Most Popular Casino Games Ranked by Payout Rates
When you step into a casino whether online or land-based it’s easy to be swept away by flashing lights, spinning reels, and tables full of excitement. But behind the fun, one important factor separates smart players from casual ones: payout rates.
Also known as Return to Player (RTP), payout rates indicate how much a game pays back over time. For example, a game with a 98% RTP will return $98 for every $100 wagered—on average. So if you want to play smart and improve your chances of winning, knowing which games offer the best payout rates is essential.
Let’s dive into the most popular mahjong and rank them based on their RTP, so you can make informed choices and play like a pro.
1. Blackjack – Highest Payout Rate: Up to 99.5%
Blackjack tops the list for a good reason. With the right strategy, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%, meaning an RTP of 99.5%. That’s the best return you’ll find in any casino.
Key features:
- Combines skill and chance
- Great for players who enjoy strategy
- Popular versions: Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, and Atlantic City Blackjack
To maximize your payout, learn basic strategy and avoid risky side bets.
2. Video Poker – Payout Rate: 97% to 99.5%
Another high-paying option is Video Poker. Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offer high RTPs, especially when played with optimal strategy.
Top versions and RTPs:
- Jacks or Better: up to 99.54%
- Deuces Wild: up to 99.37%
- Bonus Poker: around 98.80%
These games blend elements of poker and slot machines, offering fast-paced action with great winning odds.
3. Baccarat – Payout Rate: 98.94% (Banker Bet)
Baccarat is elegant, easy to learn, and offers one of the best house edges in the casino when you bet on the banker.
Quick breakdown:
- Banker bet RTP: 98.94%
- Player bet RTP: 98.76%
- Tie bet RTP: 85.64% (avoid this one)
While it’s largely a game of chance, sticking to the banker bet consistently gives you an edge.
4. Craps – Payout Rate: Up to 99.17%
Craps might look intimidating, but certain bets offer great payouts. It’s all about knowing which ones to place.
Best bets with high RTP:
- Pass Line/Don’t Pass: 98.59%
- Come/Don’t Come: 98.64%
- Taking odds behind Pass Line: 100% (no house edge)
If you’re willing to learn the rules and stick to smart bets, craps can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Roulette – Payout Rate: 94.74% to 97.30%
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, but payout rates vary depending on the version.
RTP by type:
- European Roulette: 97.30%
- French Roulette: 98.65% (with “La Partage” rule)
- American Roulette: 94.74% (worst odds due to double zero)
To maximize your returns, avoid American Roulette and stick to European or French tables.
6. Online Slots – Payout Rate: 92% to 98%
Slots are the most popular games in any casino—both online and offline. While they rely entirely on luck, some offer very competitive RTPs.
Popular high-RTP slots:
- Mega Joker by NetEnt: up to 99%
- Blood Suckers: 98%
- Starburst: around 96.09%
Remember, progressive jackpot slots tend to have lower RTPs due to their huge payout potential.
7. Keno – Payout Rate: 70% to 95%
Keno is fun and simple—pick numbers and hope they hit. But the odds? Not so great.
Average RTP:
- Most versions: 70% to 80%
- Some online versions: up to 95%
If you play Keno, treat it as light entertainment rather than a winning strategy.
8. Scratch Cards – Payout Rate: 85% to 95%
Scratch cards are easy and quick to play. They’ve grown in popularity online thanks to their instant results and colorful themes.
Average online RTPs:
- Basic scratch cards: around 85%
- Premium ones: up to 95%
They’re perfect for casual fun, but not ideal if you’re aiming for long-term profits.
9. Wheel Games (e.g., Dream Catcher, Crazy Time) – Payout Rate: Around 95%
These live casino game shows are gaining huge popularity. They’re fun, engaging, and offer big wins—but the house edge is higher than classic table games.
Popular options:
- Crazy Time by Evolution Gaming
- Dream Catcher
- Monopoly Live
Average RTP: around 95% (some bets are much lower)
Play these games for fun, but don’t rely on them for consistent winnings.
Quick Comparison: Casino Games by RTP
| Game | Average RTP | Skill Involved | Best For |
| Blackjack | 99.5% | High | Strategic players |
| Video Poker | 97–99.5% | Medium to High | Poker fans |
| Baccarat (Banker Bet) | 98.94% | Low | Beginners |
| Craps (Best Bets) | 98.6–99.17% | Medium | Risk-aware players |
| French Roulette | 98.65% | Low | Classic casino fans |
| Online Slots | 92–98% | None | Casual players |
| Scratch Cards | 85–95% | None | Quick fun |
| Keno | 70–95% | None | Lottery lovers |
| Game Show Wheels | ~95% | None | Social and interactive gaming fans |
FAQs About Casino Game Payouts
Q1: What is RTP in casino games?
RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of total money a game returns to players over time. A 97% RTP means the game returns $97 for every $100 wagered, on average.
Q2: Which casino game has the best odds?
Blackjack offers the best odds, with an RTP of up to 99.5% when played using the correct strategy.
Q3: Are online slots fair?
Yes, licensed online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair outcomes. Always play on regulated sites.
Q4: Why do RTPs vary between games?
Each game is designed differently. Games like Keno and scratch cards have lower RTPs due to their simplicity and higher risk, while skill-based games like blackjack offer better returns.
Q5: Can I improve my chances in games with high RTP?
Yes, especially in games like blackjack or video poker, where using the correct strategy can increase your odds of winning.
Final Thoughts
Understanding RTP can change the way you play casino games. Instead of simply choosing games that look exciting, you can prioritize those that give you the best chance to win.
While games like blackjack, video poker, and baccarat offer the highest returns, that doesn’t mean you should never play slots or roulette. The key is balance—mix fun with smart choices. If you’re playing for entertainment and understand the risks, every game can offer value in its own way.
Just remember: no game guarantees a win. But knowing the odds puts you one step ahead of the house.