To maximize your chances of winning, you must absolutely avoid games that carry a massive casino advantage.
The 'house edge' dictates exactly how much money the casino expects to keep from every wager over the long term.
Why Blackjack Offers the Best Odds
When played flawlessly, traditional blackjack offers the absolute lowest house edge in the entire building.
You must memorize and execute perfect basic strategy on every single hand to achieve this 0.5% edge.
- Rules like 'Dealer stands on soft 17' lower the house edge further in your favor
- If surrender is allowed, use it mathematically to save half your bet on terrible hands
- Print out a basic strategy card and keep it on the table; casinos legally allow you to use them
Finding Value Beyond the Blackjack Table
James Bond's favorite game is essentially a coin flip where the casino only takes a microscopic advantage.
Like blackjack, Video Poker requires perfect mathematical strategy, but the payout potential is significantly higher.
| Casino Game | Optimal House Edge | Skill Required |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (3:2) | ~0.50% | High (Basic Strategy) |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | None |
Ultimately, doing a little bit of research before you sit down can save you hundreds of dollars.