For players serious about maximizing their chances in a casino, understanding payout rates is crucial. Unlike slot machines, where outcomes are driven by complex algorithms and luck, table games provide clearer mathematical expectations. Whether you’re playing blackjack, baccarat, or roulette, each game has a different house edge, which directly impacts the potential return on your bets. In this article, we’ll examine the payout rates of the most popular table games, analyze the factors that affect them, and explore how player choices and strategies can alter the odds. If you’re looking to make smarter decisions at the tables, this breakdown will guide you toward the games that offer the best long-term value.
What Does Payout Rate Really Mean?
Payout rate, often referred to as Return to Player (RTP), represents the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. In simple terms, if a game has a payout rate of 98%, it means that for every $100 wagered, players will win back $98 on average. The difference is the house edge—the profit margin the casino earns from the game. While no casino game is truly “fair” in mathematical terms, some games are more player-friendly than others. Unlike slots, where RTP is fixed by the game design, many table games allow for player choices that can either increase or decrease the effective RTP. This is especially true in games like blackjack, where strategy significantly affects outcomes.
Blackjack: The Highest Paying Table Game
Blackjack consistently ranks as one of the most generous table games in terms of payout rate. When played with optimal basic strategy, blackjack’s RTP can reach as high as 99.5%. This means the house edge is only around 0.5%, making it the best option for players who want favorable odds. However, to achieve that level of efficiency, players need to follow strict strategy charts that dictate the best move in every possible hand scenario. Even slight deviations from this strategy can drastically reduce your expected returns. Additionally, the rules of the specific blackjack table—such as the number of decks, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and payout ratios—can all affect the RTP. Still, for disciplined players, blackjack remains the top pick in any casino.
Baccarat: Simple and Surprisingly Generous
Baccarat is often seen as a high-stakes game reserved for elite gamblers, but in reality, it offers great odds and simple gameplay for everyone. The RTP for the banker bet is around 98.94%, with the player bet coming in at approximately 98.76%. The only option to avoid is the tie bet, which has an RTP of just 85.64%, giving the house a steep edge. Because of its simplicity—players only need to choose between banker, player, or tie—baccarat is ideal for casual gamblers who want a high payout rate without having to learn complex strategies. It’s a game of minimal decision-making, but still one that gives players nearly the best odds available in a casino environment.
Roulette: A Game of Style and House Variance
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, but its payout rate depends heavily on the version you’re playing. In European roulette, which has a single zero, the RTP is around 97.3%, thanks to a house edge of 2.7%. In contrast, American roulette includes a double zero, reducing the RTP to just 94.74% and increasing the house edge to 5.26%. That’s a significant difference in player value for what appears to be the same game. While roulette doesn’t allow for much strategic play to alter the odds, choosing the right version of the game can substantially improve your chances over time. If you’re going to play, opt for the European layout whenever possible—it offers better returns with no change in gameplay complexity.
Craps and Other Games: Highs and Lows
Craps can be one of the most complex table games, but also one of the most rewarding when bets are placed wisely. The “pass line” and “don’t pass” bets have RTPs of around 98.59% and 98.64% respectively, making them solid choices. However, some of the more exotic bets in craps—like any seven or hard ways—can have house edges above 10%, which drags down overall return. Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, and other niche table games also offer varied payout rates, typically ranging from 96% to 98%, depending on rules and player skill. As with any game, understanding the specific bet types and sticking to those with favorable odds is essential to maintaining a solid return.
Which Table Game Offers the Best Value?
If your goal is to play for longer with better odds, blackjack and baccarat should be your top choices. These games consistently deliver the highest payout rates and give savvy players more control over their outcomes. Roulette and craps also offer decent RTPs, but only when you avoid high-risk, low-return bets. The key takeaway is that not all table games are created equal, and within each game, not all bets offer the same value. By understanding payout rates and how they work, you can choose games that suit your playstyle and maximize your chances of walking away a winner.