10 Casino Games with the Lowest House Edge

Players are always looking to have fun and hopefully win some cash when they’re playing at an NZ online casino , but not all casino games are created equal when it comes to house edge. 

You can often reduce house edge with effective strategy, but this isn’t always the case, so we wanted to take a closer look at the top 10 casino games that have the lowest house edge.

10. Backgammon

House Edge: 4.82%-6.39%

An old school casino game, Backgammon sees the players start with two pieces called ‘Point 1’. After you have placed your wagers, the dice is rolled by a designated shooter, with the object being to get the first two pieces over the jump bar by having them correspond to the individual roll of the two dice.

If the shooter is successful, whoever placed the jump bet will win, with the payout made according to the start point. Simple jump and out bets offer the best chance of winning, with other bet options being much more volatile.

Backgammon only just sneaks onto this list as it has a significant house edge, which can vary between 4.82% and 6.39%.

9. Caribbean Stud Poker

House Edge: 5%

Think Stud Poker minus the bluffing and you will be left with Caribbean Stud Poker, which offers a 5% house edge. 

Although you might be playing along with others, the house is the only opponent you need to beat in this innovative poker game. 

The presence of a Jackpot Bet might help explain the slightly larger house edge here, with players given the chance to scoop a huge jackpot if they are able to hit that elusive Royal Flush.

8. Pokies 

House Edge: The industry average is roughly 4% (but it varies significantly between games)

Perhaps the most volatile entrant on this list, the house edge in the best pokies can vary wildly from one game to the next. 

The average RTP (return to player) in the pokie industry is around 96%, which means that the house holds an edge of roughly 4%. However, this does vary across games, with this figure sometimes slipping as low as 80% or going as high as 99% - see Book of 99.

With this game type offering a fair house edge, it is very common that a casino welcome bonus is offered as an amount of free spins. This is a great way to get you started at a new online casino playing some free spins on the top pokie games.

7. Roulette (Single Zero)

House Edge: 2.7%

If there’s a casino game that encapsulates the glamour of the casino world, it has to be Roulette. However, there are now several different versions of this classic game available online, so it is important to pick the right one if you’re looking for those with the lowest house edge.

Playing on a Single Zero Roulette (or Classic Roulette) wheel that only features a single zero on it will see you play with a house edge of roughly 2.7%. 

If you switch across to American Roulette, which is played with two zeros on the wheel, this figure jumps to 5.26%. This is because that while the payouts remain the same as the classic game, you are playing with a 38th number on the wheel.

6. Pai Gow Poker

House Edge: 2.5%

An interesting blend of an Ancient Chinese domino game and poker, this hybrid card game offers plenty of fun and a double chance to win. With each hand you are dealt, you are allowed to form two winning hands out of the seven cards dealt.

This double chance to win really boosts the players chances with the house edge on this unique game standing at just 2.5%.

5. Video Poker

House Edge: 0.5%-5%

Seasoned Video Poker players will tell you that the house has no advantage whatsoever in this game when the correct strategy is applied. While that may not be strictly true, the house edge in this game can be minimal, depending on the version you choose to play.

It’s important to bear in mind that there are dozens of different versions of Video Poker available, with the house edge varying anywhere from roughly 0.5% up to 5%, depending on the game you are playing.

Playing simple game versions like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild is a good place to start for beginners, with the house receiving very little advantage if the correct strategy is applied.

4. Three Card Poker

House Edge: 1.5%

A relative newcomer in the casino world, Three Card Poker is a new online casino game that has quickly proven to be a hit with players. 

Again, this is a game with a large selection of different bets on offer, but if you’re sticking to the classic ante bet, you will be looking at a minor house edge of just 1.5%.

3. Baccarat

House Edge: 1.5%

If you are looking for a little less action around the table, as well as the chance to put some strategy into action, Baccarat is the game for you. 

Your best bet here is betting on ‘The Player’ as placing a bet on ‘The Banker’ comes with a fee attached to it. Betting on the former offers a very small house edge of only 1.5%.

2. Craps

House Edge: 1.4%

Although Craps looks like an exciting spectacle in land-based casinos, the myriad of different bets on offer will often put a potential player off. 

However, if you take the time to learn the game, you will find that this casino offers one of the lowest house edges out there. 

Common bets like ‘Don’t Pass’ and ‘Don’t Come’ bets have a house edge of just 1.4%.

1. Blackjack (Single Deck)

House Edge: 0.5%-2%

When it comes to Blackjack, the trick should be to keep your eye out for a single deck game. In this version of the Vegas classic, the house advantage reduced significantly, to anywhere between 0.5% and 2%.

Since Blackjack is one of the few casino games where you have a measure of control, if you add some basic strategy and solid bankroll management, your chances of walking away a winner are boosted markedly.