Gambling NewsCasino GamblingOnline GamblingBlackjackVideo PokerSlotsCrapsPokerRoulette
ReadyBetGo! HomeCasino Gambling HomeCasino StrategyCasino CompsCasino NewsCasino Gambling Books
Interesting gambling books
Smarter Bet Guide to Slots and Video Poker
by Basil Nestor
Book Picture
A pocket-sized book that provides a clear-cut explanation of payback comparisons, progressive jackpots and how to evaluate them, video poker strategy tables, and other mathematically derived techniques to lower the casino advantage.

Pick the Right Game for Your Strategy

by ReadyBetGo Editor

Choosing games that suit your strategy in gambling is more than just picking what looks fun. It’s also about understanding odds, rhythm, volatility and how much influence the player really has.ReadyBetGo EditorThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
  Solid strategy is about matching your risk tolerance, bankroll size and patience with the right format.

Decision-Making in Different Game Types

Some games give the player more decisions that matter. Others are almost entirely luck. On well-known sites like RocketPlay Casino there are both skill-driven and chance-driven titles and knowing which you prefer shapes long-term enjoyment and results.

  • Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges when played with optimal strategy. Depending on rules such as number of decks or whether the dealer hits on soft 17, it can drop to around 0.28% in some versions.
  • Baccarat is simpler: the Banker bet has an edge of about 1.06%, Player bet about 1.24%, while the Tie bet is much worse at over 14% house edge in many variants.
  • Craps offers a broad range. Bets like Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come have edges about 1.36-1.41%, while one-roll proposition bets can carry very high edges.
  • Roulette depends heavily on which version. European (single zero) roulette has house edge of about 2.70%, while American (double zero) is about 5.26%. French roulette with rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison” can reduce the edge on even-money bets to around 1.35%.
  • Slots and Video Poker vary more. Many online slots have RTPs between 92% and 98%, while video poker in certain full-pay versions can reach or even exceed 99% RTP with correct strategy.

Structured Versus Fast-Paced Formats

Games differ not just by house edge or RTP but also by pace. Some formats let you plan, pause and adapt. Others force quick decisions or rely entirely on randomness.

Format Type

Game Examples

Player Influence Level

Typical Payout Tempo

Structured and slow

Blackjack, Baccarat

High to Medium

More gradual wins and losses

Medium tempo strategy

Craps line bets, Roulette even bets

Medium

Mix of quick and slower rounds

Fast paced chance heavy

Slots, progressive jackpot slots

Low

Big swings, unpredictable

Players who like control tend to prefer structured formats. Fast-paced games are more for excitement, entertainment or chasing big jackpots, which often come with lower RTPs or higher volatility.

How Personality Traits Influence Game Choice

Your temperament shapes what game formats feel right. Matching your game choice to your personality avoids frustration and sustains enjoyment.

Game Type

House Edge / RTP Range

Best For Strategy That’s About…

Risk Level

Blackjack

~0.3-0.6% with perfect strategy

Decision making, minimizing losses

Low to Medium

Baccarat

Banker ~1.06%, Player ~1.24%

Simplicity, steady play

Low

Craps

~1.36-1.41% for main line bets

Using odds, choosing bets carefully

Medium

European Roulette

~2.70% standard edge; French with La Partage ~1.35%

Simple bets, chance plus strategy

Medium

Slots

~92-98% RTP typical; jackpot slots often lower

Big win potential, entertainment

High

Video Poker

Up to ~99%+ in full pay versions

Strategy plus low house edge, patience

Low to Medium

Balancing Risk and Reward with Your Bankroll

A good match between game and strategy also means thinking about your bankroll and how much risk you can tolerate.

  • Larger bankrolls allow trying games with higher variance. Progressive jackpot slots often demand patience through long dry spells.
  • Smaller bankrolls benefit from low house edge games like baccarat, blackjack or safe even-money roulette bets to extend playtime.
  • Many players mix formats—slots for fun and table games for balance—to diversify both experience and results.

Final Thoughts on Strategy-Driven Game Selection

Choosing the right game affects both short-term excitement and long-term outcomes. Concrete facts like “Banker bet in baccarat has ~1.06% house edge” or “European roulette carries ~2.7% edge vs American at 5.26%” prove that even small differences matter.

Skill-driven games give players more influence, while chance-driven ones offer entertainment and unpredictable thrills. Balancing risk, pace and personality creates a strategy-driven approach where every session is more rewarding and consistent with your gaming goals.

© 2006-2025 ReadyBetGo!

ReadyBetGo! is an independent gambling news and information service. If you plan to play in casinos, ensure that you are not breaking any local laws.
It's up to you to know the legality of your actions when you gamble.