How To Choose Casino Games With the Best Odds

Learn which casino games offer the best odds - from low-edge table games like blackjack or baccarat to high-RTP slots - and play smarter.

kangaroo

Odds decide how often you win, how long your money lasts, and how much the casino keeps. When you understand house edge and RTP, you do not chase random games. You pick the ones that treat you better in the long run.

In this guide, you will learn what casino games with best odds really mean, which games usually pay the most over time, and how to choose smarter every time you play.

What Does “Best Odds” Mean in Casino Games?

When people talk about casino games with best odds, they are usually talking about three things:

  • House edge

  • RTP

  • Volatility or variance

Once you understand these, you can see straight away which games quietly eat your balance and which ones give you a fair go.

House Edge

House edge is the built-in advantage the casino has on every game. If a game has a 1% house edge, the maths says that over a very long time, the casino keeps about AU$1 out of every AU$100 bet. It is not a promise for one night. It is an average over thousands of spins or hands.

Good table games played with correct strategy can drop under 1% house edge. Blackjack with basic strategy can reach about 0.5% in some versions. Baccarat banker bets sit around 1.06%. Craps with simple bets like Pass Line and Pass Line plus Odds can sit in the 0 to 1.4% range, depending on how you bet.

On the other hand, some bets in games like American roulette or side bets in table games can jump above 5 or even 10%.

Simple rule: the lower the house edge, the better the odds for you.

Return To Player (RTP)

Return to Player (RTP) is the flip side of house edge. If a game has 97% RTP, that means the house edge is about 3%. Over the long term, the game is expected to pay back AU$97 for every AU$100 wagered.

For Aussie online casinos, most decent pokies sit around 96% RTP, while some top titles go 97 to 99%. High RTP pokies and table games are what many players call the best payout casino games.

Top Aussie casinos now list RTP on game info screens. If a casino hides RTP, that is usually a sign to move on.

Volatility And Variance

House edge and RTP tell you how much a game pays back over time.

Volatility or variance tells you how that return feels in practice.

  • Low volatility: Small wins come often, but big hits are rare

  • High volatility: You can go many spins with nothing, then hit a large win

Many high RTP pokies have medium or high volatility. That means the maths is fair, but you need a decent bankroll and patience.

Why Skill-Based Games Often Have Better Odds

There is a reason serious players drift toward blackjack, video poker, and poker variants in Australia. These games are not only about being lucky.

With blackjack, using basic strategy charts can cut the house edge from several percent down to around 0.5% on some rules.

With video poker, “full pay” versions of games like Jacks or Better can reach RTP around 99% if you play perfect strategy.

Poker played against other players is even more extreme. The casino takes a rake, but your edge comes from being better than the table, not beating fixed house odds.

Skill-based games usually give you:

  • A lower, more stable house edge

  • Control over bad decisions

  • A clear ceiling on how much the house can take

They are not magic win buttons. You still lose sometimes. But if you are asking what casino games pay the most over the long run, most lists put skill games near the top.

Why Choosing Games With Better Odds Matters

Switching from random picks to casino games with best odds does not turn you into a professional. But it changes the whole shape of your sessions.

Lower House Edge = Better Long-Term Results

If you play hundreds of spins or hands each week, the house edge starts to bite.

Dropping from a 5% house edge game to a 1% game means that, over time, you keep far more of your bankroll.

Bigger Chance Of Hitting Wins

Games with better odds still have randomness, but you will:

  • Hit useful wins more often

  • See fewer “dead” sessions

  • Have more chances to recover from a bad run

This is especially true when you combine low house edge with decent volatility and smart bet sizing. Best odds casino games do not just pay more in theory. They also feel fairer in practice.

Better Bankroll Management & Longer Playtime

When the house edge is lower, your money simply lasts longer.

If you come in with AU$100 and sit down at:

  • A high-edge game, your session might last 20 minutes

  • A low-edge game, you may play for hours, even with the same long-term expectation

If you only like pokies, you can check our guide on some pokies strategies for beginners.

Casino Games With the Best Odds (Ranked)

Now to the part every player wants to know. When we talk about casino games with best odds, a few names keep turning up in expert lists and maths-based guides.

