Table Games: The Third Pillar of the Casino Lobby

Table games occupy a modest share of any lobby and produce the best odds in the building. They are where player decisions actually matter.

What belongs in table games

Roulette in its European, French and American forms. Blackjack and its many rule variants. Baccarat and its simplified versions. Poker-based table games such as Three Card Poker, Casino Hold'em and Caribbean Stud. Dice games including Sic Bo and Craps, and tile games such as Pai Gow.

Each of these appears in digital form, and most also appear in the live section – the digital version for speed, the live version for atmosphere.

Why the edges are better here

Table games are the only mainstream casino category where a player's decisions measurably change the house edge. Blackjack basic strategy reduces the edge to around 0.5%. Baccarat's banker bet carries 1.06%. Roulette on a single-zero wheel sits at 2.70%.

Compare that with a typical video slot at 4% and an arcade title at 8%, and the arithmetic is clear. Table games are the least expensive way to spend an hour in a casino, provided you avoid the side bets.

The side bet problem

Most modern table games attach side bets: perfect pairs, 21+3, fortune bonuses and jackpot wagers. Their house edges are typically two to five times the main game's, and they are the single most reliable way to turn a low-cost session into an expensive one.

They are not dishonest – they are just expensive entertainment. Play them if you enjoy them, understanding what they cost.

Frequently asked questions