A fact that many casino gamblers either aren't aware of, or simply choose to ignore, is that returns paid by different casino games differ substantially. Now if you're the type of player who just likes to play a particular game because you find the format entertaining and you're not too fussed about what sort of payout you're getting, then stop reading now. But if you're hell bent on maximizing your gambling dollar and giving yourself every possible chance of walking away from the table, or your computer a winner, then read on.First, let's deal with an unfortunate gambling reality. Every single casino game is designed (ie the rules are formulated) so that the casino has a mathematical house edge. The house edge is normally expressed as a percentage of player's loss versus bets turned over. So a house edge of 0.5% reflects total bets of $100 resulting in a player loss of 50 cents. This can also be expressed as a 99.5% return to player ('RTP') or payout ratio.A house edge doesn't preclude the possibility player win. Far from it. In the short to medium term players can win large amounts playing casino games. This fact is played out at casinos every day. What it does mean is that over an extended term, outcomes will tend toward the mathematical house edge attached to each game. Now it is certainly true that with games incorporating a skill element like blackjack and video poker, sound playing strategy can reduce the house edge substantially. But they can't reduce it to the point where the edge swings in the players favor. The one exception to this rule is optimal blackjack strategy including card counting and betting to the count, which is both impossible online (each new deal is from a full shuffled deck) and against casino rules at traditional venues.So leaving the MIT Blackjack Team aside every casino game, even when played optimally, has a house edge. But the crucial fact to take away from this article is that the house edge for optimal play differs enormously from one game to the next.Your best bets are the skill games like blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. Blackjack played optimally (ie basic strategy) has a house edge of around 0.5%. Jacks or Better video poker also has a house edge of around 0.5% while baccarat and craps come in at just over 1%. Roulette (American double zero) starts to get a little more expensive with a house edge of around 5%, while slots start to get very expensive with house edges ranging from 5% to 15% depending on where you are playing them. Drifting out further still, is Keno, which has a whopping 25% to 29% of bet amounts going to the house.And right at the bottom of the pile (or the top of the pile from the operator's perspective) is the good old lottery. Lottery return to player rates, much like slots, are usually dictated by regulatory bodies and set by operators to the prescribed levels. In the case of the Australian lottery, operators must return 60% of total handle to players as prize winnings. That's a whopping 40% house edge, and by far the worst returning betting game you can play.
