Everyone wants the best possible edge when playing any online casino games. With the player edge in mind, can players get better chances of winnings at online casinos or land-based ones?
This article will talk about the odds present in both digital and physical casinos, as well as tips on how to increase your edge.
Land-Based Casino RNG
Authenticity is the keyword when talking about the odds among land-based casino games. In every table game that uses physical dice, wheels, and cards, you can expect the results to be fair since no computers control them. All RNG tools within table games are subjected to various environmental factors such as the texture of the table's felt or wind velocity. With the environmental factors in play, every dice toss, wheel spin, and card deal creates authentic results.
What does an authentic result mean for you? This means that there is no means for casinos to change the RTP of any player. Even the dealers or croupiers cannot influence your edge against the house if they follow the proper casino procedure. This is one of the advantages of traditional casinos.
A player's edge or return-to-player (RTP) rate is the expected statistical return you can expect when playing specific games. An American roulette game with both 0 and 00 has an RTP of 94.74%, for example. If you made around $100 worth of wager on the table game, you could expect a return of $94.74 after a certain period. Because of the physical RNG tools, the RTP of American Roulette will always stick to 94.74% unless the dealer or player can influence the results.
Take note that we are only talking about table games. Digital slot cabinets and other similar electronic casino games use a different system to determine the results.
Online Casino RNG
Real money online casinos use a complex RNG algorithm to determine the result of a dice roll, roulette spin, and croupier deal. RNG is the standard among every modern slot game and video poker, including those you find in land-based casinos. Thanks to this RNG algorithm, it is possible for everyone to play slots for real money along with other casino games.
It is important to note that RNG systems used by online casinos are not the same as the "random" function of a program since these are predictable to certain people. To achieve unpredictable results, online casinos have RNG that uses the MD5 algorithm. This works by running a key-value or seed through a complicated math equation. Each seed comes from a real-world factor, such as the system clock from which the online casino games are running from.
Upon hitting the 'play' button on any online casino game, the RNG system can generate a result within seconds. What you see on the screen is the visual flare of software to simulate the sounds and images of a casino table game. There are no virtual dice, wheels, or cards to determine whether you win your wager.
In regards to player's edge, the software developers set all digital games RTP. This means that certain software providers and operators can change the odds. However, doing so requires submitting the proper paperwork to the license offices.
Do Online Casinos Have Better Odds than Land-Based Casinos
Based on the player's edge, both online casinos and land-based casinos offer the same odds of winning for all players. This includes the chance of winning an online and physical casino's progressive slot jackpot prize. However, this statement is only true if both types of casinos are consistent with their games' RTP. Land-based casinos have nearly no influence on the RTP of their table games as online operators have. However, casinos use rigged devices or have unfair dealers to shift the edge against the players. On the other hand, unlicensed online casinos are likely to have an unfair advantage with their rigged software.
To make sure all casinos are fair with their games' RTP, gaming commissions such as the and are regulating all of their licensed operators. Licensed online casinos must have their software audited for its fairness, which involves hiring a third-party company to test the RNG and results generated by the games. Land-based casinos must also offer fair games of chances to their patrons by using regulated precision dice and sealed cards.
These regulations ensure all players can enjoy fair casino games at reputable and licensed establishments or websites. With regulated RTP, online and land-based casinos provide equal chances of winning a large payout and a safe betting environment. A license also ensures all live games are hosted by actual dealers who offer a fair session.
Online Blackjack Odds vs. Land-Based Blackjack
Out of all the games available, blackjack is the only game with lower online casino odds than land-based casino odds. Physical blackjack tables allow players to card count, a method to gain an advantage over the game.
Blackjack card counting is about assigning value to specific cards and keeping a "true count." In the HI-Lo method, 2 to 6 cards are +1, 7 to 9 are 0, and 10 to aces are -1. Players decrease or increase the running count in their heads when each of these cards appears. Players divide the running count with the number of decks within the shoe to get the true count. With the true count, players can make a strategic decision on the size of their bet for their next hand. According to the Hi-Lo card count, players should make large bets when the true count is higher and lessen their bets when the true count is within the negative numbers. Take note that the Hi-Lo method is just one of many card counting systems.
Card counting is only possible for physical decks, making the method impossible on digital blackjack games or those that use an . However, you can still use this on live dealer online blackjack sessions since croupiers utilize physical shoes. Players can also utilize a card counting app during a live dealer game to help them keep the true count.
Land-based casinos are aware of card counters and have ways to keep their blackjack odds balanced. One of these methods is to use a 6 or 8-deck shoe when dealing cards, making it difficult for advantage players to keep a true count. Other methods include changing croupiers or reshuffling the cards when half of the shoe is used.
How to Get Better Online Casino Odds
Below are profitable methods to boost your edge when playing at an online or land-based casino.
Play Free Online Slots
Imagine playing a new slot game, and you trigger a bonus feature that gives you several choices, such as more free spins with less bet multiplier or a higher multiplier with fewer free spins. You can also encounter a skill-based slot game that gives you more control over your odds of winning but needs time to practice before you can achieve a high payout. Free online slots let you know which bonus feature provides better slot odds of winning.
Use Basic Strategies on Table Games
When you are unable to count cards or following a betting system usually leads to an empty wallet; using a game's basic strategy is always the better option. Knowing which table game option to choose during each scenario can boost your casino odds, such as splitting a pair of aces in blackjack if available. Using basic blackjack strategies and other useful tactics for various casino games can significantly increase your chances of winning.
Find Games with Low House Edge
Certain versions of an online casino game provide better odds than other variants. A wheel is a good example since it only has 1 zero square as compared to the American roulette table, which has two zero squares. Because the game has fewer numbers for the ball to land on, European roulette has a small house edge.
Both real-money online casinos and land-based casinos provide the same odds of winning. Players can still increase their edge against the house by following basic casino strategies and looking for games with the best possible RTP.
This article was published on June 29, 2022, and last updated on October 25, 2022.