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Casino games: what to know
Two things decide what a game costs you: its house edge, and how fast you play it.
House edge, game by game
The house edge is the share of each bet the casino keeps over time. It is the one number that tells you what a game costs to play: the lower it is, the longer your money lasts.
| Game | House edge | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Video poker (9/6 Jacks or Better) | 0.46% | Only with perfect strategy and a full-pay table |
| Blackjack | about 0.5% | With basic strategy and 3 to 2 for blackjack |
| Baccarat, banker bet | 1.06% | The tie bet is over 14% |
| European roulette | 2.7% | American roulette is 5.26% |
| Crash games | about 3% | Rounds are fast; set an auto cash-out |
| Slots | 3% to 6% | Check the RTP in the game; versions differ |
RNG or live: which to play
The good
- RNG: free demos, your own pace, any hour
- RNG: lower minimum bets
- Live: real cards and a real wheel, on camera
- Live: chat with the dealer and other players
The bad
- RNG: fast play means more bets an hour
- RNG: no human dealer
- Live: no free demos
- Live: slower rounds and higher minimums
Is it legal, and is it taxed?
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 stops operators from offering online casino games, including pokies, to people in Australia. It targets operators, not players, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) blocks many offshore sites. The casinos we list are licensed abroad, not in Australia, so Australian consumer protections don’t apply to them: we name the licence on every casino we list, and explain what it means on casino licences.
Winnings and tax. For recreational players, gambling winnings are generally not taxed in Australia. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Staying in control
Most casinos let you set limits and close your account for a while; each review lists the tools a casino has. Set them up before you need them.
- Set a deposit limit when you open the account, if the casino has one
- Decide how long you will play before you start
- Never chase a loss with a bigger deposit
- Free, confidential help: the national helpline on 1800 858 858, every day. More ways to stay in control
Questions about casino games
Which casino game has the best odds?
Full-pay video poker and blackjack played with basic strategy, both at about 0.5%. Baccarat’s banker bet is next at 1.06%.
What is the difference between RNG and live games?
RNG games are run by a tested random number generator and can be played for free; live games are dealt by real dealers on camera and have no demos.
Can I play casino games for free?
Yes: every slot, table game and crash game on this page has a free demo with play money. Nothing is won or lost.