Casinos are designed to make money, and while some games offer players a fighting chance, others are notorious for having terrible odds. Understanding which games offer the worst return to players can help you make smarter choices and avoid draining your wallet too quickly.
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In this article, we’ll break down the casino games with the worst odds and explain why they’re best avoided if you want any chance of walking away a winner.
Understanding “House Edge”
Before diving into specific games, it’s important to understand the term house edge. This refers to the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. A higher house edge means worse odds for the player.
House Edge and Player Odds Relationship
| House Edge (%) | Casino Advantage | Player Return |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | Low | High (99%) |
| 5% | Moderate | Moderate (95%) |
| 20%+ | High | Low (<80%) |
1. Big Six Wheel (Wheel of Fortune)
The Big Six Wheel is flashy and fun-looking, which is exactly why it’s so dangerous. Players bet on which segment the wheel will stop on, but the house edge is shockingly high.
House Edge: Ranges from 11% to 24%, depending on the payout.
Why It’s Bad: The wheel seems simple, but its probability-to-payout ratio is skewed heavily in the casino’s favor.
Big Six Wheel Odds
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge (%) |
|---|---|---|
| $1 segment | 1:1 | 11.11% |
| $5 segment | 5:1 | 11.11% |
| Joker or Logo | 40:1 | 24.07% |
2. Keno
House Edge: Up to 25%–29%
Why It’s Bad: The odds of matching all your numbers are extremely low, but the game can lure players in with promises of huge jackpots.
Odds of Winning Jackpot: 1 in 8,911,711 (for matching 10 numbers out of 20)
Keno Probability (Typical Game)
| Matches Hit | Probability |
|---|---|
| 0 | 19.6% |
| 1–3 | 49.9% (combined) |
| 4–6 | 25% |
| 7–10 | 5.5% |
3. Slot Machines
Slots are the bread and butter of most casinos, and for good reason—they’re colorful, addictive, and have terrible odds for the player in most cases.
House Edge: Between 2% and 15%, but some machines go much higher.
Why It’s Bad: The random number generators are designed to favor the house over time. Plus, most slots don’t disclose their odds clearly.
Progressive Jackpot Slots: May have a house edge of 20% or more.
Slot Machine RTP by Type
| Slot Type | RTP (%) | House Edge (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Penny Slots | 85%–90% | 10%–15% |
| Dollar Slots | 90%–95% | 5%–10% |
| High-Denomination Slots | 95%–98% | 2%–5% |
4. American Roulette
American Roulette might look fun with its red and black wheel, but it has a house edge that’s almost double that of European Roulette.
House Edge: 5.26%
Why It’s Bad: The extra “00” (double zero) slot increases the casino’s advantage.
Roulette Comparison
| Game Type | Zeroes | House Edge (%) |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 2 | 5.26% |
What Games Offer Better Odds?
To give yourself a better chance at winning, consider these games:
Table 6: Games With Better Odds
| Game | House Edge (%) | Player Strategy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | 0.5%–2% | High (with basic strategy) |
| Craps | 1.4% (Pass Line) | Moderate |
| Baccarat | 1.06% (Banker) | Low |
| Video Poker | ~0.5% (Jacks or Better) | High (with perfect play) |
While the thrill of a casino is undeniable, not all games offer a fair shot at winning. If your goal is to maximize fun while minimizing losses, steer clear of:
- Big Six Wheel
- Keno
- Low-RTP Slot Machines
- American Roulette
Instead, gravitate toward games with better odds and a skill element, such as blackjack or craps.
The house always has the edge—but knowing which games have the worst odds can help you play smarter and walk away with more money in your pocket.
