When visiting a casino, most players are looking to win money. However, with so many games to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones give you the best chance to come out ahead.
Blackjack
Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is a popular card game found in casinos, like Robo Cat, worldwide. The objective is to build a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Players make strategic decisions on whether to “hit” and take another card or “stand” with their current total.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: Under 1% with optimal basic strategy
- Volatility: Low to moderate
- Game Speed: Medium. 50-70 hands per hour
- Player Decisions: Moderate impact through correct basic strategy
With its low house edge, moderate game speed and opportunity for skilled play, blackjack offers one of the best returns in the casino when learned properly. Just be sure to take time to study basic blackjack strategy first. This can lower the house edge down to under 1% making it very player-friendly over hundreds of hands.
Baccarat
Baccarat has simple rules and involves trying to get a hand value closer to 9 than the banker. Tens and face cards count as zero while aces are worth 1 point. The key betting options are on the player, banker or tie.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: 1.06% on banker bets
- Volatility: Low
- Game Speed: Fast. Over 100 hands per hour
- Player Decisions: None
As one of the fastest casino card games, baccarat offers decent returns for the amount of hands played per hour. With no strategy involved, it’s easy to learn, though the 1.06% house edge on the optimal banker bet is still slightly higher than blackjack.
Craps
Craps is an exciting dice game with a lively crowd atmosphere. Several betting options are available but the main one is the pass line. Players throw two dice aiming to hit specific numbers to win.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: 1.41% is typical though certain bets range from under 1% up to over 10%
- Volatility: High
- Game Speed: Over 100 throws per hour
- Player Decisions: None on main bets
With its quick pace and some bets having low house edges, craps can provide decent returns per hour invested. However the high volatility means outcomes can fluctuate dramatically in the short run. It’s also among the most complex table games learning curve-wise.
Roulette
In roulette, a ball spins around a wheel with numbered slots and players bet on where they think it will land. Inside and outside bet options exist based on number ranges, colors or dozens.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: 5.26%
- Volatility: Moderate
- Game Speed: Fast, up to 120 spins per hour
- Player Decisions: None, completely random outcome
Despite its excitement and fast speed, roulette generally has unfavorable odds for players, with a house edge averaging over 5%. With outcomes depending purely on chance, no decisions alter your return. Occasional small bets can be fun but it ranks low for return on time invested.
Slot Machines
Slots are the most popular casino games with a wide variety available. Modern video slots have bonus features and creative themes. Players simply insert money and press a button to spin the reels trying to land winning symbol combinations.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: Ranges from 5% up to 10% or more
- Volatility: Varies greatly across slots
- Game Speed: Fast. Over 500 spins per hour possible.
- Player Decisions: None outside choosing game and wager size
Slot machines are highly entertaining with frequent payouts. However, their house edge is notoriously high compared to table games. Selecting slots with higher “return to player (RTP) percentages” will pay back slightly better over enormous numbers of spins. But overall, slots have some of the poorest returns on time invested.
Video Poker
Video poker machines function similarly to slots but involve more decision-making. After being dealt 5 virtual poker cards, you choose which ones to hold or replace to form the best possible hand. The machine pays credits for hands based on standard poker values.
Return on Time Investment
- House Edge: Under 0.5% is possible with optimal strategy
- Volatility: Medium
- Game Speed: Medium. Up to 600 hands per hour
- Player Decisions: Very high influence through correct strategy
While often overlooked, video poker offers some of the best returns you’ll find via superb player decisions. Learning proper strategy can lower the house edge to fractions of a percent. Combined with a solid pace of play, it provides high value for money and time spent.
Summary
Maximizing your return on time invested gaming requires seeking out table games or video poker with decent speed, reasonable volatility and decisions that impact outcomes. Games of pure chance like roulette and slots have entertainment value but lag far behind in potential hourly returns. Mastering blackjack gives high returns thanks to its low house edge. Craps and baccarat also allow fast-paced play. But learning perfect video poker strategy can offer the overall best returns per time spent playing.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right casino games is vital to get the most entertainment and best returns on your bankroll over time. Each game also has its own unique vibe and playing experience. While slots are hugely popular, their terrible returns make them best for casual gamblers. Those wanting to maximize wins over hours of play should target skill-based games like blackjack or video poker. With the right approach and knowledge, your odds can rival or even surpass the house.
Now that you know which options give back best overall, why not head to the tables and put your newfound expertise to profitable use? Remember to gamble responsibly and never for more than you can comfortably afford to lose. But approach games like blackjack using perfect strategy, and your next casino trip could prove your most rewarding ever.