Most casino games are all about odds. While some games’ odds are in your favor, others have poor odds for players. The exceptions are games of skill, such as blackjack. A skilled player can erase the house’s advantage, and even tip the odds in their favor. Games with the best odds are the table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette. However, players have better odds at single-zero roulette than double-zero, simply because there are more slots with which players can lose. Here are the games with the worst odds for players.
Keno
Keno is fun and exciting, but carries reduced odds for players. The house takes an average of 25 percent on keno games, meaning if you come with $100 to gamble and play for the average length of time, you’ll leave with just $75. Ask how many numbers you are allowed to play on the particular keno game you’re playing because picking more numbers can increase your chances.
Wheel of Fortune
Slot machines are among the most popular games at casinos, partly because there isn’t any card counting or other skills to master. However, the house has a winning percentage of four to ten percent. This means that if you walk up to a slot machine with $100 and play for the regular amount of time, you’ll likely lose between $4 and $10. You can slightly increase your odds at slots by placing higher bets, such as 50 cents instead of 1 cent at the penny slots.
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune is a type of slot machine favorite at casinos, partly because it’s a low bet machine. For 25 to 75 cents, players can enjoy the game for hours without spending much money. Unfortunately, the house advantage here is about 10 percent. As with slot machines, playing higher bet amounts can improve your chances of hitting the jackpot.
Roulette (Double Zero)
The double-zero roulette wheel has just one more slot than the single-zero roulette wheel, but this other number makes it statistically harder to win. The double-zero roulette wheel gives the house an advantage of 5.26 percent, compared to the low 2.7 percent gain the households on the single-zero wheel. You can up your chances of winning on roulette by betting on outside chances like Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, Columns or Dozens.
Sport Bets
Sports bets do take a bit of knowledge and skill, but there are so many variables (player injuries, fluke scores, weather conditions) that it’s hard for players to come out on top consistently. Plus, the odds are already tipped toward the favored winner. The households a 4.5 percent advantage here. However, more competent players can find games where the underdog has a little-known advantage over the projected winner, improving the player’s odds considerably.
Remember, bad odds don’t mean that players never win, nor that you have to stop playing the games you find fun. Be aware of how much you’re betting, and swap to games with more favorable odds if your point is to win big.
