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Any casino player wants to win money whenever they place a bet, which raises an important question: should they head to the slots or try their luck at the table games? This decision often comes down to one crucial factor: which games offer better payouts? 

Before diving into specific games, one should understand that every casino game has a built-in house edge — the statistical advantage the casino holds over players. The flip side of this is the RTP, which represents the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. With this in mind, the question is: Which online casino game pays out the most? Let’s try to find out.

How RTP and House Edge Work

Return to Player (RTP) is a theoretical percentage calculated over millions of plays. A game with a 96% RTP means that for every $100 wagered, the game should collectively return $96 to players. The ‘collectively’ part means that the score does not affect individual results — you could win much more or lose everything in a single session.

The house edge is simply the inverse of return-to-player. If a game has a 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. This percentage stands for the casino's expected profit margin over time. 

Slot Machine Payouts

Slot machines are the most popular games in most casinos, featuring engaging themes, bonus rounds, and the potential for massive jackpots. However, their RTPs tell a different story when compared to table games.

Typical Slot RTPs

Online slots generally offer better RTPs than their land-based counterparts:

Slot Type	Typical RTP Range
Land-based slots	70% - 93%
Online slots	92% - 98%
Progressive jackpot slots	88% - 95%
High RTP online slots	96% - 99%

The average online slot RTP hovers around 96%, though some games like NetEnt's Blood Suckers can reach as high as 98%. However, these numbers still pale in comparison to most table games.

Slot Volatility Matters

Return to player isn't the only factor to consider with slots. Volatility plays a crucial role in determining payout patterns:

Low Volatility Slots:

• Frequent small wins;

• Lower maximum payouts;

• Better for extended play sessions;

• Suitable for smaller bankrolls.

High Volatility Slots:

• Infrequent but larger wins;

• Potential for massive jackpots;

• Higher risk of quick losses;

• Better for players seeking big wins.

Table Game Payouts

Table games consistently offer some of the best odds in the casino, provided players use optimal strategy and choose the right bets.

Blackjack: The King of Casino RTPs

Blackjack reigns supreme in terms of player-friendly odds:

Blackjack Variant	RTP with Basic Strategy
Single-deck	99.75%
Double-deck	99.65%
Six-deck	99.64%
Eight-deck	99.60%

With a good strategy, some blackjack variants can achieve RTPs as high as 99.87%, making it one of the best bets in any casino. The key is learning and consistently applying basic math, which dictates the optimal play for every hand combination.

Baccarat: Simple Yet Profitable

Baccarat offers excellent odds with minimal skill required:

Baccarat bet RTPs:

• Banker bet: 98.94%

• Player bet: 98.76%

• Tie bet: 85.64%

The banker bet, despite its 5% commission on wins, remains one of the best bets in the casino. Smart players avoid the tie bet entirely due to its significantly lower RTP.

Craps: Multiple Betting Options

Craps provides various betting opportunities with different RTPs:

Craps Bet	RTP
Pass/Don't Pass	98.59% - 98.64%
Pass + Odds	Up to 99.8%
Field Bet	94.44%
Any Seven	83.33%

The pass line bet combined with maximum odds can push the RTP to nearly 100%, making it one of the best bets available in any casino.

Direct Comparison: Slots vs. Table Games

When comparing the best-case scenarios for each game type:

Game Category	Best RTP Available	Skill Required
Slots	98% - 99%	None
Blackjack	99.50% - 99.87%	High
Baccarat	98.94%	Low
Craps	99.80%	Medium
Roulette	98.65%	None

Making the Smart Choice

For players prioritizing the best odds, table games are the clear winner. However, the "best" game ultimately depends on your goals:

Choose table games if you:

• Want the best mathematical odds;

• Enjoy strategic gameplay;

• Prefer social interaction;

• Have a larger bankroll.

Choose slots if you:

• Prefer entertainment over odds;

• Want a chance at life-changing jackpots;

• Enjoy solo play;

• Have a smaller bankroll.

The Bottom Line

Table games consistently offer better RTPs than slot machines, with blackjack leading the pack at potentially 99.87% RTP when played perfectly. Baccarat and craps also provide excellent odds with minimal skill requirements. While slots may offer exciting gameplay and massive jackpot potential, their average RTP of 96% can't compete with well-played table games.

Ultimately, the choice between slots and table games should balance your entertainment preferences with your financial goals. For the best odds, stick to the tables and learn optimal strategies. Slots, on the other hand, are great for pure entertainment with a chance at a huge payday.