Here is a simple ranking of common games and bet types that usually give you the fairest shot, assuming correct play where needed:

Game / Bet Type

Typical House Edge

Why It Has Good Odds

Blackjack (basic strategy)

~0.5%

Strategy reduces mistakes and keeps edge very low

Full pay Video Poker

~0.5% – 1.5%

High RTP when using correct hold / discard decisions

Craps Pass Line + Odds

~0% – 1.4%

Odds bet has no house edge; blends into low overall

Baccarat Banker Bet

~1.06%

Simple rules, low fixed edge on banker outcome

European Roulette (single zero)

2.7%

Better than American double-zero versions

Pai Gow Poker

~1.5% – 2.5%

Slow pace and simple strategy help bankroll last

Low edge online pokies (96%+ RTP)

~3% – 4%

High RTP, especially on top-ranking titles

Numbers are typical ranges and can change by casino, rules, and provider. Always check paytables and game info for exact values.

The Worst Games for Odds (Avoid These if You Want To Win More)

Some casino games will look exciting, but the maths behind them will drain your balance fast.

You do not have to avoid these games forever. They can still be fun in small doses. But if you want the best odds or you are trying to stretch your money, these are the ones that hit players hardest.

Game / Bet Type

Typical House Edge*

Why It Is Bad for Odds

American Roulette (double zero)

5.26%

An extra zero adds a heavy edge against players

Keno

20% – 35%+

Huge house edge, tiny chance of real wins

Big Six Wheel (Money Wheel)

11% – 24%

Looks fun, but pays badly compared to everything

Insurance Bets in Blackjack

~7% – 13%

The maths is against you every single time

Pokies with under 94% RTP

6% – 10%+

Low RTP means your balance drops very quickly

Most Table Game Side Bets

8% – 18%+

They pay big on paper but rarely land

Small tip: If a casino hides the RTP for a pokie or refuses to show odds for a table game, treat that as a red flag. Good games do not need to hide their maths.

How To Compare Game Odds Before You Play

Most Aussie players jump into a new game because it looks fun, not because they checked the numbers behind it. That is normally fine, but if you care about how long your money lasts, a quick look at the odds makes a big difference.

1. Check RTP First

Look for the information button on any pokie or table game. If the RTP is 96% or higher, that is a good start. If it is under 94%, skip it unless you are just playing for fun.

2. Avoid Side Bets Unless You Love Risk

Side bets are made to look tempting, but they add a big edge for the house. If you care about winning more often, stick to the main bets only.

3. Read the Paytable

Every pokie and table game has a paytable button. You can see:

  • Which wins pay more

  • Which features are rare

  • How the game behaves

4. Play New Games in Demo First

A few spins in demo mode show how the game flows. You get a feel for volatility and how long your balance might last. Insight: Some casinos set different RTP versions for the same pokie. For example, a game might exist in 96% and 94% settings.

How Game Providers Affect Your Odds

You see a pokie you like, you open it, and you start spinning. But the provider behind that game matters a lot. Some top AU casino studios have fair maths and clear RTP. Others lower the odds, add heavy swings, or hide key info.

Think of providers the same way you think of food brands. Some you trust without thinking. Others make you stop and check the label. It is the same with casino games.

The studio decides how often wins land, how big the hits can get, and how “smooth” the game feels over a long session.

Here are some insights:

Big Studios Usually Have Solid RTP

Providers like:

Tend to stick with higher RTP versions of pokies. You will often see games between 95 and 97%. Their table games, like blackjack and roulette, usually follow standard rules too.

Budget or Lesser-Known Studios Can Vary Wildly

Some smaller studios push:

  • Lower RTP

  • Unclear paytables

  • High volatility without balance

These are fun when you are chasing excitement, but not ideal when you want the best payout casino games.

Live Dealer Providers Have Clear House Edge Rules

If you play live tables from Australia, providers really matter.

For example:

  • Evolution keeps blackjack around 0.5% house edge with basic strategy

  • Playtech follows similar rules across most tables

  • Pragmatic Play Live is fast-paced but still fair in maths

Always look up the rules for the specific table. Even small rule changes like “dealer hits soft 17” can increase the house edge.

