When diving into the world of online casino games, understanding the odds is key to making informed decisions and potentially extending your playtime. While all casino games inherently have a “house edge” (a statistical advantage for the casino), some offer significantly better odds for the player than others.
Here are 7 online casino iceland games that generally offer the best odds, focusing on a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage and, where applicable, elements of strategy that can further improve your chances:
1. Blackjack (RTP: ~99.5% with optimal strategy)
Blackjack consistently ranks as one of the best casino games in terms of player odds.
- Why the odds are good: The house edge can be as low as 0.5% (or even less in some variants) when played with perfect basic strategy. This strategy involves making the mathematically correct decision for every possible hand combination against the dealer’s upcard.
- Key mechanic: You’re competing against the dealer, not other players, trying to get a hand total closer to 21 without going over.
- Tip: Learn and use a basic strategy chart. Many online casinos allow you to play in “demo” mode to practice without risking real money.
2. Video Poker (RTP: Up to ~99.5%+, some variants over 100%)
Video Poker is a hybrid of slots and poker, offering excellent odds for those who know how to play strategically.
- Why the odds are good: Many video poker variants, particularly “full pay” versions (which have specific payout tables), offer RTPs exceeding 99%, with some rare versions like Full Pay Deuces Wild theoretically offering over 100% RTP with perfect play. Your decisions on which cards to hold and which to discard directly impact your outcome.
- Key mechanic: You’re dealt five cards and can choose to hold or discard any number of them to create the best possible poker hand.
- Tip: Always look for the game’s paytable. For example, in “Jacks or Better,” a “9/6” machine (9 coins for a Full House, 6 for a Flush) has a higher RTP than an “8/5” machine. Learn optimal strategy for the specific variant you’re playing.
3. Baccarat (RTP: Banker bet ~98.94%, Player bet ~98.76%)
Baccarat is a simple yet elegant card game with very favorable odds, especially on certain bets.
- Why the odds are good: The house edge on the Banker bet is remarkably low at around 1.06%, even with the small commission often taken on winning Banker bets. The Player bet is also excellent at approximately 1.24%. The “Tie” bet, however, has a very high house edge (over 14%) and should be avoided.
- Key mechanic: Players bet on whether the “Player” hand or the “Banker” hand will have a total closer to 9, or if it will be a “Tie.” No complex strategy is involved once bets are placed.
- Tip: Statistically, the Banker bet wins slightly more often than the Player bet. It’s often recommended to stick to the Banker bet.
4. French Roulette (RTP: ~98.65%)
Roulette comes in various forms, but French Roulette offers the best odds due to its unique rules.
- Why the odds are good: Unlike American Roulette (which has two zero pockets: 0 and 00, leading to a 5.26% house edge), French and European Roulette only have a single zero (0), which halves the house edge to 2.7%. French Roulette further improves on this with two special rules:
- La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even) and the ball lands on zero, you get half your bet back. This effectively reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%.
- En Prison: A similar rule where your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for another spin if zero hits. If the next spin wins, your original bet is returned.
- Key mechanic: Bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.
- Tip: Always opt for French or European Roulette over American Roulette if available. Prioritize even-money bets in French Roulette to take advantage of La Partage/En Prison.
5. Craps (RTP: Up to ~98.64% on certain bets)
Craps can seem intimidating due to the multitude of betting options, but some of its core bets offer excellent odds.
- Why the odds are good: The “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line” bets have a relatively low house edge of 1.41% and 1.36% respectively. The real gem in Craps is the “Odds Bet.” Once a point is established, you can back your Pass/Don’t Pass Line bet with an “Odds Bet,” which has a 0% house edge because it pays out at true odds.
- Key mechanic: Players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of two dice.
- Tip: Focus on the Pass Line/Don’t Pass Line bets and always “take odds” (or “lay odds”) when possible, as this is where the casino’s advantage disappears. Avoid “proposition bets” in the center of the table, as they typically have very high house edges.
6. Pai Gow Poker (RTP: ~98.5% with optimal strategy)
A slower-paced poker variant, Pai Gow Poker can offer good odds, especially if you play optimally.
- Why the odds are good: The house edge is relatively low, around 1.5% with good strategy. A unique aspect is the high frequency of “pushes” (ties), which means you don’t lose your bet, extending playtime.
- Key mechanic: Players receive seven cards and must divide them into a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand, aiming for both hands to beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
- Tip: Learn how to “set the hand” optimally to maximize your chances. Many online versions offer a “House Way” button, which automatically sets your hand according to the casino’s preferred strategy, often a good default.
7. Select High RTP Slots (RTP: 97% – 99%)
While most slots have a higher house edge than table games, some online slots offer significantly better RTPs than others.
- Why the odds are good: While a standard slot might have an RTP of 92-95%, some specific titles are known for much higher returns, sometimes reaching 97%, 98%, or even 99%.
- Examples: Ugga Bugga (Playtech – 99.07%), Mega Joker (NetEnt – 99%), Blood Suckers (NetEnt – 98%), 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick – 98.6%), Jokerizer (Yggdrasil – 98%).
- Key mechanic: These are still games of chance, relying on RNGs, but the payout structure is designed to return more to players over the long run.
- Tip: Always check the RTP percentage in the game’s information or paytable before you play. While high RTP doesn’t guarantee a win on any single spin, it improves your theoretical long-term chances.
Remember that “best odds” refers to the game’s statistical RTP and house edge over a very large number of plays. Short-term results can vary wildly due to luck. Always gamble responsibly, set a budget, and play for entertainment.
