Roulette is a classic casino game that has been around for centuries and is often compared to other popular casino games. In this article, we will compare roulette to blackjack, mini-baccarat, craps, and pai gow poker to determine which game is the best choice for different types of players.
Comparing Roulette to Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular table game in casinos, requiring players to make numerous decisions, including how much to bet. Players must use a computer-derived basic strategy, which can be memorized or referred to using a basic strategy card. There are many variations of blackjack games, making it difficult to memorize all of them. One downside of blackjack is the presence of “expert” players who constantly give advice on how to play one’s hands.
Roulette, on the other hand, is a leisurely game that requires players to know where to bet, how many bets to make, and whether they’re looking for a big hit or a steady back-and-forth with the casino. The game offers a wide range of payouts, from one-to-one on a bet to anything up to 35-to-1. Players make their sole decision when they bet and can choose between high payout bets or one-to-one payoff bets.
House Edge and Game Speed
A one-on-one game with a dealer in blackjack can result in 100 to 130 hands per hour, and the costs can add up quickly, even with a small house edge of about one-half percent. Roulette is a more leisurely game, but the house edge is 5.26 percent on the double-zero wheel and 2.70 on the single-zero wheel. To keep the number of decisions low, it is best to play at a crowded table.
Comparing Roulette to Mini-Baccarat
The real game of baccarat, which took place in the high-roller rooms of top casinos, was leisurely, elegant, and had several dealers and a pit boss or floor person. The house edges on its two best bets were around one percent. The third bet was to be ignored. However, mini-baccarat is a different story. The speed of this game is perhaps the fastest of all the games in the casino, with a small house edge but playing 150 to 200 hands per hour can make small edges huge in their results. The dealers are incredibly fast, and some of the most superstitious players in the casinos play this game and are adamant about their superstitions.
Comparing Roulette to Craps
Craps is a game that requires players to know how to bet, what to bet, and when to bet. The game can be intimidating to new players, but it can be a lot of fun once you understand it. The game offers a wide range of bets, and the house edge varies depending on the bet. The game can be played at a leisurely pace, but it can also be played quickly if the shooter is hot.
In conclusion, if you like a game where actual strategy decisions count heavily, then blackjack is for you. If you like a game where you can win a lot of money with some good luck or play a conservative game with small payouts but better chances of winning by not taking a bad beating on a losing streak, then roulette would be for you. Roulette is the better game compared to mini-baccarat, but if the real baccarat game still existed and you could afford it, then it would be a closer call. Craps is a fun game that can be played at a leisurely pace or quickly, depending on the shooter’s luck.
Comparing Roulette to Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is another game of chance that is leisurely and allows players to make decisions that count in terms of how high the house edge will become. The face-up version of Pai Gow Poker allows players to know the dealer’s hand, changing the strategy for playing their own hand. The game is not as popular as Roulette or Craps and may not be available in all casinos.
In conclusion, the decision between Roulette, Craps, and Pai Gow Poker depends on the player’s personality and preferences. If you are a wild player, stay away from Craps and choose Roulette instead. If you are a conservative player, Craps can be a great game, but Roulette has a lower house edge. Pai Gow Poker is a leisurely game that allows players to make decisions, but it may not be available in all casinos.