When it comes to winning while playing casino games, the odds rule.
The odds determine how much you can win and how likely you are to win, so finding the best odds is very important.
Casino games are so different and exciting, and the odds can be so wide-ranging.
To help you cut through the noise, we’ve prepared a simple but comprehensive guide to understanding the odds.
Learn how to find the best odds for roulette, slots, and more.
Odds are basically a numerical representation of how likely an outcome is. The better the odds, the more likely that outcome is to occur.
For example, the average blackjack game gives the player odds of 49% and the house 51%, meaning you’ve almost got an equal 50/50 shot at winning.
Getting the “best odds” refers to playing a casino game with the most favorable odds possible.
This could mean choosing specific games with good odds or playing with an optimal strategy.
An optimal strategy is necessary in some games that offer more favorable odds based on the type of bet you place.
1/1 means you have a 50/50 chance of winning. 3:2 means you have a 40% chance of winning.
The chance of winning the average lottery is 1:9.2, which is about 11%.
In a casino, “odds” usually refer to the probability of a win on a given bet or round.
This is closely tied to something called the house edge—the casino’s built-in advantage.
The lower the house edge, the better your odds. For example:
Some games have rather obvious odds while others are a little more complex. Blackjack has simple odds with very few betting options.
Games like roulette have loads of different ways to win, so the odds of winning are so variable.
Ultimately though, these games are played by serious and casual players alike because the odds can be identified, with players quickly and easily understanding how to win and how much they can win.
Blackjack isn’t just a casino classic—it’s one of the rare games where your decisions actually affect the outcome.
That’s why skilled players love it. When you stick to basic strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%, making it one of the best bets in the house.
How it works:
You’re trying to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
You can hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender, depending on the situation.
The dealer follows strict rules, which gives you the opportunity to play smart and tilt the odds your way.
Key strategy tips:
Why it’s a top pick:
With proper play, Blackjack has some of the best odds in the casino, and it’s fast, social, and skill-based. Just be aware that different rule variations can affect your edge.
Try it free on Gamesville or get confident before heading to sweepstakes or real-money sites.
Baccarat is sleek, fast, and about as straightforward as it gets. It’s also one of the lowest-risk bets you’ll find in a casino, with the banker bet offering a house edge of just 1.06%.
How it works:
You’re betting on whether the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie will win. That’s it.
Cards are drawn according to fixed rules—no player decisions needed. Your job is simply to pick the winning side.
Best bet to make:
Why it’s a top pick:
Baccarat has no complicated rules to learn, no bluffing, and no strategy charts.
Just bet, watch, and hope the banker comes through. The pace is relaxed, and the math is on your side.
Want to practice? Gamesville lets you try out a free version of Baccarat with no pressure or confusion.
Craps might look chaotic at first glance, but behind all the cheers and dice slang are some of the best bets in the casino.
Stick with the right ones, and you’re looking at a house edge of just 1.41% or even less.
How it works:
Players bet on the outcome of dice rolls. The basic bets—Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come—are where the best odds live.
Other bets (like Hardways and Propositions) look flashy but come with a much bigger edge for the house.
Best bets to make:
Why it’s a top pick:
Craps gives you some of the fairest odds if you know where to focus.
It’s also one of the most energetic games on the floor—fast-paced, community-driven, and just plain fun once you get the hang of it.
Online roulette is a very interesting and exciting game when it comes to playing the odds.
With so many different outcomes and ways to bet, you have greater control over your odds.
For example, with an equal number of black and red numbers – and one green – you almost have a 50/50 shot at winning an outside bet on the color of the winning number.
However, it is harder to pick the right “single number” since there are 37 or 38 choices.
So, a bet on “Black” has great odds of 2/1 while a bet on a single number like “2” or “12” has tough odds of 36/1.
Of course, this means that a winning bet on a single number has a much higher payout than a bet on “Black” or “Red”. 35x your bet compared to 2x your bet.
Best bets to make:
Why it’s a top pick:
Roulette is one of the few games where you can control your level of risk. Want steady action? Stick to outside bets.
Feeling lucky? Go all in on a single number for a 35:1 payout. It’s also easy to understand, great for group play, and offers some of the best odds in the house when played smart—especially if you avoid the double-zero versions.
Check out an example of the odds and payouts from an average American Roulette game below.
| Bet type | Odds | Payout | Payout ($10 bet) |
| Red/Black | 47.4% | 1/1 | $20 |
| Odds/Even | 47.4% | 1/1 | $20 |
| Dozen | 31.6% | 2/1 | $30 |
| Single number | 2.60% | 35:1 | $360 |
| Split | 5.3% | 17:1 | $180 |
| Street | 7.9% | 11/1 | $120 |
| Corner | 10.5% | 8:1 | $90 |
Originally a fun way to win prizes on the game show The Price is Right, Plinko has become a popular online casino game.
The rules are simple.
A ball drops and randomly falls into a slot. You get paid out based on the slot it falls into as it has a predetermined value.
Now, since the game features a randomly moving ball to determine outcomes through seemingly unpredictable patterns, it’s quite a challenge to calculate actual odds. However, like slot gaming, Plinko uses RTP as well.
RTP is generally between 97 and 99%, meaning Plinko games can often have some of the best odds available online.
Plinko Blitz has additional multipliers that can boost your wins too.
Slingo blends elements of slots with bingo. Many online Slingo games are based on the most popular slots, such as Slingo Starburst.
On average, Sligo games offer an RTP of around 97% and the RTP is the best option for assessing a Slingo game.
Determining the odds of winning any one Slingo game would be quite difficult considering there are so many numbers.
But your chances of winning are always equal to any other player, since you have no control over the selected numbers on your ticket.
The odds would depend on the total number of game numbers, your number of allotted spins, and any special features.
Odds and RTP can be affected by the special features that differ from one Slingo game to another.
For example, Slingo Da Vinci Diamonds features “Wilds” that let you pick a number of your choosing while Slingo Starburst features “Respins”.
Every single bet you place has odds of winning. Every single game you play has a calculated RTP.
Keen players can work out the odds and RTP to determine the best games and strategies that may increase their likelihood of winning.
Remembering, of course, that every casino game is also still a game of chance, and should be played for fun above all else, not purely for financial game.
You can also play entirely for free and fun at Gamesville, where we have loads of games with great odds to practice and enjoy.
