What are the best online casino game to win money?

Quick Answer

There is no single “best” online casino game to win money, as all games are designed with a built-in house edge that ensures the casino profits over time. However, for Australian players, games with the lowest house edge—such as blackjack (with optimal strategy), baccarat (banker bet), and video poker (e.g., Jacks or Better)—offer the highest theoretical return-to-player (RTP) percentages. Slots and keno typically have higher house edges, making them less favourable for long-term winning potential. Crucially, under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), it is illegal for unlicensed offshore casinos to offer real-money games to Australian residents, and licensed Australian-based online casinos are restricted to sports betting and some lottery-style products—not casino games like blackjack or roulette. This means any “online casino” you access for real-money play is almost certainly unregulated, carrying significant risks.

Understanding House Edge and RTP

To choose the best game for winning money, you must first understand two key metrics:

• House Edge: The mathematical advantage the casino has over players. A 2% house edge means the casino keeps $2 for every $100 wagered.
• Return to Player (RTP): The theoretical percentage of total bets returned to players over time. A 98% RTP means a $100 bet returns $98 on average (house edge = 2%).

Games with higher RTP (lower house edge) give you a better chance of winning in the short term and reduce long-term losses. However, no game can guarantee consistent profit due to variance.

Top Games by House Edge (Lowest to Highest)

Here are the most favourable games for Australian players, ranked by theoretical RTP when played optimally:

• Blackjack (with basic strategy): House edge ~0.5% to 1% (depending on rules). This is the best chance to win money, as skill reduces the edge. Side bets (e.g., insurance) dramatically increase the edge.
• Baccarat (Banker bet): House edge ~1.06%. No skill required, but the banker bet has the lowest edge. The player bet has ~1.24% edge; tie bets should be avoided (~14% edge).
• Video Poker (Jacks or Better, full-pay): RTP up to 99.54% with perfect strategy. Requires memorising optimal hold/discard decisions.
• Craps (Pass/Come bets): House edge ~1.41%. Avoid proposition bets (e.g., “any seven”) which have edges over 16%.
• European Roulette (single zero): House edge ~2.7%. American roulette (double zero) has ~5.26% edge—avoid it.
• Slots (high RTP): Some slots have RTPs of 96-98%, but most are 92-96%. Slots rely purely on luck and have high volatility, meaning you can win big but lose quickly.
• Keno/Lottery-style: House edge often exceeds 20-30%. These are the worst for winning money.

Australian Legal Context: The IGA 1997

Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), it is illegal for online casinos to offer “click-to-play” casino games (e.g., blackjack, roulette, slots, baccarat) to Australian residents. The only legal online gambling products in Australia are:

• Sports betting (via licensed Australian operators like TAB, Sportsbet).
• Lotteries and keno (via state-regulated outlets).
• Simulated gambling games (free-to-play, no real money).

Therefore, any website offering real-money casino games to Australians is operating illegally under the IGA. These are typically offshore, unlicensed operators. While the law targets operators (not players), participating carries risks:

• No consumer protection (e.g., dispute resolution, fair play audits).
• Potential for withheld winnings or unfair terms.
• Risk of identity theft or payment fraud.
• No recourse under Australian law if the casino refuses to pay.

For this reason, the “best” game to win money is irrelevant if the platform is unregulated—your winnings may never materialise. The safest approach is to stick to legal Australian gambling options (sports betting, lotteries) or free-play games.

Strategies to Maximise Winning Potential

If you choose to play at offshore casinos (at your own risk), these strategies can help minimise losses:

For Skill-Based Games

• Blackjack: Learn basic strategy (e.g., when to hit, stand, double down). Avoid side bets and insurance. Use a strategy card if allowed.
• Video Poker: Use a strategy chart for the specific variant (e.g., Jacks or Better). Only play “full-pay” machines (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better pays 9:1 for a full house, 6:1 for a flush).
• Baccarat: Always bet on the banker, as it has the lowest house edge. Ignore tie bets entirely.

For Luck-Based Games

• Roulette: Stick to European single-zero wheels. Outside bets (red/black, odd/even) have the same house edge as inside bets (2.7%) but lower volatility.
• Slots: Choose slots with published RTP of 97% or higher (e.g., “Blood Suckers” at 98%, “Mega Joker” at 99%). Play max lines to avoid missing winning combinations. Avoid progressive jackpot slots (lower base RTP).
• Craps: Only make Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bets. Take maximum odds (available in many casinos) to reduce the overall house edge to near zero.

Bankroll Management

• Set a strict budget you can afford to lose. Never chase losses.
• Use the “1-3-2-6” betting system for even-money bets (e.g., baccarat) to manage risk, but remember no system overcomes the house edge.
• Quit while ahead. Winning streaks are temporary; the house edge ensures long-term loss.

Games to Avoid

These games have extremely high house edges and should be avoided if your goal is to win money:

• Keno: House edge often 20-30%.
• American Roulette: 5.26% edge due to double zero.
• Slot machine side bets (e.g., “bonus buys”): Often have RTP below 90%.
• Live dealer “game shows” (e.g., Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live): Typically 3-8% house edge.
• Poker (video or live): While skill-based, you compete against other players, not the house. The casino takes a rake (e.g., 5% of each pot). Winning requires significant skill and bankroll.

Key Takeaways for Australian Players

• Best game to win money: Blackjack (with basic strategy) or baccarat (banker bet) offer the lowest house edge (~0.5-1%). Video poker (Jacks or Better) is also strong but requires skill.
• Legal reality: Under the IGA 1997, no licensed Australian online casino offers real-money blackjack, roulette, or slots. Any site that does is offshore and unregulated.
• Risk warning: Playing at unlicensed casinos carries high risks of non-payment, fraud, and no legal recourse. Your “winning” game is worthless if the casino refuses to pay.
• Only safe alternative: Stick to legal Australian sports betting or lotteries, or play free demo versions of casino games for entertainment only.
• Final advice: No game guarantees consistent wins. Treat all gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits, use strategy, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.