Top Casino Games for Professional Gamblers

Effective gamblers with experience must be self-regulated, have a strategy of attack, and have a strong feeling of expected value (EV). Although most casino games are designed to give the house an advantage, experienced gamblers concentrate on games where they could lower the house's edge or discover an advantage for themselves.

Together with strategies for maximising profits and an explanation of expected value (EV), this page addresses the best casino games for a livelihood. For those looking for alternative platforms, new non GamStop gambling sites provide additional opportunities to explore different gaming options.

Understanding Expected Value (EV)

The expected value (EV) is a mathematical idea that represents the average possible loss or gain a gambler might experience for every wager they place. The calculation follows this pattern:

When a game's expected value (+EV) is positive, it benefits the player. The house gets an advantage if its expected value is negative (-EV). Though numerous casino games have a negative expected value (EV), players can increase their chances of winning in many ways.

1. Live Blackjack

Expected Value in Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the few casino games in which a player's ability may significantly influence expected value (EV). Players may lower the house edge to around 0.5% by using simple tactics, and they can gain the advantage by card counting (+EV).

Strategies to Improve EV:

• Use a basic strategy chart to make optimal decisions for every hand.
• Avoid side bets, as they have a higher house edge.
• Card counting techniques like the Hi-Lo system track high-value cards.
• Play games with liberal rules, such as 3:2 payouts for blackjack, dealer stands on soft 17, and double-down options.

2. Poker – The Ultimate Skill-Based Casino Game

Expected Value in Poker

Poker is unique because players compete against each other, not the house. Skilled players consistently achieve positive EVs by making better decisions than opponents.

How to Increase EV in Poker

• Learn hand ranges, pot odds, and expected hand values.
• Play against weaker opponents to maximise profit margins.
• Use bluffing and strategic aggression to control pots.
• Manage your bankroll to sustain long-term play.

Professional poker players make money by consistently finding high-EV situations and avoiding negative-EV plays.

3. Slot Machines – Leveraging Bonuses to Improve EV

Expected Value in Slots

Slot machines are typically -EV games, but professional gamblers increase their odds using bonuses and high-RTP (Return to Player) games.

Ways to Improve EV in Slots

• Play high-RTP slots (96%+ RTP games provide better returns over time).
• Use casino bonuses to extend playtime without extra risk.
• Participate in progressive jackpot slots for massive potential payouts.
• Opt for low-volatility slots if aiming for consistent small wins.

While slots aren’t typically profitable long-term, professional gamblers exploit promotions to increase expected value.

4. Sports Betting – Finding Value Bets for Positive EV

Expected Value in Betting

Sports betting is another area where professional gamblers can achieve positive EVs by identifying mispriced odds. Those looking for insights into betting platforms can check Funbet reviews 2025 to stay updated on the latest trends in non GamStop bookmakers.

How to Increase EV in Sports Betting

• Calculate probability more precisely than bookies by use of statistical models.
• Search for value bets with more chances than the actual likelihood.
• Optimise long-term gains by managing bankroll using the Kelly Criterion.
• Provide earnings independent of the result by use of arbitrage betting.

Effective sports bettors avoid random wagers motivated by emotions and regularly uncover +EV prospects.

5. Baccarat – Low House Edge for Strategic Players

Expected Value in Baccarat

The low house edge in Baccarat makes it a low-risk game.

• Banker bet: House edge of 1.06%
• Player bet: House edge of 1.24%
• Tie bet: Avoid it (house edge of 14.36%)

How to Improve EV in Baccarat

• Always bet on the Banker for the lowest house edge.
• Avoid the Tie bet, as it has a high house edge.
• Use flat betting instead of progression systems to manage losses.

Professionals seeking low-risk, steady returns will find baccarat to be excellent.

6. Video Poker – A Rare +EV Casino Game

Expected Value in Video Poker

Certain video poker variations offer positive expected value with perfect play:

• Jacks or Better (9/6 paytable): 99.54% RTP
• Deuces Wild (Full Pay): Over 100% RTP

How to Increase EV in Video Poker

• Play machines with full-pay tables
• Use optimal strategy charts
• Look for casinos offering cashback or loyalty rewards

Video poker is one of the few casino games where a professional player can maintain steady gains.

7. Craps - Intelligent Betting Approaches

Expected Value in Craps

Craps offers some of the best bets in the casino

• Pass Line bet: 1.41% house edge
• Don’t Pass bet: 1.36% house edge
• Taking Odds bet: 0% house edge (best bet in the casino)

How to Improve EV in Craps:

• Take maximum odds behind the Pass/Don't Pass bets.
• Avoid high-house-edge proposition bets (e.g., Any 7, Hard 8).

8. Roulette – Picking the Right Wheel

Expected Value in Roulette

• European Roulette (single zero): 2.7% house edge
• American Roulette (double zero): 5.26% house edge

How to Increase EV in Roulette:

• Play European roulette for lower house edge.
• Steer clear of betting techniques (Martingale, Fibonacci) as their EVs remain constant.

Though roulette is a negative EV game, highly skilled gamblers pick the optimal variants to reduce losses.

Final Verdict

Professional players concentrate on games where planning and ability raise the expected earnings to support a livelihood from gambling. The better games include poker, blackjack, and sports betting; low-risk options include baccarat and video poker.

Knowing anticipated value, using mathematical techniques, and using casino coupons may increase players' earnings and reduce their losses over time.

If you are successful over time, you must be disciplined, conduct study, and limit your bankroll, even if gaming may be a source of rev