1. Certain Slot Machines
Slot machines are a staple in every real money online casino, and while they can be incredibly entertaining, they can also be a trap for unsuspecting gamblers. Slot machines are among the worst casino games for odds, primarily due to their high house edge. This edge can vary significantly depending on the machine, but it often hovers around 7% to 15%.
Many players are drawn to real money slot machines because of their simplicity and the potential for massive jackpots. However, these progressive jackpots are rare. Most slot machines are programmed to pay out less frequently than other games, making them a risky bet. For instance, if you’re betting $2 per spin and you make 500 spins in an hour, you’re putting $1,000 into play. With a house edge of 10%, you’re expected to lose $100 per hour on average.
Slot machines also play very fast, which can quickly deplete your bankroll. The excitement of the lights and sounds can make it easy to lose track of time and money. If you enjoy slots, set a strict budget and stick to it to avoid significant losses.
To make most out of your slot play, you should always concentrate on High RTP Slots.
2. Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker, also known as Tri Card Poker, is a game that many find appealing due to its simplicity and relatively quick pace. However, it’s one of the games with less favorable odds in the casino.
In Three Card Poker, you have two primary bets: the Ante and the Pair Plus. The Ante is your initial bet, and you need to raise if you want to stay in the game after seeing your cards. The Pair Plus is an optional side bet. The house edge for the Ante and Play bet is around 3.37% if you play optimally, while the Pair Plus bet has a house edge of about 7.28%.
While these percentages might not seem too high, the rapid pace of the game can make it costly. For example, if you’re betting $50 per hand and play 50 hands per hour, you’re putting $2,500 into action each hour. With a house edge of 3.37%, you’re looking at an expected hourly loss of about $84.25.
In addition, while three card poker is a simple game, you might not know how to play it optimally. And because the house edge increases if you’re not playing optimally or if you make the Pair Plus bets frequently, you can lose your bankroll even faster.
3. American Roulette
Online roulette is a classic casino game, but the version you play makes a significant difference in your odds. American Roulette and European Roulette may look similar, but they are not equal in terms of the house edge.
American Roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This additional double zero significantly increases the house edge. The house edge for American Roulette is 5.26%, compared to the 2.7% house edge in European Roulette, which only has a single zero.
Here’s what this difference means in practice: if you’re betting $100 per spin and you make 30 spins in an hour, you’re putting $3,000 into action. For American Roulette, your expected hourly loss is $157.80 (5.26% of $3,000). For European Roulette, the expected hourly loss drops to $81 (2.7% of $3,000). The additional zero on the American Roulette wheel effectively doubles the house edge, making it a much worse bet.
If you love roulette, seek out the European version whenever possible. It might not be available in all casinos, but it’s worth the effort to find one that offers it.
4. Sic Bo
Sic Bo is a dice game that offers a variety of betting options, but many of these bets come with a steep house edge. The game uses three dice, and players can bet on various outcomes, such as the total sum of the dice or specific combinations.
The house edge varies depending on the bet. For example, betting on a specific triple (all three dice showing the same number) can have a house edge as high as 29%. Even the more favorable bets, like betting on the total being “small” (4-10) or “big” (11-17), have a house edge of 2.78%.
Let’s say you’re betting $50 per round and make 30 bets in an hour, putting $1,500 into play. Even if you stick to the “small” or “big” bets with a house edge of 2.78%, your expected hourly loss is $41.70. This loss can skyrocket if you make higher-risk bets with worse odds.
Sic Bo’s variety of bets can be enticing, but sticking to the ones with the lowest house edge is crucial. Avoid the high-risk bets to minimize your losses. Instead of Sic’ Bo, we would always recommend Real Money Craps Online to dice game lovers.
5. War
Casino War is a straightforward game reminiscent of the children’s card game of the same name. Despite its simplicity, it is not a good choice for players looking for favorable odds.
In Casino War, both the player and the dealer are dealt one card each. The higher card wins. If there is a tie, players can either surrender and lose half their bet or go to war by matching their initial bet. The house edge for the basic game is about 2.88%, but the edge increases if you opt to go to war.
One of the main issues with Casino War is its fast pace. Games like blackjack involve decision-making that can slow the pace, but War is purely luck-based and can move quickly. You could easily play 200 hands per hour. If you’re betting $10 per hand, that’s $2,000 in action each hour. With a house edge of 2.88%, your expected hourly loss is $57.60.
The lack of strategy and the rapid gameplay make Casino War a poor choice if you’re looking to manage your bankroll effectively. The high house edge on the tie bet (usually around 18%) further increases your risk.
6. 6/5 Blackjack
Blackjack is typically one of the best games in the casino for players, thanks to its low house edge when played with optimal strategy. However, not all blackjack games are created equal, and the 6/5 payout variant is one to avoid.
In most traditional blackjack games, a natural blackjack (an ace and a ten-value card) pays out at 3 to 2. In 6/5 Blackjack, that same hand only pays out at 6 to 5. This seemingly small change significantly increases the house edge from around 0.5% to approximately 1.89%.
To illustrate, if you’re playing $100 per hand and 30 hands per hour, you’re putting $3,000 into action every hour. With a traditional 3 to 2 payout and a house edge of 0.5%, your expected hourly loss is $15. However, with the 6/5 payout and a house edge of 1.89%, your expected hourly loss jumps to $56.70.
The increased house edge means you’re losing almost four times as much per hour, making 6/5 Blackjack a poor choice compared to traditional blackjack games. Always look for games that offer the standard 3 to 2 payout to get the most out of your blackjack experience.
Conclusion
When choosing which games to play at a casino, it’s essential to consider the house edge and how it impacts your chances of winning. While all casino games favor the house to some extent, the games listed above have particularly unfavorable odds that can quickly deplete your bankroll.
Slot machines, Three Card Poker, American Roulette, Sic Bo, Casino War, and 6/5 Blackjack all offer worse odds than many other free casino games that pay real money. By understanding the house edge and avoiding these games, you can make more informed decisions and improve your overall casino experience.
For the best chances of winning, stick to games with lower house edges and ones that allow you to employ strategy, such as traditional blackjack and European roulette. Remember, gambling should be about entertainment, so always play responsibly and within your budget.
