How do game versions affect your chances of winning?

Slot machine variations also affect your odds. Newer machines may have a less favorable payout percentage or a higher house edge. Three-reel slots versus video slots offer vastly different experiences.

“House” is French for casino. Roulette makes the casino’s money, thanks to that little green 0. American wheels have two 0s, so extra profit for the house. European wheels just have a single 0. Make sure you know what you’re betting on.

Blackjack has many different rules. Some casinos allow you to double down after you split; some don’t. You want to play with as few decks as possible (six is good; single deck is best). The rules for that particular table should be posted up somewhere.

You can usually discover these options by looking at the machine’s display screen or information section of the casino’s app; if you’re playing live, simply ask the dealer. Dealers love explaining new twists! Either way, be sure to look at the house edge before risking a dime.

Slots: the return-to-player percentage (RTP%) shows you how much money you will get back in winnings as a percentage of what you put into the machine overall. Slots with more exciting “bonus” rounds generally pay less out; traditional slots pay more. Roulette: the payout odds vary by wheel type (American roulette uses double-zero; European roulette has single-zero). Blackjack: a house rule about whether dealers must hit or stand on a soft 17 (where the ace counts as 11), or whether players may double down changes the chances. You can find information on these factors from the game’s information box or the gaming website’s help menu; some websites will post winning percentages.

Every game variant is different, because it alters the payout table, house advantage, or game rules. Old-school slot machines may have better odds than current models, but they don’t offer jackpots or other bonuses. A wheel of roulette in Europe (which has a single 0) is a different bet from one in America (which has two). The dealer hitting on soft 17 is not the same as the dealer standing on soft 17.

Look at the casino’s terms of service or at pop-ups in the game to identify the rules and pay-out rates. Play only those games offering a high return-to-player percentage and a low house edge. Read the small print, too.

Gambling machines alter probabilities in two ways: with house advantage and return-to-player (RTP) percentage. Slots are the most diverse: older ones often pay less; different models simply adjust variance and bonus events. Roulette wheels differ by the number of zeros (single-zero European wheels are more favorable to players than double-zero American ones). Blackjack tables vary according to whether the dealer stands on soft 17, what doubling-down opportunities you have, and how many decks they shuffle. But it is generally true that the lower the house advantage, the higher the RTP, and therefore the more favorable your chances. You can typically find the RTP rate for a slot machine on its information screen – and, if not, ask the casino’s customer-service department. For table games, look at the surface or ask the croupier. In general, always research the rules for any particular game to ensure you get the best odds.

Gaming machines alter the probabilities by adjusting their rules, payoffs, or house take. Slot machines vary by return-to-player percentage (RTP) and volatility (higher RTP means higher probability of winning in the long term, but low RTP can provide more frequent short-term gains). Blackjack variations vary by number of decks, dealer's playing rules, and whether you are allowed to split or double-down, all affecting the optimal strategies. Roulette wheels may be either single-zero or double-zero, which changes the house advantage. To learn more about the specific game you play, consult the game's rules page on the slot machine screen, the game help section at the casino, or reputable gambling resources such as Wizard of Odds. The better you understand the game, the better you will know its odds. And, remember, odds determine strategy.