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Read Full BioIn our list of the casino games with lowest house edge, we explain how each one works, what affects the odds, and how you can improve your chances of walking away a winner. You will learn all about the lowest house edge casino games and why it matters for both online and in-person play.
Key Beats
- Lowest house edge games offer better long-term value by minimizing the casino’s mathematical advantage and slowing down bankroll losses.
- Smart game and bet selection matters: blackjack with basic strategy, banker bets in baccarat, and taking odds in craps provide some of the best odds.
- Avoid high house edge bets and games, as they drain your funds faster and reduce your overall playing time.
What Is the House Edge and Why Does It Matter?
The house edge is where the casino makes its money. It’s the statistical margin, embedded in every game, that shows how much of an advantage the casino holds in the long run. For example, with a house edge of 2%, the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 you bet.
That doesn’t mean you’ll lose $2 every time. Luck is a factor in the short term. However, over time, the math catches up.
Lowest House Edge Casino Games for Beginners
Below, we have ranked the top 12 picks, to help you choose the lowest house edge casino games and find the best odds.
| Game | House Edge | Top Tips for Players |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | 0.5% | Learn basic strategy and avoid insurance bets |
| Craps | 0.0 -1.4% | Stick to Pass Line + Odds or Don’t Pass Line bets |
| Baccarat | 1.06% | Banker has the most favourable house edge |
| Video Poker | 0.5 – 1.5% | Use optimal strategy and choose full-pay machines |
| Poker (vs players) | Varies | Beat other players with skill and bankroll control |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | Avoid American roulette for better odds |
| Pai Gow Poker | 1.5% | Use the house way to set hands |
| Sic Bo | 2.8% – 33% | Stick to Big and Small bets |
| Slots | 2% – 15%+ | Choose high RTP games |
| Ultimate Texas Hold’em | 2.2% | Bet strategically and fold weak hands early |
| Three Card Poker | 1.5 – 3.4% | Raise with Q-6-4 or better; avoid Pair Plus |
| Casino War | 2.9% | Always go to war instead of surrendering |
Breaking Down the Lowest House Edge Casino Games
Every popular casino game has a house edge. But some games have a much lower edge than others, which means you’ll get more play for your money and a better chance of coming out ahead.
Understanding the house edge helps you play smarter. Whether you’re trying your hand at land-based or online casinos, stick to games with friendly odds.
1. Blackjack House Edge: 0.5%
Blackjack is hands-down one of the casino games with the lowest house edge, but only if you play your cards right. With optimal basic strategy, the house edge can dip as low as 0.5%, depending on the casino’s table rules.
To get the best odds, avoid insurance bets, and always stick to a perfect strategy. Dealer shows a 2 and you’ve got a hard 14 – resist the hit. Blackjack’s low edge rewards smart, disciplined play. And online blackjack can be even better, especially at live dealer tables with friendly rules.
2. Craps House Edge: 0.0-1.4%
Online craps might look chaotic at first, but if you can crack the code, it’s a hidden gem for savvy players. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets carry a house edge of about 1.41% and 1.36% respectively.
But here’s the kicker – taking odds after your Pass/Don’t Pass bet comes with zero house edge.
Combined with the Pass bets, it makes craps one of the lowest house edge casino games, provided you avoid the riskier rookie proposition bets in the center of the table.
3. Baccarat House Edge: 1.06% (Banker Bet)
The Baccarat card game may be the game of high rollers and secret agents, but it’s also great for conservative players. Just always bet on the banker. It carries a razor-thin house edge of just 1.06%.
Avoid the tie bet though. Despite its tempting 8:1 payout, it has a whopping 14.36% house edge. Stick to banker (and sometimes player) bets, and you’re playing one of the lowest house edge games available.
4. Video Poker House Edge: 0.5 – 1.5%
Video poker is a skill-based machine game where the paytable makes all the difference. Look for ‘Full Pay’ Jacks or Better (9/6 machines), and you could get a house edge as low as 0.46%.
You’ll need to follow optimal strategy to reap the rewards. Choose wisely and don’t just hit buttons at random – you’ll be rewarded with some of the best odds in casino games.
