Casino games of skill
In most casino games nothing you do changes the odds. In these, it does.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- 1: Blackjack. 2: Video poker.
- Skill is worth up to 3 points of edge.
- It lowers cost; it does not win.
- Most games have none.
AnswerBlackjack and video poker are the casino games of skill: correct play is worth one and a half to three percentage points. Skill lowers the cost; it does not beat the house.
Ranked on: How much correct play lowers the house edge.
The ranking
- Skill is worthAbout 1.5 points
Blackjack
From about 2% by instinct to 0.5% with basic strategy.
- Skill is worth2 to 3 points
Video poker
From 3% or more with poor holds to about 0.5% with correct ones on a full-pay table.
- Skill is worthAbout 1 point
Casino poker games
One fold-or-raise decision; getting it right saves about a point.
- Skill is worthSmall
Slingo
Wild placement matters a little.
Games with no skill
Roulette, baccarat, craps, Sic Bo, slots, game shows and scratch cards. Your only decisions are which bet, how much and when to stop.
Learning the skill
Blackjack basic strategy and video poker strategy.
More rankings: Worst casino bets, Steadiest casino games and Best RTP slots UK.
Games and casinos: Scratch cards UK, Casino poker games UK, Coral Casino games review and Best casino games for beginners.
Reading this ranking
It helps to be precise about what skill means here. In blackjack and video poker there is a correct decision for every situation, it can be looked up, and making it lowers the house edge to its published figure. That is all. There is no judgement, bluffing or reading of opponents, and the best possible play still loses on average. Casino poker games have one fold-or-raise decision with a simple rule. Everything else in a casino is pure chance.
Skill by game
| Game | Skill | House edge at best play |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | Yes | Around 0.5% |
| Baccarat | No | About 1.06% on banker |
| Craps | No | 1.41% on the pass line |
| Roulette | No | 2.70% on a single-zero wheel |
| Video poker | Yes | About 0.5% on full-pay Jacks or Better |
| Casino poker games | Some | About 2% to 3.5% on the main bet |
| Sic Bo | No | 2.78% on small or big |
| Slots | No | Around 4%; from about 2% to 10% |
| Live game shows | No | Often 3% to 5% or more, by bet |
| Slingo | A little | About 4% to 5% |
| Scratch cards | No | About 5% to 15% |
Go further: Blackjack vs roulette, How to play craps and Live blackjack UK.
House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Which casino games involve skill?
Blackjack and video poker, mainly.
Can skill beat the casino?
No.
Is poker a casino game of skill?
Player-against-player poker is; casino poker games have one decision.
Is roulette skill?
No.