For more useful insights, you can check all our live casino game tips.

Tips for Choosing Games With the Best Odds

Most players do not think about odds until something feels off. Maybe you blow through a deposit too fast. Maybe you watch a mate playing the same game but lasting twice as long.

That is usually the moment you realise the game you pick matters just as much as how you play it.

Here are some tips to always choose casino games with best odds:

1. Start With One Low Edge Game

Pick one game you enjoy that also gives good odds. Blackjack, baccarat, video poker, or a high RTP pokie are perfect options.

2. Avoid Games You Cannot Read the Rules For

If a game hides rules, odds, or RTP, that is a sign. Always pick games that show every detail openly.

3. Use Smaller Bets on High Volatility Games

If you want to try high-risk games like Megaways or jackpot pokies, lower your bet size. These games are fun, but they can burn through AU$50 very fast.

4. Stick to Single Bet Types

In games like roulette or baccarat, focusing on one main bet helps. Switching too much spreads your bankroll thin.

5. Look for 96%+ When Playing Pokies

This is a simple rule of thumb. Pokies with an RTP under 94% RTP feel rough over time.

6. Use Strategy Charts for Skill Games

Even a basic strategy can change your results. You do not need to memorise everything. Keep a chart open next to you if needed.

7. Test Payout Behaviour With Small Bets

Before you go big on a new game, try a few small bets. This helps you understand volatility and flow.

Conclusion

You won’t beat the casino when you choose games with the best odds. But you have much higher chances of winning. Once you start paying attention to things like RTP, volatility, and how often a game actually pays small wins, you are halfway there.

Take your time with new games. Test them on low bets. Compare versions from different providers. Notice how fast the balance rises or falls. If you want a shortcut, we have this list of Aussie casinos with the best games.

How To Choose Casino Games With the Best Odds FAQs

1. What Casino Games Have the Best Odds for Aussie Players?

Blackjack with basic strategy, baccarat banker bets, full pay video poker, and single-zero roulette all offer some of the best odds in any Australian online casino.

2. Are Pokies Good for Odds?

Some are, some are not. Look for pokies with 96% RTP or higher.

3. Are High Volatility Pokies Bad for Odds?

No, but they are swingy. You can hit big, but you can also burn through AU$50 in minutes.

4. How Do I Know if a Game Has Fair RTP?

Open the info screen inside the game. If the RTP is listed clearly and sits around 96% or above, that is a good sign.

5. How to Choose Casino Games With Best Odds?

Check RTP, avoid side bets, look for single-zero roulette, and pick blackjack or baccarat for stable returns.

Kevin Conze
Written By: Kevin Conze Linkedin Articles: 376 Updated on December 2025, 01

My name is Kevin, I am 30 years old, born in Germany, and living around the world. Most of my time I spend in the stunning continent of South America. I made my first steps in the vibrating iGaming Industry at the beginning of the year 2017, when I lived in the iGaming-Hotspot of Malta. In Malta, I started as a live dealer for Blackjack and Roulette.

More about the author
Bart Crebolder
Facts Checked By: Bart Crebolder Linkedin Articles: 344

Bart Crebolder brings nearly a decade of experience in the iGaming industry to his role as Fact Checker at AussieCasinos.com. With a strong background in content management and journalism, Bart ensures the accuracy and reliability of our information. In addition to his in-depth understanding of online casinos and payment systems, he is committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends, which makes him an expert in the field. Bart's meticulous approach helps maintain the high standards of integrity and clarity our readers rely on.

More about the author
Open the Exclusive Bonus
Exclusive Bonus Box

Exclusive Offer 200% Up To $1,500 + 50 Free Spins

200% BONUS
+ 50 FREE SPINS
Full Star 9.1/10
Exclusive Bonus Box Title
Lizaro Casino

Lizaro Casino

Full Star 9.2 / 10
Hot Pick of the Month
Welcome Package 250% Up To $4,500 + 350 Free Spins
Diamond logo background Diamond logo
Start typing to see results.