How to Beat Casino Odds in Online Casino Games
Most of you will know that the odds are stacked against us when we play at online casinos. The games are designed to give the casino the edge over the long term. However, are there ways to beat the odds and consistently come out on top against these online gambling platforms? Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee you always enjoy winning sessions, but using our tips, you could find that your overall success rate improves dramatically.
Choose Reputable Online Casinos
Generally, if you make smart decisions when gambling online, you greatly improve your chances of success. Well, one of the smartest decisions you can make is choosing the right online casino. Get this decision correct, and you at least ensure you're not ripped off by some rogue unlicensed platform that probably offers rigged games, unfair terms and conditions and will use any excuse not to payout any winnings.
Simply put, find an online casino that holds strong licensing and a good reputation from within the iGaming industry. A reputable casino must adhere to strict regulations from authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. Those regulations ensure the online casino offers top-notch security features, offers casino games that are certified as fair by third-party testing companies, and has fair terms and conditions.
Some of the most reputable casinos we recommend are:
Take Advantage of Lucrative Online Casino Bonuses
Many online casinos attempt to lure new players to their platforms via welcome bonuses and no-deposit bonuses. Most online casinos also offer standard bonuses and promotions to all players, whether new or old. This might give you some bonus money, free spins, cashback, or some other bonus that gives you extra value when you start playing. Below are some of the most common online casino bonuses.
- No Deposit Bonuses: These are bonuses offering free spins or bonus cash without requiring new registrations to deposit. Simply create a casino account, and you will receive a free bonus.
- Welcome Bonuses: Designed to attract new players, a welcome bonus often gives players a good chunk of bonus cash, free spins, or a mix of both when making their first deposits.
- Reload Bonuses: To keep existing players happy, many online casinos offer reload bonuses. These are similar to welcome bonuses but often give less cash or spins.
In short, you increase your odds of winning when using money that isn't yours. However, most casinos will protect themselves by attaching wagering requirements to their bonuses. For that reason, make sure you understand these in full before you start betting. Keep an eye out for bonuses with low or no wagering requirements that give you the best chance of winning some profits.
Choose the Right Online Casino Games to Play
All games will give a house edge to the online casino you're playing at. However, that house edge can vary greatly depending on the types of games you play. The most popular casino games usually fall under the slot machines category, but these often give the online casino the highest house edge. Top-rated slot machines can have RTPs anywhere between 90 and 98%, with the average sitting around the 96% mark. That means, on average, online casinos have a 4% house edge when you play slots. These are among the worst casino game odds you will find.
That is still not a huge advantage, so there is plenty of scope for you to defy the odds and come away with a win. However, to give yourself the best odds of winning, you should play one of the following casino games:
- Video Poker: Although not as exciting as slot machines with their fancy graphics and entertaining bonus features, video poker machines offer a far better RTP (return to player) percentage on average. In fact, it is rare to find a video poker game offering an RTP of lower than 98%, and in many cases, you'll find higher than that. The idea when you play video poker is to try to create the highest value poker hand.
- Blackjack: Another of the best games to play at an online or land-based casino is blackjack. As long as you follow basic blackjack strategy and play at a stand blackjack table, you can enjoy an RTP of 98%, which equates to a house edge of 2%.
- Baccarat: This is a simple card game popular with high rollers around the world. Why? Because it offers some of the best odds going. Essentially, players bet on which hand (banker or player) they think will win. The other option is betting on a tie, but this is seen as the worse bet in the game. To stand a better chance of winning, you should place your bets on the banker position, as this offers the best odds. The casino only has a 1.06% house edge, although these bets require a 5% commission.
- Craps: Another popular game that gives you good odds of winning is Craps. However, it is important to note you should avoid specific bets. Stick to placing Don't Pass bets and the Pass Line Bet. These offer a house edge of 1.36% and 1.41%, respectively.
So while penny slots, video slots, and jackpot slots arguably offer the best entertainment, they do not represent your best chance of winning at an online casino. This is not to say you should avoid them, but rather, you should understand that you will usually win more often by playing other games at your local casino or online casino.
Understand the Rules Before Playing Online Casino Games
Even considering which games offer the best chance to win money, if you're not sure of the game rules, you're likely to make costly mistakes. Video slots, for example, are fairly straightforward - just hit the spin button and hope for a winning combination. But when it comes to playing games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, or other popular casino table games, the rules become more complex, and there are many more bets you can place.
To better equip yourself, it's crucial to do your research before diving into any casino game. For example, if you're considering blackjack, familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the game by reading our 'blackjack rules' article. Likewise, before you place your chips on the roulette table, make sure to consult our 'How to play roulette' guide. If baccarat is more your style, our comprehensive 'how to play baccarat' piece will be a valuable resource. And don't forget to check out our guide on how to play and win at slots before trying your luck with the slot machines.
Ultimately, reading guides, watching video tutorials, and understanding how to play before you start betting will position you for the best possible outcome.
Get Practice by Playing Free Versions of Popular Online Casino Games
Another way to learn the rules of a casino game is to play the demo version. Most casinos will offer these free-to-play versions of popular games, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and video poker. These free games give you a chance to practice without betting any real money. You can play risk-free until you understand the rules of the online games you want to play. Then, when you're confident enough, you can visit a real money game and start betting with real cash.
Practice Good Bankroll Management
Some of the best advice we can give is to practice good bankroll management. Whether you enjoy online gambling at online casinos or sports betting sites, you're not going to enjoy a long session if you bet all your money all in one go. Sure, you might get lucky, but more often than not, that luck will not last forever.
Instead, use bankroll management to ensure you stay in the game for longer, have the chance to claw back any losses should they come your way, and potentially finish the session with a win. Only bet a small percentage of your bankroll each round. You should break it up so that you wager no more than 5% of your entire bankroll each time.
