Despite being around for merely a fraction of the time that brick-and-mortar casinos have existed, iGaming is currently outperforming traditional casino gaming in many countries throughout the world. Playing casino games online is now as much of a leisure activity as playing video games, and it attracts players from all backgrounds and of all skill levels – not just high rollers.
While the advent of iGaming platforms like PokerStars Casino has made games like roulette, blackjack and even slots titles, including Fishin Frenzy, more accessible to a wider range of players, it hasn’t removed the Return to Player (RTP) rate that’s present in each of these games.
If you’re looking to increase your profitability while playing casino games online, it’s important to understand RTP, the house edge and how they can affect your chances of winning. While it’s impossible to eliminate the house edge entirely and find a game with a 100% RTP, there are strategies and techniques that players can use to reduce it and improve their chances of winning.
The House Edge and RTP Explained
As in brick-and-mortar casinos, the house edge in online casino games refers to the profit that an operator expects to make in any given game and is expressed as a percentage. Online casino operators are businesses, after all, and since they don’t charge entry fees to join their casino platforms they need to find other ways to recoup expenses and stay in business.
For example, if a game has a house edge of 5%, it means that for every $100 bet on the game, the casino can expect to keep an average of $5, while players can win an average of $95 (the Return to Player being 95%). Of course, this doesn’t mean that every player will win 95% of the time or lose 5%, as some may win more frequently.
As you may have already summarised, the Return to Player rate or RTP is the average percentage that a player can expect to win after the house edge has been deducted. Some online slot games may have a house edge of 2-3%, giving players an RTP of up to 98%, while others may have a house edge of up to 10%. Table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat typically have lower house edges, ranging from 0.5% to 5%.
Reducing House Edge with Game Selection
One strategy that you can use to increase your RTP is to only play games with the lowest house edge that you can find. While the house edge varies from game to game, some casino games with the lowest house edge provide you with a higher chance of hitting the given RTP and ensuring profitability.
Blackjack
Blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino games out there, offering a relatively low house edge of just 0.5%. In this game, the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, with the dealer trying to do the same. The player who gets closer to 21 wins.
To reduce the house edge in blackjack, you’ll need to understand and follow basic strategy. It’s also worth remembering that the more you play in blackjack, the higher the risk of losing, so take regular breaks when possible – even if you’re on a winning streak.
Baccarat
Baccarat is another casino game with a low house edge, with a house advantage of just 1.06%. This game involves betting on either the player’s hand or the banker’s hand, with the goal being to get as close to nine as possible.
One of the reasons why baccarat has such a low house edge is because of the strict rules the game follows. While you cannot control the outcome, as the game’s rules dictate when the player or banker must draw a third card, betting on the banker’s hand can reduce the house edge even further to 0.06%.
Craps
Craps is a dice game that has a house edge which varies depending on the wager being made. However, the pass line bet, which is the most popular bet in craps, has a relatively low house edge of 1.41%. In this game, players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of a pair of dice.
To reduce the house edge in craps, bet wisely and avoid proposition wagers that have high house edges.
Video Poker
Video poker is a popular casino game that combines the simplicity of slots with the strategy of poker. This game has a low house edge, with some variations offering an edge as low as 0.46%. In video poker, players bet on a five-card poker hand and try to make the best possible hand.
Reducing the house edge in video poker involves the same strategy that you would need to use when playing regular poker against several opponents. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and understand how to play the hand you’ve been dealt, even if that means folding.
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