The quick answer
| Game | House edge | Rules to learn | Good first step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | About 0.5% with basic strategy | Medium | Use a strategy chart |
| Baccarat | 1.06% on banker | Very short | Bet banker or player only |
| Video poker (Jacks or Better 9/6) | 0.46% | Medium | Learn which cards to hold |
| European roulette | 2.70% | Very short | Avoid American double-zero wheels |
| Slots | 3% to 6% | None | Check the RTP in the game info |
Slots
You choose a stake and press spin; the game does the rest. That simplicity is also the risk, because a slot can take 500 or more spins an hour. Check the RTP in the information screen, since casinos can run lower versions of the same game, and pick low-volatility slots while you learn.
Roulette
Bet on a number, a colour or a group of numbers. European roulette has one zero and a 2.70% edge; American roulette adds a double zero and the edge rises to 5.26%. Outside bets such as red or black win often and pay even money, which makes a small bankroll last longer.
Our guide to new roulette games covers multiplier versions such as Lightning Roulette.
Blackjack
Beat the dealer's total without going over 21. Played with a basic strategy chart, the house edge falls to around half a percent, the lowest of any common casino game. Check the table rules: a blackjack paying 6:5 instead of 3:2 adds more than 1% to the edge.
Our basic strategy guide has the charts.
Baccarat and video poker
Baccarat needs no decisions beyond the bet. The banker bet carries a 1.06% edge after commission, the player bet 1.24%, and the tie bet over 14%, so leave the tie alone.
Video poker rewards learning: Jacks or Better with full 9/6 pay (9 for a full house, 6 for a flush) returns 99.54% with perfect play. Lower pay tables cut that by a point or more. See Jacks or Better strategy.
How to learn without losing money
- Play the demo version first; most slots and many RNG table games have one.
- Set a session budget and stake no more than 1% to 2% of it per bet.
- Stop after a set time, win or lose.
- Leave live dealer tables until you know the rules; they move at the table's pace and usually have higher minimum bets.