EXPERT ADVICE: MASTER THE TABLES WITH PRO TIPS
Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or trying your luck for the first time, understanding the odds and strategies for table games can make a big difference. Our experts share top tips for blackjack, craps, roulette and poker to help you play smarter and maximize your enjoyment.
Blackjack: Play Smart, know the Odds
Blackjack is one of the most player-friendly casino games—but only if you choose the right table and use basic strategy.
Check the payout first
In Las Vegas, blackjack payouts vary by table and are always printed on the felt. Many low- limit tables on the Strip now pay 6:5 for a natural blackjack instead of the traditional 3:2, significantly increasing the house edge.
■ 6:5 payout (common on the Strip)
- What it means: For every $5 you bet, you win $6.
- Example: A $10 bet earns $12 if you hit blackjack.
- House edge: About 1.4%, making the game much less favorable.
■ 3:2 payout (player-friendly)
- What it means: For every $2 you bet, you win $3
- Example: A $10 bet earns $15 if you hit blackjack
- House edge: About 0.5% when using basic strategy.
Where to find 3:2 tables
- Higher-limit tables: $25 minimums and up, often in high-limit rooms.
- Off-Strip casinos: Ellis Island, Palms, South Point, and some Station Casinos.
- Downtown Las Vegas: Fremont Street casinos like the Plaza and Jerry’s Nugget.
Use basic strategy
Basic strategy charts tell you the mathematically correct play—hit, stand, double or split—
based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Using a chart dramatically reduces the house edge. You can generate and print a chart at www.blackjackinfo.com/bjbse.php.
Pro tips: Avoid 6:5 tables whenever possible. Always double and split when recommended by the strategy chart. Blackjack is a game of math, not luck—stick to the strategy for the best results.
Craps: Bet smart And Use Odds
Craps can be intimidating, but with the right bets, it’s one of the lowesthouse- edge games in the casino.
Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come with Odds
Some casinos still offer 100X, 20X, 10X and 5X odds bets. Properly used, these bets reduce the house edge to nearly zero. Without odds, the house edge on these bets is around 1.4%. Most rolls won’t affect your bets, which also helps reduce risk.
Place the 6 or 8
- Bet multiples of $6.
- Pays $7 on a win; house edge is 1.52%.
- Only active on 11 of 36 rolls, so your money is in play less than a third of the time.
Lay the 4 & 10
- You’re betting that a 7 will appear before the 4 or 10.
- House edge is 2.44%. A solid choice for more experienced players.
Pro tip: Stick to bets with the lowest house edge—Pass/Come with odds and Place bets on 6 and 8 are your best options.
Roulette: Even-Money Bets Aren’t Your Friend
Roulette is strictly a game of chance, but some bets are smarter than others.
Avoid the five-number “monster” bet
On the American double-zero wheel, the five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) has a house edge of 7.89%, compared with 5.26% on other bets. Skip it.
Even-money bets with surrender
If the casino allows surrender on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low), you get half your bet back if 0 or 00 comes up, cutting the house edge in half.
Pro tip: Even-money bets offer more frequent wins, while inside numbers pay 35:1 but come with long losing streaks. Stick to evenmoney bets if you want more consistent action.
PokeR: Play Aggressivel y, But Smart
Poker is about reading opponents and making the right plays at the right time.
Don’t fold every hand
Folding constantly ensures you won’t make it into the money. While being conservative can extend your survival, you need to take calculated risks to win.
First to act? Raise
If you’re first to act in a hand, raise instead of limping. It puts pressure on your opponents and increases potential profits. Limiting passive play keeps others guessing about your hand strength.
Use the semi-bluff
A semi-bluff combines a potential strong hand with a draw. For example, holding a pair plus a flush draw gives you outs to improve while putting pressure on opponents. Play these aggressively unless facing a set.
Pro tip: Poker rewards calculated aggression. Fold too often, and you’ll never win. Play aggressively when appropriate, but always consider position, odds and opponents.
With these strategies, you can approach the casino tables with more confidence, reduce the house edge, and enjoy smarter, more strategic play. Whether you’re counting cards in blackjack, betting odds in craps, choosing your roulette bets or semi-bluffing in poker, knowledge is your best tool for success.
