For most people, playing online casino games is an enjoyable pastime that has the potential to net them a few extra dollars. In some cases, however, players decide that they wish to take their online casino gameplay to the next level.
People who have decided to turn their online gambling into a more lucrative side gig often wonder where to start when it comes to learning how to get the best possible edge at their chosen casino. While there is no way to make a guaranteed profit at any reputable online casino, there are plenty of things players can look for when learning how to choose the most profitable online casino games.
Below are five easy strategies for picking the right games to maximize your chances of becoming a winning player.
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1. Look for slot games with a high RTP
The acronym “RTP” stands for “return to player.” This is a term that describes the average payout percentage for an online slot game. Just about any trustworthy game developer or online casino will list this statistic in a place that is easy to find. If it is not readily available from your chosen casino, you can search online for reviews of the game to find the RTP.
In general, the RTP is expressed as a percentage that represents how frequently a particular game pays out winnings to players. While this percentage may differ from one game to another, the average RTP percentage is around 95 or 96%. This means that if a person plays $100 on a particular slot, on average, they will get back about $95.
When it comes to choosing a profitable game, players should seek out ones with the highest possible RTP numbers. This doesn’t guarantee big wins, of course, but it certainly gives players a more significant advantage when it comes to turning a profit.
If you choose to play online table games, it is essential to remember that these do not follow the same guidelines as slots, so there will not be an RTP percentage to look for. Instead, table games rely on probability ratings and traditional pay tables based on the rules of the game.
2. Opt for skill-based games over luck-based games
It can be enjoyable to unwind with a gambling game that does not require much strategy or thought. There’s nothing wrong with playing these more random games, but players who hope to turn a profit should be more particular about the games they choose to play.
Those who want to take their online casino hobby more seriously should learn about some of the more popular skill-based casino games, such as blackjack or poker. For example, blackjack is a great place to start because it has a pretty low house edge, and there are simple strategies that players can learn to quickly improve their game.
For any game that requires skill, there are plenty of simple and straightforward strategy guides available online. This means that anyone has the ability to learn about how to maximize their chances of beating the game and turning a profit.
Poker is another popular casino game that has tons of strategy behind it. In fact, poker is one of the only casino games that gives players an opportunity to become legitimate professionals. This is true for both online and in-person poker games.
3. Choose the casino games with low variance
Variance is another term that serious gamblers should learn and understand because it influences whether or not they will be able to make a good profit on the game they have chosen. Variance refers to how likely it is for you to hit a payday when you are playing a casino game.
This term is often used interchangeably with the term volatility. They mean essentially the same thing, but it is worth noting that volatility usually refers to short-term win and loss rates while variance relates to wins and losses over the long run. However, both are important for anyone who wants to become a winning player.
The best games for turning a profit are those with low variance. This means that the game usually has smaller jackpots but pays out more frequently. In contrast, high variance games tend to have much bigger jackpots but a much smaller likelihood of hitting that jackpot.
It is a common mistake for players to always go for the games with the biggest, most exciting jackpots. The thinking is that a bigger single payout is better, but what amateur players miss is that they would likely win more money over the long term by choosing a “less exciting” game with lower variance.
Playing high variance games can certainly be lucrative, but it is vital to have a big enough bankroll to be able to withstand the swings that go along with the variance.
4. Pay attention to the house edge for each game
The house edge is most commonly denoted for table games. In essence, it is a way for players to determine the RTP on games like video poker, baccarat, or blackjack where there is no RTP percentage listed.
With RTP, it is best to look for games that have the highest possible percentage. When it comes to the house edge, the opposite is true. The term “house edge” refers to the advantage that the casino has over the player for any given game. This means that you want to find casino games with the lowest house edge possible.
In order to remain in business, casinos must pay out less money than they take in. While the games are always set up in a way that is fair, the rules are always laid out to statistically give an advantage to the casino so that they can make a profit and continue operating. This is the house edge. When you can beat the house edge, then you are the one who is profiting.
To help you more easily understand the relationship between RTP and house edge, let’s look at Baccarat. The traditional house edge is 1.06 percent. This means that the RTP is 98.94 percent, which is extremely good. In fact, Baccarat has one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, so it is a good choice for players who are looking for ways to turn a profit.
5. Look at all of the bonus features available
Another profitable tactic that many players overlook is researching the various loyalty programs, rewards programs, and promotional offers that different casinos always have for both new and returning players.
It is perfectly fine to have a favourite online casino that you return to regularly. However, it is also worth taking some time every week or every month to research other online casinos as well. In many cases, casinos will have extremely lucrative new player promotions that will allow you to make some extra cash if you spend some time playing on that particular site.
In addition, different online casinos will run special games or tournaments that give you the opportunity to win cash prizes or other lucrative bonuses, so it is wise to keep an eye out for those special deals as well.
When In Doubt, Try It Out
Overall, learning how to become a profitable online casino game player will take some trial and error. If you are not sure about whether or not a game will be to your liking, set aside a small sum of money and try it out.
Alternatively, if you are someone who plans to learn the strategies that will help you play table games more effectively, then you should dedicate some of your bankroll to practicing across lots of tables. This will help you get a more intuitive feel for how to play the game in the best way possible.
Regardless of which strategies you choose to use, it is essential to always play within your means. Choose the games with the highest RTP and the lowest variance, and make sure to always be patient. If you follow these rules, you will almost certainly become a profitable player.