What are the Most Profitable Casino Games?

min read
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BetMGM Nov 17, 2023, 10:00 AM

When playing online casino games, it’s important to remember that winning is never guaranteed. It’s also important to focus on enjoying the game itself rather than worrying about making money, which can be a trigger for irresponsible gambling decisions and habits.

Having said all that, for some people, it’s simply more fun to play casino games that have the potential for higher returns. So, what are the most profitable casino games to add to your list of “must-plays?” We provide the answer and the details below.

Ranking Casino Games Based on Profitability

There are a few questions to ask yourself when trying to decide whether a casino game is profitable or not:

  • Is the game based on skill and strategy, or is it a game determined by luck?
  • What are the odds involved?
  • What are the payout odds?
  • How popular is the game?

Firstly, most gamblers will agree that there’s a higher chance of landing a significant win when playing casino games that require a certain amount of skill, like blackjack and poker, compared to games where the outcome is determined by luck. As such, even if the pot available for luck-based casino games is higher, most casino table games are viewed as “more profitable” options. 

Secondly, a game’s unique odds also play into your chances of landing a win. These odds are calculated based purely on how likely you are to beat the house or, in some instances, the dealer.

Thirdly, payout odds differ significantly from game to game and from casino to casino, so be sure to read the fine print before getting started. While it’s common for the odds to be even (i.e., if you bet $25 and win, you’ll be paid out $25 in winnings), this isn’t always the case. Much to many players’ delight, there are times when the odds might be 2 to 1 (where you bet $25 and get $50 if you win) or even 3 to 1 (where you bet $25 and get $75.)

Finally, the more popular casino games are often the most profitable (for obvious reasons.)

Highly Profitable Games

Now that you know how a game’s profitability is determined, here’s a list of some of the most profitable games, most of which can be found in both casinos online and in brick-and-mortar casinos.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular casino table game because it’s rather straightforward and easy to learn. It’s the perfect combination of luck and skill, and it promises favorable odds, often as high as 42.22%. In most land-based and online casinos, the house edge is around 1% (although it can be as high as 1.5% and as low as 0.4%,) making it the casino game with the lowest house advantage.

Poker

Another casino table game and sought-after live dealer casino game, poker, is often referred to as the most popular casino game in the world. It’s a lot more complicated than blackjack and a lot more reliant on a player’s skill, which also means that it’s often more profitable, especially for experienced gamblers. 

There are many different poker variants to choose from, and the odds of winning vary quite dramatically for each of these variants. The odds also vary from hand to hand. For example, at any given time, you have about a 2.6% chance of making up a full house and a 4.6% chance of making up a straight with the cards you’re dealt. 

Texas Hold’em, the most popular poker variant, has a house edge of approximately 2.36%, while video poker, a computerized version of five-card draw poker, has a house edge of 0.46%. This is the reason most beginners choose video poker when learning the rules of the game and trying to rack up some experience.

Baccarat

Another game that’s easy to learn and known for offering favorable odds is baccarat. After all, there are only three possible outcomes when playing baccarat: player (you win,) banker (the house wins), and tie. The odds are as high as 44.62%, and the house edge stands at 1.06%. It’s a top choice for beginners due to its slower pace and simplistic gameplay – and it’s purely a game of chance, so no skill is required to potentially rake in a decent sum of money.

Roulette

Feeling lucky? Then you might want to hedge your bets on a game of roulette, a go-to casino classic that is undisputedly one of the most profitable games on the casino floor (as well as online.) While most players develop their own betting system and strategy, roulette is very much a game of chance, and the odds of winning are one in 37 every time you play. But when you win, you usually win big. The house edge is 5.26%, which is quite a lot higher than many of the other games on this list, but it’s also the reason why roulette is often so exciting to play!

Online slots

Online slots are chance-based casino games and extremely popular among gamers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The house edge for online slots is usually between 1 and 15%. What’s interesting is that the odds of winning vary from game to game (so be on the lookout for slots with higher return-to-player (RTP) ratios than the average 96%), and the odds of walking away with a win are pretty good.

Play a Variety of Casino Games at BetMGM

Are you looking for the aforementioned casino games to play online to increase your chances of raking in a higher amount of cash? Then look no further than BetMGM. We offer a huge menu of casino classics, including casino table games, online slots, and much more.

Explore our options and learn how to play casino games like a pro by registering via our convenient mobile portal.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.