Which online casino game has the best odds?

Quick Answer

For Australian players, the online casino game with the best odds is Blackjack, specifically when played with single-deck, standard rules (3:2 payout for blackjack). The house edge can be as low as 0.5% with optimal basic strategy, and as low as 0.2% under perfect conditions. However, due to the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), most online blackjack games offered by offshore operators to Australian players use 6- or 8-deck shoes with less favourable rules (e.g., 6:5 payouts), which raise the house edge to 1–2%. In terms of pure mathematical odds, Baccarat (betting on the Banker) also offers a low house edge of about 1.06%, while Video Poker (e.g., Jacks or Better with a full-pay table) can achieve a near-zero house edge (0.5% or less) when played with perfect strategy. Among all common online casino games, Blackjack (with optimal strategy) remains the top choice for the best odds, but only if you choose a game with favourable rules.

Understanding House Edge: The Key to Best Odds

The “best odds” in any casino game are determined by the house edge—the mathematical advantage the casino has over the player over time. A lower house edge means better odds for you. In Australia, the IGA 1997 prohibits licensed Australian-based online casinos from offering real-money interactive gambling services (like online slots, blackjack, or roulette) to Australian residents. As a result, most Australian players access offshore casinos, which are not regulated by the IGA but still face legal risks. This means the games you play may have different rules and house edges than those in land-based Australian casinos or regulated European markets.

1. Blackjack (Best Odds Overall)

• House edge: 0.5% to 2% (varies by rules)
• Why it wins: With basic strategy (a set of mathematically proven decisions), blackjack offers the lowest house edge of any common casino game. The key factors are: number of decks (fewer is better), payout for blackjack (3:2 is standard; 6:5 is much worse), whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether doubling down or splitting is restricted.
• For Australian players: Offshore casinos often use 6- or 8-deck shoes with 6:5 blackjack payouts (a terrible rule that increases house edge to over 2%). Always check the game rules before playing. If you find a single-deck game with 3:2 payout, you have the best odds in the online casino world.
• IGA note: The IGA does not directly regulate blackjack rules, but it prohibits Australian-licensed operators from offering it. Offshore operators are not bound by Australian law, so they can offer any rules they choose—often worse ones to compensate for their lack of local oversight.

2. Baccarat (Banker Bet)

• House edge: 1.06% (Banker bet), 1.24% (Player bet), 14.36% (Tie bet)
• Why it’s good: Baccarat is simple: you bet on either the Player, Banker, or Tie. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge because of the commission (typically 5%) but also the statistical advantage. No skill or strategy is needed—just choose the Banker bet every time.
• For Australian players: Baccarat is popular in Australian land-based casinos, but online versions from offshore operators may use fewer decks or different commission structures. Always check if the commission is 5%—some online variants have lower commissions but altered payouts.
• IGA note: Baccarat is a “table game” and falls under the IGA’s prohibition for Australian-licensed operators. Offshore operators offering it to Australians are technically breaking the IGA, but enforcement is rare and focused on the operators, not players.

3. Video Poker (Jacks or Better, Full-Pay)

• House edge: 0.5% to 2% (varies by pay table)
• Why it’s strong: Video poker combines slot machine convenience with poker strategy. The best variant is “Jacks or Better” with a “full-pay” table (9/6 payouts for a full house and flush). With perfect strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%.
• For Australian players: Many offshore casinos offer video poker, but the pay tables are often “short-pay” (e.g., 8/5 or 7/5), which increases the house edge to 2–5%. You must carefully review the pay table before playing. The IGA does not specifically mention video poker, but it generally considers it a “game of chance” and thus prohibited for Australian-licensed operators.

4. Craps (Pass Line / Don’t Pass Bet)

• House edge: 1.41% (Pass Line), 1.36% (Don’t Pass)
• Why it’s decent: Craps is a dice game with multiple bets. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets offer low house edges, especially when combined with free odds (a side bet with zero house edge). However, many online casinos do not offer free odds, or they limit the odds to 1x or 2x.
• For Australian players: Online craps is relatively rare due to software complexity. When available, the odds are often worse than in land-based casinos. The IGA does not specifically ban craps, but it falls under the “table game” prohibition.

5. Roulette (European vs. American)

• House edge: 2.7% (European single-zero), 5.26% (American double-zero)
• Why it’s not the best: Roulette is purely chance-based. European roulette has a much lower house edge than American roulette. However, even at 2.7%, it is worse than blackjack, baccarat, or video poker.
• For Australian players: Most offshore casinos offer both European and American roulette. Always choose European roulette (single zero). The IGA prohibits Australian-licensed operators from offering roulette, but offshore versions are widely available.

6. Slots (Worst Odds)

• House edge: 2% to 15% (typically 5–10%)
• Why to avoid: Online slots are the most popular but have the worst odds. The RTP (Return to Player) is often 92–97%, meaning the house edge is 3–8% or more. Progressive jackpot slots can have RTPs as low as 85%.
• For Australian players: Pokies (slots) are extremely popular in Australia, but online versions from offshore operators often have lower RTPs than land-based pokies. The IGA specifically targets “online slot machines” as prohibited for Australian-licensed operators, but offshore slots are still accessible.

Why Blackjack Is the Winner (with a Caveat)

Blackjack offers the best odds because it is a game of skill and chance. By using basic strategy (a mathematically derived set of decisions for when to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender), you can reduce the house edge to near zero. In fact, with perfect strategy and favourable rules (single deck, 3:2 blackjack, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed), the house edge can be as low as 0.2%. This is far better than any other common casino game.

However, the caveat for Australian players is that most offshore online casinos do not offer such favourable rules. They often use 6-deck shoes with 6:5 blackjack payouts, which increase the house edge to 1.5% to 2%. This still beats slots and American roulette, but it is not as good as Baccarat (Banker) or full-pay Video Poker.

How to Find the Best Odds in Online Casinos (Without Affiliate Links)

To maximise your odds as an Australian player:

• Check the game rules: Look for blackjack with “3:2” payout, not “6:5”. For video poker, look for “9/6 Jacks or Better”. For baccarat, ensure the Banker bet has a 5% commission.
• Use basic strategy charts: These are freely available online. Print one out and keep it next to your computer when playing blackjack.
• Avoid side bets: In blackjack, side bets like “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3” have house edges of 5–10% or more. Stick to the main game.
• Play European roulette: If you play roulette, always choose the single-zero version.
• Understand the IGA: The IGA 1997 makes it illegal for Australian-licensed operators to offer these games, but you are not breaking the law by playing at offshore casinos. However, you have no consumer protection if the casino cheats or refuses to pay.

Key Takeaways for Australian Players

• Blackjack (with basic strategy) offers the best odds overall, but you must find a game with 3:2 payouts and favourable rules.
• Baccarat (Banker bet) is a close second with a house edge of 1.06% and requires no skill.
• Video Poker (full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better) can match blackjack’s odds if you use perfect strategy, but pay tables are often short-pay in offshore casinos.
• Slots and American roulette have the worst odds and should be avoided if you want to maximise your chances.
• The IGA 1997 prohibits Australian-licensed online casinos from offering these games, but offshore casinos are accessible. Always verify the game rules and RTP before playing, as offshore operators are not subject to Australian consumer protections.
• No strategy guarantees a win—the house always has an edge in the long run. Play for entertainment, not as a way to make money.