Games you can learn in minutes
Slots
Pick a stake, spin, and the game pays out by its paytable. Nothing to decide, so the only skill is choosing a slot with a stated RTP of 96% or more and a stake that lets your budget last.
Roulette
Bet on a number, a colour or a range and wait for the ball. European roulette, with one zero, costs less than American roulette with two.
Baccarat
Back the banker, the player or a tie; the cards are drawn by fixed rules. The banker bet has the lowest edge; the tie bet looks tempting and costs about 14%.
What each game costs on average
| Game and bet | House edge | Cost per R1,000 wagered |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack, basic strategy | about 0.5% | about R5 |
| Baccarat, banker bet | 1.06% | about R11 |
| Craps, pass line | 1.41% | about R14 |
| European roulette | 2.70% | R27 |
| Typical slot (96% RTP) | 4% | R40 |
| American roulette | 5.26% | about R53 |
A R500 budget spent in R10 bets on European roulette is about R2,500 of turnover over an evening. At 2.7% that is roughly R67 expected loss. The same turnover on a 96% slot is about R100.
Blackjack and video poker: worth the effort
Both games pay back more when you play correctly. Blackjack with basic strategy brings the edge to around half a percent, and a full-pay Jacks or Better machine returns over 99% with correct holds. Our basic strategy guide and Jacks or Better guide cover the decisions.
How to start without wasting money
- Play the demo version until the rules feel automatic.
- Choose the lowest table limit or slot stake on offer.
- Set a deposit limit before your first real-money session.
- Stop at a time you chose in advance, win or lose.