
Why the edges differ
Each game's edge comes from its rules. Roulette's comes from the zero. Baccarat's from the drawing rules and commission. Blackjack's from the player acting first, offset by 3 to 2 payouts and the right to double and split. A slot's is whatever its designer sets, which is why slots vary most.
Where skill matters
Only in blackjack among these games. Played by instinct it costs around 2%; played by basic strategy, about 0.5%. Nothing you do changes the edge at roulette, baccarat or slots.
Slots vary
| Slot | Default RTP | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | 96.71% | 3.29% |
| Gates of Olympus | 96.50% | 3.50% |
| Book of Dead | 96.21% | 3.79% |
| Fishin' Frenzy | 96.12% | 3.88% |
| Starburst | 96.09% | 3.91% |
| Fluffy Favourites | 95.39% | 4.61% |
Developers' defaults. See high RTP slots.
Odds and swings
A low edge does not mean a smooth ride, and a high one does not mean constant losses. Volatility decides how results are spread; the edge decides where they settle over time.
Odds and bonuses
Low-edge games rarely count towards wagering, so the best-odds games and bonuses seldom mix: live casino bonuses.
Use these figures to compare games, not to predict an evening.
Slots and lists: New slots UK, Sweet Bonanza UK and Fast withdrawal casinos UK.
Offer terms dated 5 October 2026, from each casino's published conditions. Other casino details are reported by independent reviews. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Which casino game has the best odds?
Blackjack.
What are the worst bets?
Baccarat tie and American roulette.
Are slots bad value?
Per pound staked, pricier than tables.
Can I beat any game?
No.