For casino players who care about maximizing value and minimizing losses, the house edge is a critical factor. The house edge represents the built-in advantage a casino has over players, expressed as a percentage. A lower house edge means a better chance of winning in the long run. While all games favor the house to some degree, some table games offer far more favorable odds than others—especially when played with proper strategy. Knowing which games offer the lowest house edge can help you make smarter choices and stretch your bankroll further during each session.
Blackjack – Strategy-Driven and Player-Friendly
Blackjack consistently ranks as one of the best table games for low house edge—often as low as 0.5% or less when basic strategy is applied correctly. The key to keeping the edge low lies in using optimal decisions for each hand based on your cards and the dealer’s up card. Rules can vary between casinos, and small changes—like payouts for blackjack (3:2 vs 6:5), dealer standing on soft 17, or doubling restrictions—can affect the house edge significantly. Players who take the time to learn and use basic strategy charts can enjoy some of the best odds in the entire casino. With fast gameplay and strong winning potential, blackjack is a must-play for those seeking favorable math.
Baccarat – Simple Rules, Great Odds
Baccarat is another game that offers excellent value for players, with a house edge of 1.06% on the banker bet and 1.24% on the player bet. The only major pitfall is the tie bet, which has a much higher house edge of around 14.4% and should generally be avoided. Baccarat is especially popular among high rollers due to its low volatility and straightforward gameplay. Players do not need to make complex decisions—the outcomes are mostly automatic based on fixed rules. By sticking to the banker bet consistently, players can enjoy a low-risk table game that combines ease of use with favorable odds.
Craps – Focus on the Right Bets
Craps is known for its lively table energy, but it also offers some of the lowest house edge bets in the casino—if you know where to look. The Pass Line and Come bets have a house edge of around 1.41%, while the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets are even better, at about 1.36%. Even more advantageous is the Odds bet, which has no house edge at all. It can be placed behind Pass or Don’t Pass bets and pays true odds. Smart players focus on these basic bets and avoid high-risk wagers like proposition bets in the center of the table, which often carry a house edge of 10% or more. With the right approach, craps can be one of the most statistically fair games in the casino.
Pai Gow Poker – Slow and Steady
Pai Gow Poker offers a relaxed pace of play and a low house edge of approximately 1.5%, especially when using optimal strategy. Players are dealt seven cards and must split them into a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The goal is to beat both of the dealer’s hands. If you win one and lose one, the round pushes, which helps preserve your bankroll. While the game does include a small commission on wins or a banker advantage depending on the rules, it remains a good option for those who want lower volatility and longer play sessions. The slower pace and frequent pushes make Pai Gow ideal for players looking for longevity rather than rapid-fire action.
Casino Hold’em – Better Than It Looks
Casino Hold’em may not appear to offer favorable odds at first glance, but it actually features a competitive house edge of around 2.16%, making it better than many other novelty games. It’s a house-banked version of Texas Hold’em where players try to beat the dealer with a stronger five-card poker hand. The key is knowing when to raise or fold, as optimal strategy significantly improves your odds. While the game includes optional side bets, these generally come with a much higher house edge and are best avoided. With strategic play, Casino Hold’em can be an entertaining and value-driven table game.