Casinos are designed to entertain and excite patrons, promising the allure of life-changing wins. However, it's essential to remember that the house always has an edge. Some bets, though, have worse odds than others, making them the ones you should avoid at all costs. In this article, we will discuss various casino games and the bets you should never make to help you become a smarter gambler.
American Roulette: The 5-Number Bet
Roulette is a popular casino game that offers a variety of betting options. In American Roulette, the 5-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3) is one you should avoid. With a house edge of 7.89%, this is the worst bet on the table. Instead, opt for European or French Roulette, which has a single 0 and a house edge of 2.7%.
Keno: The Multi-Race Ticket
Keno is a lottery-style game where players select numbers and hope they match the numbers drawn. With the multi-race ticket, you're allowed to play the same set of numbers for several consecutive games. While it might seem like a time-saver, the house edge in Keno is extremely high, ranging from 25% to 40%, making it one of the worst bets in the casino.
Baccarat: The Tie Bet
Baccarat is a game of chance that offers three betting options: player, banker, and tie. The tie bet, which pays 8-to-1 or 9-to-1 depending on the casino, has a house edge of 14.4%. This is significantly higher than the other two options, which have a house edge of around 1.06% for the banker bet and 1.24% for the player bet. Stick to the player or banker bets for better odds.
Craps: The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
Craps is a dice game with a variety of betting options. The Big 6 and Big 8 bets, which require the shooter to roll a 6 or 8 before rolling a 7, have a house edge of 9.09%. You're better off placing a standard place bet on the 6 or 8, which has a house edge of 1.52%.
Blackjack: The Insurance Bet
The insurance bet in blackjack is offered when the dealer shows an ace as their upcard. The player can bet half their original wager that the dealer has a 10-value card as their hole card, resulting in a blackjack. If the dealer does have blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2-to-1. However, the house edge on this bet is 7.4% – much higher than the house edge for the main game of blackjack, which can be as low as 0.5% with perfect basic strategy.
Caribbean Stud Poker: The Progressive Jackpot Bet
Caribbean Stud Poker is a popular table game that offers a side bet for a progressive jackpot. While the prospect of winning a large sum might be tempting, the odds are heavily stacked against you. With a house edge of around 26%, this side bet is one of the worst wagers you can make.
Slot Machines: High Denomination Machines
Slot machines are a casino favorite, offering various themes, denominations, and payouts. While it's true that higher denomination machines generally have better payback percentages, they also have higher minimum bets, and the house edge remains significant. Stick to lower denomination machines and set a budget to avoid losing more than you can afford.
Let It Ride: The Side Bet
Let It Ride is a poker-based table game that allows players to remove a portion of their bet or leave it in play as the hand progresses. The side bet, which pays out based on the strength of the player's five-card hand, has a significantly higher house edge than the base game. The side bet's house edge can range from 13% to 36%, depending on the paytable, making it a poor choice for smart gamblers.
Three Card Poker: The Pair Plus Bet
In Three Card Poker, the Pair Plus bet is a side wager that pays out if the player's hand consists of a pair or better. The house edge for this bet varies depending on the paytable but can range from 2.32% to 7.28%. Although it might seem like a fun wager with potentially high payouts, it's best to stick to the main game's Ante and Play bets, which offer a lower house edge.
Video Poker: Low Payback Percentage Machines
Video poker machines can offer some of the best odds in the casino if you find the right machine and play with optimal strategy. However, not all video poker machines are created equal. Be cautious of machines with low payback percentages, as these offer a higher house edge. Look for machines with payback percentages of at least 98% or higher, and learn the proper strategy for the specific game you're playing.
Conclusion
Casinos are designed to make money, and the house will always have an edge over the player. By avoiding the bets mentioned in this article, you can improve your chances of minimizing losses and walking away with more of your hard-earned money. Remember to set a budget, play responsibly, and know when to walk away. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy your casino experience without falling prey to the worst bets on the casino floor.
