What is the Smartest Bet at a Casino?

In this guide, find out the smartest bets for each casino game.

The dumbest bets I have made throughout my career were the best lessons I could get. I had a habit of depositing $100 and then buying bonus rounds for the total amount. It turned out it was wiser to make one hundred $1-spins and potentially win bonus rounds that way.

Understanding House Edge

How do you define a smart bet? Is that a decision that will bring you a lot of cash? I like to say that wise wagers are those that you make based on all the insights and analyses that can, in the end, make your gambling sessions profitable. 

The first thing you must understand is the concept of house edge. This insight defines the average percentage of total losses that the algorithm of the game is programmed to keep for itself. So, if you and 100 other guys spend $10.000 in total, and a house edge is 3%, the game will keep $300 for itself. 

At the same time, the algorithm/software that supports the game is completely random. This doesn’t mean one player will get the total amount. That amount can be divided between two, five or all 10 players, equally or unequally. 

Understanding the house edge will help you make wise decisions. To be precise, based on this data, you can develop a new or adjust the existing gambling strategy. Keep in mind that different casino games come with different RTPs. So, you must be flexible to manage to reduce the risks and eventually turn your bets into profit. 

Best Bets in Popular Games

My fellow gamblers, each game requires a different approach. A high level of flexibility will be necessary, which is why you need to open your mind before everything.

• Smart Bets for Slots: Winning at slots is challenging because all the outcomes depend solely on luck. To reduce the risks, I recommend you start with small bets. Don’t purchase bonus rounds with the last penny on your casino account. 
• Smart Bets for Roulette: There are a few ways to win at roulette, starting with the red or black bet. I always check out the previously drawn numbers. If the last five were black, a red one would certainly be drawn soon. 
• Smart Bets for Blackjack: Whenever I split aces and 8s, I have managed to achieve some winnings at blackjack. Another piece of advice for you — research all the available game variants and choose the most suitable one. 
• Smart Bets for Baccarat: Without any doubt, betting on the banker will raise your chances of winning at baccarat. Believe it or not, this betting option comes with a house edge of around 1.06%, which is one of the lowest on the gambling market.  
• Smart Bets for Video Poker: This game has the lowest house edge, so you have a high chance of winning at video poker. I always keep the pairs, even if they are low. A high card doesn’t always bring good results. 
• Smart Bets for Craps: Betting on options with the lowest house edge will help you make winnings with craps. That includes the pass line/don’t pass and come/don’t come bets. Check out the statistics and try to predict which of these options is the best at a particular moment. 
• Smart Bets for Keno: Believe it or not, winning at Keno is the hardest because this game has the highest house edge. To reduce the risks, I strongly recommend you always play between four and seven numbers with a reasonable amount of money. 
• Smart Bets for Bingo: There is not so much philosophy here. The only way to raise your chances of winning with bingo is by buying multiple cards at once. Try to play it outside of pick hours when the competition is not tough. 
• Smart Bets for Pai Gow: Pai Gow has an extremely low house edge. To win at pai gow, create a high hand with the most valuable cards and use the remaining cards to create a low hand. Things are pretty simple here! 
• Smart Bets for Sic Bo: Many people want to know how to win at sic bo. The truth is — I constantly repeat the same strategy. I make small-edged bets, known as small and big wagers. Chances are 50/50.
• Smart Bets at Crash Games: Winning at crash games requires good preparation. You should primarily test these games with the demo version. Thereafter, I suggest you invest more time in understanding the essence of probability. 
• Smart Bets at Casino Game Shows: My recommendation is to repeat the bets on the premium options and biggest multipliers. Indeed, the chances of winning at live casino game shows are slightly lower here, but the winnings can be outstanding. Properly organize your budget! 

Betting Systems and Strategies

During my long-lasting gambling journey, I have discovered several betting strategies suitable for different games. These strategies are strongly connected with probability but require good bankroll management. I would like to highlight a few of them: 

• Martingale strategy: I use it for roulette. If you put $20 on the red color and miss, double the wager next round. Do that until you win. 
• Paroli system: With this betting strategy, you should double your wager after a win. More precisely, you are playing with the casino’s money all the time. 
• D’Alembert System: Here, if you invest $10 and lose, next time, you should invest $20, then $30, $40, and so on. 

Bankroll Management for Smart Betting

Do you want to know how I organize my bankroll? First, I write down all my monthly income. Then, I write down all my expenses, including food, bills, gas, and so on. The remaining money I can either spend on entertainment or save.

Keep in mind that gambling is not the only source of fun. If you are willing to sacrifice everything, then dedicate the entire amount to this entertaining activity. Moreover, don’t forget about the unexpected costs! You need to divide at least 5% of your monthly for a “rainy day”.

Avoid Risky Bets

Even today, I sometimes make unnecessary, risky bets. However, try not to practice such a gambling strategy, especially if you lack experience or money. Try out each of the mentioned smart bets in my article with small bets. See which one suits you the most. Who knows, maybe you will find a way to develop your own strategy. 

The purpose of all your gambling losses is to learn something new. Be like a sea lion: intelligent yet always playful. Don’t allow losses to upset you too much. Yet, each situation in a (online) casino requires a different approach.

I won’t be nearby to tell you what exactly you should do, right? The smartest bets will only bring positive results if you are flexible enough to apply various strategies during just one gambling session.

Are you ready to take action? I did write a how to win 101 guide with proven tips that can certainly help you become a savvy casino player.