When you walk into a casino—whether online or in person—the dazzling lights and endless variety of games can be overwhelming. Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat… every table and machine promises excitement, but only a few offer truly great returns. The truth is, some games are designed to favor players more than others, and knowing which ones give you the best payout odds can make all the difference.
Having studied casino trends and payout statistics for years, I’ve seen firsthand how player knowledge changes outcomes. Those who understand return-to-player (RTP) percentages, house edge, and strategy can stretch their bankroll further—and even walk away winners more often than chance would suggest.
Let’s explore which games are statistically most rewarding, and how you can identify the best opportunities for solid payouts.
Understanding RTP and House Edge
Before diving into specific games, it’s important to understand two key terms: RTP and house edge.
RTP, or Return to Player, represents the percentage of total money wagered on a game that is paid back to players over time. For example, a slot with an RTP of 97% theoretically returns £97 for every £100 wagered.
House edge, on the other hand, is the casino’s advantage—essentially 100% minus the RTP. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of long-term success.
Games with skill-based elements often have lower house edges, because your strategy affects the outcome. Others, based purely on luck, rely entirely on probability and payout structure.
Understanding this balance helps you choose games not just for entertainment, but also for sustainability.
Blackjack: A Skillful Path to High Payouts
Among all casino games, blackjack has long held the crown for offering the best player odds. With proper basic strategy, the house edge can drop to as little as 0.5%. That’s one of the lowest across all casino floors.
The reason blackjack pays so well is because players make decisions that affect outcomes—whether to hit, stand, split, or double down. Each move either minimizes or amplifies your odds. A player who studies the math can sustain far longer sessions without major losses.
Casinos, aware of this, have introduced variations like “6:5 blackjack” (which lowers payouts on natural blackjacks) or restricted doubling options. Always look for tables that pay 3:2 for a natural blackjack, and check that the dealer stands on soft 17s. Those small details heavily influence your expected return.
Video Poker: Strategy Meets High RTP
Video poker is another standout for consistent payouts. Variants like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild can offer RTPs as high as 99.5% or even more with perfect play.
Unlike traditional poker, video poker pits you against a machine, not other players. The game uses a standard 52-card deck, and payouts are fixed according to the paytable. Mastering optimal strategy—knowing which cards to hold or discard—can significantly boost your edge.
The key to maximizing payouts lies in understanding paytables. “Full pay” machines (for example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine) return the best odds. Many seasoned players actively seek these out, whether in physical casinos or at reliable online platforms.
Roulette: The Subtle Difference That Matters
Roulette’s charm lies in its simplicity, but not all wheels are equal. European roulette—with its single zero—offers a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette, which adds a double zero, raises that edge to 5.26%.
That may sound minor, but over time it’s the difference between breaking even and draining your bankroll. Serious players always choose European or French roulette, where additional rules like La Partage and En Prison can cut the edge even further.
Roulette will never rival blackjack or video poker for payout percentages, but smart betting systems and table selection can tilt the odds slightly more in your favor.
Slots: High Volatility, Hidden Potential
Slots are easily the most popular casino games, yet also the most misunderstood in terms of payouts. RTPs vary wildly—from as low as 88% to over 98% depending on the title and operator.
Players drawn to massive jackpots often forget that those games usually carry the lowest RTP. The trade-off for life-changing wins is a greater risk of loss over time.
If your goal is consistency rather than jackpot chasing, look for high-RTP slots published by reputable developers. Many modern online platforms now display RTP percentages transparently, allowing you to make informed choices.
Players who explore non gamstop casinos often find a wider variety of such high-payout slots. These sites tend to feature international providers with competitive RTPs, innovative game mechanics, and faster withdrawal policies—all of which appeal to experienced players looking for both flexibility and strong returns.
Baccarat: The Quietly Profitable Classic
Baccarat may seem intimidating with its formal setup, but in reality, it’s one of the simplest and fairest games in the casino. You bet on either the “player,” the “banker,” or a “tie.” That’s it.
The banker bet carries a house edge of just 1.06%, making it one of the best wagers you can make anywhere. Even though casinos take a small commission (usually 5%) on banker wins, it remains mathematically superior to most alternatives.
Baccarat also offers a slower pace, giving players time to manage bets responsibly. Its elegance hides just how efficient it is at delivering consistent, modest payouts—ideal for those who value longevity over adrenaline.
Craps: The Power of Selective Betting
Craps has a reputation for chaos—dice flying, cheers erupting, chips moving everywhere—but underneath the noise lies one of the fairest games on the floor. The trick is knowing which bets to make.
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets have house edges of just 1.41% and 1.36% respectively. Even better, the Odds bet—taken after the come-out roll—has zero house edge.
Of course, many side bets and proposition bets on the craps table carry sky-high edges designed to lure newcomers. Stick with the basic bets, and craps transforms from a confusing spectacle into one of the best opportunities for consistent payouts.
Keno and Scratch Cards: Fun but Low Returns
Not every game is created equal, and while keno and scratch cards offer quick thrills, they’re among the lowest-paying options in the casino world. RTPs often hover between 70–85%, giving the house a huge advantage.
These games are fine for casual entertainment but not ideal if you’re focused on stretching your bankroll or optimizing winnings. In short, they’re designed for luck, not strategy.
The Role of Strategy and Bankroll Discipline
Even the highest-paying games can become costly without discipline. The best players manage their bankrolls carefully, understanding that even with great RTP, variance can cause streaks of losses.
For blackjack and video poker, learning and practicing basic strategy is non-negotiable. For roulette or baccarat, smart wager sizing helps preserve capital during cold runs.
Casinos thrive on emotional decisions—chasing losses or betting impulsively. The players who consistently win treat the experience as partly mathematical, partly psychological.
Final Thoughts: Smart Play Wins the Long Game
The games with the best payouts—blackjack, video poker, baccarat, and selective craps bets—share a common theme: transparency and control. They give you predictable odds, consistent returns, and the ability to make informed decisions.
Slots and roulette still offer plenty of excitement, and with research, you can find versions that pay competitively. But long-term profitability always favors players who study the numbers.
The beauty of today’s gambling world is that information is everywhere. RTP percentages, paytables, and strategy charts are no longer secrets. Whether you play in a glitzy Vegas hall or an online lounge, the best payouts always go to those who play smart.
