When you head to the casino, either online or in-person, you want to make the most of your time and money. Some casino games have better odds and higher payout rates than others. By choosing your games wisely, you can maximize your potential returns based on the time you invest playing. In this guide, we look at which popular casino games offer the best returns on your time.
Comparing House Edge Between Games
Table Games Tend to Offer Better Odds
One of the most important factors to compare is the Dream Jackpot Casino’s house edge – the mathematical advantage built into every casino game that ensures the house makes an eventual profit. The lower the house edge, the better the odds for players. Table games like blackjack and baccarat generally have lower house edges compared to slots. Even better, some blackjack variants have house edges under 0.5% with optimal player strategy.
Know Which Bets to Avoid
While the base house edge may be low for some casino games, certain bets or side wagers boost that edge dramatically. For example, while basic blackjack has great odds, proposition bets like Perfect Pairs can have house edges over 10%. Avoiding those sucker bets keeps the odds in your favor. Similarly, the basket bet in baccarat has a massive house edge of over 7% compared to 1.06% for banker or 1.24% for player.
Factoring In Average Return to Player (RTP)
RTP Determines How Much Is Ultimately Paid Back
Return to player (RTP) indicates how much wagered money is paid back to players over time, on average. While lower house edges allow you to lose less per bet, higher RTPs increase how much you can expect to actually win. RTP assumes optimal play and is based on simulations of millions upon millions of spins or hands. Games with an RTP over 98% pay back more over time than those with RTPs of 92%-95%.
RTP Changes Based on Bet Sizes
One aspect that affects RTPs is betting minimums versus maximums. For example, blackjack may pay back over 99% at lower stakes but drop to 95% at high stakes. Slots usually have fixed RTPs regardless of bet size. However, features like free spins and bonus rounds occur more frequently when the max bet is played.
Casino Games by Return on Time Invested
Blackjack Offers the Overall Best Use of Time
Considering both low house edges and high RTPs, blackjack reigns supreme when judging casino games by effective returns on time invested. Basic blackjack has a house edge under 0.5% with perfect basic strategy and can see average RTPs from 99% to nearly 100% depending on specific rules and bets. Hands take just a minute or two to play before moving to the next one. You get plenty of betting decisions to influence returns.
| Game | Avg. House Edge | Avg. RTP | Time Investment |
| Blackjack | 0.5% or less | 99%+ | Fast pace |
| Baccarat | 1.06%-1.24% | 98.94%-99.64% | Fast pace |
| Craps | 1.41% | 98.59% | Medium pace |
| Roulette | 2.7%-5.26% | 94.74%-97.3% | Fast pace |
| Slots | 2%-10% | 90%-98% | Fast pace |
Baccarat Compares Well in Lower Stakes Games
Baccarat has the next best returns for invested time, coming close to blackjack in lower stakes games. With easy rules and no strategy involved, each hand lasts just a minute or so.
Unlike blackjack though, you have no decisions that change odds or payout rates. Expect to see average RTP around 99% for Banker and 98% for Player bets. At higher stakes, commissions impact returns.
Craps Delivers Exciting Medium Pace Play
Craps looks complicated but offers great odds on simple Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets. Easy to manage minimum bets let you control losses. Each roll of the dice happens quickly, but action pauses between some rounds to place additional bets. Returns tend to be slightly less than baccarat but on par with decent blackjack games. The social aspect makes craps more exciting.
Roulette and Slots Have Their Upsides Too
While both roulette and slot machines have higher house edges overall, these casino staples retain their strong fan base. Slots feature a slower pace with RTPs averaging 90%-98%. However, big progressive jackpots and immersive bonus features make playing more varied and thrilling. Roulette offers a unique social experience around the wheel with opportunities to interact between faster spins. Just stick with better bets like Even/Odd or High/Low.
Gauging Your Gambling Goals
Ultimately, optimizing time investment in casino games depends greatly on your goals and definition of returns. If solely focused on profitability, blackjack and baccarat are likely best. Craps and roulette provide more interaction. For a fun, relaxing experience, slots play well during downtime. There’s an optimal casino game out there for every type of player.