When it comes to gambling, players naturally seek the best possible return for their wagers. While luck plays a central role in most casino games, not all are created equal in terms of payouts. Some games offer significantly better odds than others, giving savvy players a higher chance of walking away with winnings. These are commonly referred to as high payout casino games.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a game high-payout, look at the most rewarding options available in casinos, and offer tips to improve your chances of winning.
What Does “High Payout” Mean?
In casino terminology, a payout refers to how much money a player receives relative to their bet when they win. But when discussing high payout games, the focus is typically on Return to Player (RTP) — a percentage that shows how much of the total wagered money a game is expected to pay back to players over time.
For example:
- A slot machine with an RTP of 96% means that, on average, it returns $96 for every $100 wagered.
- The remaining 4% represents the house edge, the casino’s built-in profit margin.
High payout games are those with low house edges and high RTPs, giving players better odds in the long run.
Top High Payout Casino Games
Here are some of the most popular and rewarding casino games in terms of payout:
1. Blackjack (RTP: 99% – 99.5%)
Blackjack consistently ranks among the highest payout casino games. With optimal strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%.
- Why it pays well: It’s a skill-based game where strategy significantly impacts results.
- Tip: Learn basic blackjack strategy (available in charts) to minimize mistakes.
2. Video Poker (RTP: 96% – 99.5%)
Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offer excellent payouts when played correctly. Some full-pay versions can even go over 100% RTP, but these are rare.
- Why it pays well: Strategy plays a big role, and paytables vary.
- Tip: Look for “full pay” machines and practice optimal strategy.
3. Baccarat (RTP: ~98.9%)
Baccarat offers a low house edge, especially if you bet on the banker hand, which carries a house edge of about 1.06%.
- Why it pays well: Simple rules and low edge, particularly on banker bets.
- Tip: Avoid the “tie” bet — it has a house edge of over 14%.
4. Craps (RTP: varies, up to 99.7%)
Craps can be intimidating, but it offers some of the best odds if you know which bets to place. “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass” are among the lowest edge bets in any casino.
- Why it pays well: Some bets offer house edges under 1%.
- Tip: Stick to Pass/Don’t Pass and take odds bets for best results.
5. Roulette (European – RTP: 97.3%)
European Roulette has only one zero, which makes it superior to American Roulette (which has two). The house edge is 2.7%, compared to 5.26% in the American version.
- Why it pays well: Lower house edge if you choose the right version.
- Tip: Always opt for European or French roulette.
6. Online Slots (RTP: varies, 94% – 98%+)
While not all slots are equal, some online slots offer very high RTPs. Titles like “Mega Joker” (NetEnt) or “Blood Suckers” have RTPs above 98%.
- Why it pays well: Some games are optimized to attract players with high returns.
- Tip: Research slot RTPs before playing. This info is often available online.
Games with Low Payouts to Avoid
While some games favor the player, others are designed to make the casino significant profits:
- Keno: RTP as low as 70–80%
- Big Six Wheel (Money Wheel): House edge can be 11–24%
- Tie bet in Baccarat: Over 14% house edge
- American Roulette: 5.26% house edge due to double zero
These games might be entertaining but are not ideal if your goal is to maximize return.
Tips to Maximize Your Payout Potential
- Learn Game Strategy: For games like blackjack, poker, and video poker, proper strategy dramatically improves your chances.
- Choose High RTP Games: Prioritize games with documented high payout percentages.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits, track your bets, and avoid chasing losses.
- Avoid Side Bets: These often have worse odds, even if they seem exciting.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses: Online casinos often offer promotions that can improve your expected value (if wagering requirements are fair).
- Play Online for Better Odds: Online casinos often offer better RTPs due to lower overhead.
Final Thoughts
High payout casino games offer the best blend of entertainment and favorable odds. While no game can guarantee profits, making smart choices—like playing blackjack with basic strategy or sticking to full-pay video poker—can significantly improve your chances of success.
Whether you play in a land-based or online casino, understanding RTP and house edge is crucial to playing smarter. Ultimately, the key lies in balancing fun with strategy. If you’re going to wager your money, it pays to know where you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
