When exploring casino games, many players are curious about which ones theoretically “pay out the most.” This isn’t about guaranteed winnings in any single session, but rather about the Return to Player (RTP) percentage – a mathematical measure of how much of the wagered money a game is designed to return to players over millions of theoretical plays. A higher RTP means a lower “house edge,” which is the casino’s built-in advantage.
Understanding RTP helps you choose reputable casinos not on gamstop games that, in the long run, offer the most favorable theoretical odds for the player. It’s crucial to remember that actual short-term results can vary wildly due to randomness, and all games are designed with a house edge. Responsible play and managing your entertainment budget are always the most important “strategies.”
Here are 7 casino games often cited for their high theoretical RTP, especially when played with optimal strategy where applicable:
1. Blackjack (with Basic Strategy)
- Theoretical RTP: Often over 99.5% (meaning a house edge of less than 0.5%).
- Why it’s high: Blackjack is a skill-based card game where your decisions directly impact the theoretical outcome. By applying Basic Strategy – a mathematically proven set of decisions for every possible hand combination against the dealer’s visible card – players can reduce the house edge to one of the lowest in the casino.
- Key takeaway: This high RTP is contingent on playing optimally; deviations from Basic Strategy will increase the house edge significantly.
2. Video Poker (Full Pay Machines with Optimal Strategy)
- Theoretical RTP: Can exceed 99% (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better is 99.54%, Full Pay Deuces Wild can be over 100% theoretically with perfect play).
- Why it’s high: Video Poker combines slots’ quick play with poker’s strategic decision-making. Different versions and their specific paytables determine the theoretical RTP. “Full Pay” machines offer the most generous paytables, and optimal strategy for each game variant is critical.
- Key takeaway: The RTP is directly tied to both the game’s paytable and the player’s ability to consistently make the mathematically correct decisions.
3. Baccarat (Banker Bet)
- Theoretical RTP: Approximately 98.94% (house edge of 1.06%).
- Why it’s high: Baccarat is a game of pure chance from the player’s perspective, with no strategic decisions after placing a bet. The “Banker” bet (even with the small commission typically taken on wins) is statistically the most favorable option due to the rules of how the hands are drawn.
- Key takeaway: Simplicity meets favorable theoretical odds. The “Player” bet has a slightly higher house edge (1.24%), and the “Tie” bet has a significantly higher house edge (over 14%), making the Banker bet the go-to for those seeking the highest theoretical return in Baccarat.
4. Craps (Pass Line/Don’t Pass Line with Full Odds)
- Theoretical RTP: Varies, but combined with Odds bets, the house edge can effectively be reduced to as low as ~0.00% on the Odds portion, resulting in an overall very low house edge for the combined wager (e.g., ~1.41% on Pass Line, but much lower if you take full odds).
- Why it’s high: Craps is a dynamic dice game with many betting options. The “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line” bets are foundational and offer good theoretical odds. The unique aspect is the “Odds bet,” which can be placed after a point is established and is paid at “true odds,” meaning the casino has no house edge on this portion of the wager.
- Key takeaway: While the initial Pass/Don’t Pass bets have a small house edge, taking full odds reduces the overall house advantage on your total wager significantly, making it one of the most player-favorable games.
5. European Roulette
- Theoretical RTP: 97.3% (house edge of 2.7%).
- Why it’s high: Roulette is a game of pure chance. The key difference between European and American Roulette is the number of zero pockets. European Roulette has a single “0,” while American Roulette has both a “0” and a “00.” This single difference effectively halves the house edge in European Roulette compared to its American counterpart (5.26%).
- Key takeaway: Always choose European Roulette when possible, as it offers a significantly better theoretical return due to the single zero.
6. Pai Gow Poker
- Theoretical RTP: Approximately 97% – 98% (house edge typically around 1.5% – 2.84%, depending on rules and if playing optimally).
- Why it’s high: Pai Gow Poker is a strategic game where players create two poker hands from seven cards. While the house edge can vary, skillful play, particularly when learning optimal “hand setting” strategies or following the “House Way” rules, can result in a favorable theoretical return.
- Key takeaway: The game’s slower pace and frequent “pushes” (ties) contribute to extended playtime for your entertainment budget, making it a theoretically efficient option when played strategically.
7. High RTP Slot Machines
- Theoretical RTP: Varies greatly, but some specific slots are designed with RTPs of 96% and higher (e.g., some NetEnt slots like “Blood Suckers” are known for 98% RTP).
- Why it’s high: While slots are pure chance, their RTP is programmed by the developer. Many modern video slots prioritize higher RTPs to attract players. Unlike table games with fixed odds, slot RTPs can vary significantly from one game to another, even within the same casino.
- Key takeaway: For slots, the “strategy” involves researching and choosing games with a published RTP of 96% or higher. Remember that higher RTP doesn’t guarantee frequent wins; high volatility slots might pay out less often but with larger theoretical amounts.
When exploring any casino game, the theoretical RTP is a valuable indicator for understanding the game’s long-term mathematical design. By focusing on games with higher theoretical returns and always practicing responsible play, you can maximize your entertainment and ensure a more informed experience.
