Quick Answer
There is no single online casino game that universally “pays out the most,” as payouts depend on game rules, volatility, and the casino’s Return to Player (RTP). However, **video poker** and **blackjack** (with optimal strategy) typically offer the highest theoretical RTP, often exceeding 99%. For slot machines, the best-paying games (e.g., Mega Joker, Blood Suckers) have RTPs around 97–99%. Progressive jackpots can pay enormous sums but have very low base RTPs. Under Australian law (Interactive Gambling Act 1997), licensed offshore casinos are not prohibited from offering these games to Australian players, but local regulation is complex.
Understanding “Payout” in Online Casino Games
When asking which game “pays out the most,” Australian players must distinguish between:
- RTP (Return to Player): The theoretical percentage of wagered money a game returns over millions of spins or hands. Higher RTP means better long-term value.
- Volatility: How often and how much a game pays. Low volatility = frequent small wins; high volatility = rare but large wins.
- Jackpot potential: Some games offer life-changing sums but have low RTP.
For the best “payout” in terms of value, focus on games with RTP ≥ 98%. For the biggest single win, progressive jackpots are the answer—but they come with high risk.
Top Games by RTP (Theoretical Payout)
1. Video Poker (e.g., Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild)
RTP: 99.5% – 100.7% (with perfect strategy)
Video poker is the highest-paying online casino game for skilled players. Variants like “Jacks or Better” offer RTPs up to 99.54% when using optimal strategy. Some versions (e.g., “Deuces Wild”) can exceed 100% RTP, meaning the house edge is negative. However, this requires memorising correct play for every hand. For Australian players, video poker is widely available at offshore casinos, but the IGA 1997 does not regulate these games specifically—only the provision of “real-time” casino services to Australian residents is restricted.
2. Blackjack (with Basic Strategy)
RTP: 99.5% – 99.8% (standard rules)
Blackjack is the most popular table game for high RTP. Using basic strategy (a set of mathematically optimal decisions) reduces the house edge to as low as 0.2–0.5%. Some rule variations (e.g., single deck, dealer stands on soft 17) improve RTP further. Australian players should note that many offshore casinos offer “European Blackjack” or “Classic Blackjack” with favourable rules. However, the IGA 1997 prohibits Australian-licensed casinos from offering “live dealer” blackjack to residents, so most players access these games through licensed offshore operators.
3. Baccarat (Banker Bet)
RTP: 98.94% (Banker bet)
Baccarat is a simple card game with a low house edge when betting on the Banker (after commission). The Player bet has RTP ~98.76%, while the Tie bet should be avoided (RTP ~85%). Baccarat is popular among high-rollers in Australia, and many offshore casinos offer both RNG and live dealer versions.
4. Craps (Pass Line / Don’t Pass)
RTP: 98.59% – 99.26%
Craps offers some of the best odds in the casino. The “Pass Line” bet has a house edge of 1.41% (RTP 98.59%), while “Don’t Pass” is slightly better at 1.36% (RTP 99.26%). However, craps tables are rare at online casinos, and many Australian-friendly sites do not offer it.
Slot Machines with High RTP
While slots generally have lower RTP than table games, some specific titles offer competitive payouts:
- Mega Joker (NetEnt): RTP 99% (when played in Supermeter mode)
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt): RTP 98%
- Starmania (NextGen Gaming): RTP 97.87%
- 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick): RTP 98.6%
Always check the game’s RTP in the paytable or help section. Some casinos offer different RTP versions of the same slot—choose the highest available.
Progressive Jackpots: The Biggest Payout, But Lowest RTP
Games like Mega Moolah (Microgaming) or Hall of Gods (NetEnt) can pay millions of dollars. However, their base RTP is often 88–92% because a portion of each bet funds the jackpot. For Australian players, these jackpots are legally accessible via offshore casinos, but the IGA 1997 does not allow Australian-licensed operators to offer them. Winning a progressive jackpot is extremely rare—the odds are typically 1 in 50 million spins.
Australian Laws (IGA 1997) and Payouts
The Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA) primarily targets operators, not players. It makes it illegal for Australian-based companies to offer “real-time” casino games (e.g., online roulette, blackjack, slots) to residents. However, it does not prohibit Australian players from using offshore casinos that are licensed in other jurisdictions (e.g., Malta, Curacao, UK). Therefore, Australian players can legally access high-RTP games from offshore providers. Key points:
- No Australian-licensed online casino can offer slots or table games to residents (only sports betting and lottery are permitted).
- Players are not prosecuted for gambling at offshore sites, but protections (e.g., dispute resolution) are limited.
- Always verify an offshore casino’s licensing and RTP auditing (e.g., eCOGRA, iTech Labs) to ensure fair payouts.
Other Factors That Affect Payouts
- Game Variants: In blackjack, single-deck games have higher RTP than multi-deck. In video poker, full-pay machines (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better) are best.
- Casino Terms: Some casinos reduce RTP by altering game rules (e.g., blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2). Always avoid such tables.
- Bonuses: Welcome bonuses can boost your bankroll but often come with wagering requirements that effectively lower RTP. Read terms carefully.
- Skill Level: Games like blackjack and video poker reward strategy. Without perfect play, RTP drops significantly.
Key Takeaways for Australian Players
- Highest RTP games: Video poker (99.5%+) and blackjack (99.5%+) with optimal strategy are your best bets for consistent payouts.
- Best slots: Choose titles like Mega Joker (99%) or Blood Suckers (98%) for high RTP without skill requirements.
- Biggest potential payout: Progressive jackpots (e.g., Mega Moolah) can pay millions, but have low base RTP and extreme odds.
- Legal context: The IGA 1997 restricts Australian-based casinos, but offshore casinos are accessible. Always use licensed, audited sites.
- Avoid low-RTP games: Keno, many scratch cards, and side bets (e.g., blackjack insurance) often have RTP below 90%.
- No shortcuts: No game “always pays out”—all have a house edge. The best you can do is minimise that edge through game choice and strategy.