Top 5 bets to make in a casino

Playing at a casino should be as much about entertainment as much as it is about trying to win some cash. You should always, therefore, play games and place bets that you enjoy – what's the point in paying money to do something that's not fun at all?

With that being said, you must inject some logic and strategy into your casino betting so that you don't simply turn up, make some random but interesting wagers, lose your money, and go home.

The most prudent way to determine the best bets you can make in a casino is to find those that have the lowest house edge.

What is the Casino House Edge?

Every casino needs to make a profit. Every reasonably-minded bettor would accept that because, without it, casinos would quickly close down, and bettors would have nowhere to go. Casinos make their profit by ensuring every game they offer makes them the favorite – statistically – in the long term.

The house edge varies from one game to another. And in the case of casino slots, the house edge will change significantly from one slot to another – it's how we come to the terms high and low volatility in slot games.

Look for games with a low house edge

Now that we all accept the house edge is part and parcel of gaming, we should look for games with a small edge, or at least ways we can reduce it.

Perhaps the most mainstream example is blackjack. One of the most popular casino games, it has a general house edge of around 4%, which means for every $100 you spend, you are expected to lose $4. But by following a basic blackjack strategy, you can reduce the casino house edge to as little as 0.5%. Follow our blackjack strategy, which evolves around watching out for the dealer upcard and playing your hand accordingly. Once you accept it's most likely the dealer's second card is a 10, you can see whether you should stand, hit, or perhaps double down to take advantage.

Another game with a low house edge is video poker. It's a part skill game in that you must decide how many cards to hold before drawing again. A typical game of Jacks or Better has a house edge of just 1.551% - this will give you plenty of entertainment and a decent shot of making a profit.

In a live casino, you might think about trying the Craps Don't Pass/Don't Come bet, which has a house edge of just 1.14%. It's uncommon to find craps in an online casino, however.

Baccarat gives you three betting options: banker, player, or tie. The player bet has a house edge of only 1.24%. The banker bet is less at just 1.04%, but you must pay "commission" on banker bets, which makes it somewhat less appealing.

Play the way that makes you most comfortable

While, statistically, at least, you might be better off playing the best we recommend, you should stick to not only what you enjoy but also what you feel comfortable doing.

Not everyone likes blackjack, and many people don't have an appetite for baccarat. If that means you would rather play roulette or casino hold'em, then so be it. It's your choice. And remember, the best way to make your money last longer, and to perhaps turn a profit, is to practice sensible bankroll management. In turn, this helps you keep a balanced state of mind because you will start to make bad decisions if you feel under pressure.

Sign up and try favorable bets for yourself

If you would like to see if these best bets work for you, sign up for BetAmerica Casino today. You can even try most of the games for free, but there's nothing more exciting than playing for real money. Make sure you claim the new player welcome package when you make your first deposit.