Walking into a casino, whether virtual or physical, can be overwhelming. Flashing lights, ringing bells, and rows upon rows of games all vying for attention. But seasoned players know that not all games are created equal—some offer far better payout opportunities than others. While slot machines and popular table games often steal the spotlight, there are lesser-known gems that provide unexpectedly high returns.
Let’s explore some of the most underrated casino games that deliver surprisingly high payouts, giving you a better shot at walking away with a profit.
Understanding Payouts and House Edge
Before diving into specific games, it’s essential to grasp what makes a game a good bet. The two key factors to consider are:
- Payout percentage (Return to Player – RTP): This refers to the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. A game with an RTP of 98% means that, on average, players get back $98 for every $100 wagered.
- House edge: This is the casino’s built-in advantage. The lower the house edge, the better your odds of winning.
With these concepts in mind, let’s uncover some underrated games that can deliver outstanding payouts.
- Video Poker
While most casino-goers flock to slot machines, video poker quietly remains one of the highest-paying options available. Variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offer RTPs as high as 99.54%—far superior to the average slot machine.
Why Video Poker Pays Well:
- Skill-Based Play: Unlike slots, where outcomes are purely random, video poker rewards strategic decision-making.
- Low House Edge: Some versions, when played with optimal strategy, reduce the house edge to nearly zero.
- Better Odds Than Slots: Many casual players overlook video poker in favor of flashy slot machines, but those in the know recognize its superior payout structure.
- Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where players can reduce the house edge to nearly zero with the right strategy. In some variations, perfect play can lead to an RTP of 99.5% or higher.
Why Blackjack Is a High-Payout Game:
- Strategy Matters: Players who use basic strategy can significantly improve their winning chances.
- Card Counting Potential: While casinos frown upon it, skilled players who track card distributions can gain an edge.
- Low House Edge: Some tables offer rules that bring the house edge below 1%, making it one of the best choices for consistent wins.
- Baccarat
Baccarat may seem like a game for high-stakes gamblers, but it’s actually one of the most player-friendly games in the casino. The banker bet has a house edge of just 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in any casino.
Why Baccarat Pays Well:
- Simple Betting Options: The game only has three main bets—Banker, Player, or Tie.
- Low House Edge: Sticking to the Banker bet gives players a near-even chance of winning.
- Popular Among Pros: Many professional gamblers prefer baccarat due to its favorable odds and straightforward strategy.
- Craps
Craps might seem intimidating with its rapid pace and complex betting layout, but it offers some of the best odds in the casino when played strategically. The Pass Line Bet and Don’t Pass Bet both have a low house edge of 1.41%.
Why Craps Offers Great Payouts:
- Certain Bets Are Extremely Favorable: The “Odds Bet” has zero house edge, meaning the casino has no advantage.
- High-Energy Gameplay: While it’s a game of chance, strategic betting can yield significant returns.
- Multiple Ways to Win: Unlike many other table games, craps allows for various betting strategies to maximize payouts.
- Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a hidden gem for players looking for a low-volatility game that stretches their bankroll while still offering good payouts. The house edge typically sits around 2.5%, but careful play can improve your chances.
Why Pai Gow Poker Is a Smart Choice:
- Slow-Paced Gameplay: Fewer hands per hour mean less money lost over time.
- Pushes Are Common: Many rounds end in a tie, helping players hold onto their bankroll longer.
- Strategy Matters: Proper hand-setting techniques can improve outcomes.
- Keno
While keno is often considered a high-house-edge game, it makes the list because of its potential for massive payouts. A single $1 ticket can turn into thousands or even millions with the right number combinations.
Why Keno Is Worth Considering:
- Huge Jackpot Potential: The right number of matches can lead to life-changing wins.
- Low-Cost Betting: Players can participate with minimal wagers.
- Flexible Playstyles: You can pick as many or as few numbers as you like, adjusting risk accordingly.
Maximizing Your Winnings
Maximizing your winnings in high-payout casino games requires more than just picking the right game—it’s about understanding the strategies that can tilt the odds in your favor. While some players rely purely on luck, those who take a more strategic approach stand a far better chance of walking away with profits.
One of the most important aspects of maximizing your winnings is learning the optimal strategy for the game you’re playing. Games like blackjack and video poker, for example, offer some of the best payout percentages, but only when played correctly. In blackjack, understanding when to hit, stand, split, or double down can significantly reduce the house edge. Similarly, video poker variations such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild reward players who make mathematically sound decisions based on the cards they’re dealt. Without a proper strategy, even the highest RTP games can become a losing battle.
Another crucial factor is recognizing that not all versions of the same game offer the same payouts. Many casinos tweak rules or adjust payout tables to increase their advantage, which means players need to do their research. For instance, blackjack tables with rules that favor the player—such as allowing doubling down on any two cards or offering a 3:2 payout for blackjack—are far better than those that only pay 6:5. In video poker, slight changes in the payout structure can impact the long-term RTP, so choosing machines with full-pay versions is essential for maximizing returns.
Bankroll management is another key element in maximizing winnings. Even in games with favorable odds, losing streaks are inevitable. Smart players set strict budgets before they start gambling, ensuring they never bet more than they can afford to lose. By managing their bankroll effectively, they can sustain longer playing sessions, giving themselves more opportunities to capitalize on high-paying hands or favorable situations. Those who wager too aggressively often find themselves out of money before they can take advantage of the statistical probabilities that work in their favor.
Casinos, especially online platforms, frequently offer bonuses and promotions that can give players a financial edge. Taking advantage of welcome bonuses, cashback offers, and free spins can significantly extend a bankroll. However, players should always read the terms and conditions to ensure the wagering requirements are reasonable. A bonus that requires excessive playthroughs before winnings can be withdrawn may not be as valuable as it initially seems. Savvy gamblers look for low-wagering requirement bonuses that truly enhance their ability to win.
Lastly, patience and discipline play an integral role in long-term success. Many players fall into the trap of chasing losses, making impulsive bets to recover previous losses quickly. This approach often leads to even greater losses. Instead, skilled players stick to their strategy and walk away when they reach their predetermined limits. Knowing when to stop—whether after hitting a winning streak or recognizing a losing session—is just as important as knowing how to play the game itself.
By combining skillful play, careful game selection, effective bankroll management, and the smart use of casino promotions, players can dramatically improve their chances of success. While no casino game guarantees profits, those who understand the nuances of high-payout games and apply disciplined strategies will always be in a better position than those who rely on chance alone.