5. Poker (Player vs Player) – Varies
When you play poker against other players (Texas Hold’em or Omaha), the house doesn’t take a traditional edge. Instead, the casino takes a rake (a small cut of each pot or tournament entry).
That means your edge depends entirely on your skill level. Better players can win consistently. Beginners may struggle. It’s not technically the lowest house edge game, but it’s one of the few casino games where the odds are beatable long term.
6. European Roulette House Edge: 2.7%
Classic, elegant, and iconic, European roulette is a better bet than its American cousin. With just a single zero, it halves the house edge compared to the American version (2.7% vs 5.26%). For beginners, learning how to play roulette step by step makes it easier to stick to even-money outside bets like red/black or odd/even.
7. Pai Gow Poker House Edge: 1.5%
Pai Gow is a slow-paced poker variant where you play against the dealer, aiming to make two poker hands out of seven cards. It’s beginner-friendly and relatively low-risk, thanks to a modest house edge of around 1.5%.
Use the ‘house way’ to set your hands and you’ll generally fare better. You can ask the croupier to set your hand. Ties are common. Your bankroll lasts longer, even if you’re not hitting huge wins.
8. Sic Bo House Edge: 2.8% – 33%
Sic Bo is a dice game popular in Asian casinos and is also increasingly available online. Like roulette and craps, Sic Bo game has a wide range of bets, with house edges that swing wildly.
Stick to even money Big and Small bets, which have an edge of 2.78%. Avoid exotic bets like triple combinations; they offer big payouts but sky-high house edges.
9. Slots House Edge: 2% – 15%+
House edges vary wildly depending on the game’s RTP (Return to Player). That said, some online mobile slots offer RTPs of 98% or higher, giving a house edge as low as 2%.
Learn how to play online slots and choose games with high RTPs. Also, make the most of bonuses and don’t fall into the trap of playing ‘just one more spin’.
10. Ultimate Texas Hold’em House Edge: 2.2%
This poker-inspired table game pits you against the dealer, not other players. It blends poker strategy with fixed betting rounds. The house edge is competitive. It can dip to around 2.2%, as long as you stick to optimal betting decisions.
Just like real poker, you’ll need to understand hand strength and when to raise. It’s more complex than some games, but it rewards sharp decision-making and comes with a relatively low edge compared to other casino table games.
11. Three Card Poker House Edge: 1.5 – 3.4%
Three Card Poker offers two betting options: the Ante-Play bet (1.5 – 2% edge) and Pair Plus (3.4%+ edge). Stick with Ante-Play for the best odds, especially if you follow the golden rule – play with Q-6-4 or better.
Fast, simple, and surprisingly strategic, this game is perfect for players who enjoy poker but want something quicker, with a built-in house advantage that’s still player-friendly.
12. Casino War House Edge: 2.9%
It might feel like a kids’ card game, but Casino War is a quick, easy option with a reasonable house edge of 2.9% – as long as you always go to war (tie) rather than surrender.
It’s not the most strategic game in the casino, but it’s low-stakes fun with decent odds for casual players who want something very simple and fast-paced.
Conclusion
The house edge is the math behind every casino game, showing how the odds favor the house. Choosing games with the lowest house edge can give players the best chance to maximize their bankroll and play more strategically. The first sensible decision a gambler can take is to stay away from the Keno lounge with a house edge of 25% to 30% – seriously!
And it’s not like there aren’t some fantastic casino games with the lowest house edge – from blackjack and baccarat, to craps and video poker machines, the smartest players are the ones who play with the odds – not against them.
These are still games of chance. If you want to play really smart, set a budget, take breaks, and always play responsibly. After all, the real edge comes from knowing when the game is for fun – and when it’s time to call it a night.
FAQs
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over time. It’s how the casino makes money.
Games with simpler rules, fewer outcomes, or favorable payout structures typically have lower house edges.
Not always, but blackjack often has one of the lowest house edges, especially when basic strategy is used.
Yes, betting on the banker in baccarat usually offers a very low house edge.
Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets have the lowest house edge in craps.
Yes, using optimal strategies in games like blackjack can significantly reduce the house edge.
Not necessarily. Low house edge games can still be complex, but they offer better long-term odds.
In the long run, the house always has an edge, though skilled players can minimize it with strategy.
