Slots vs blackjack
Opposites: no decisions and about 4%, against constant decisions and about 0.5%..
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Slots: around 4%; from about 2% to 10%.
- Blackjack: around 0.5%.
- Cheaper per pound staked: blackjack.
- Cheaper per hour at typical stakes: blackjack.
AnswerOpposites: no decisions and about 4%, against constant decisions and about 0.5%.
Side by side
| Line | Slots | Blackjack |
|---|---|---|
| House edge | Around 4%; from about 2% to 10% | Around 0.5% |
| RTP | About 96% | 99.5% |
| Skill | No | Yes |
| Rounds an hour | About 600 | About 60 |
| Volatility | Low to very high | Low |
| Best bet | A slot whose help screen shows 96% or more | A 3 to 2 table, played with basic strategy |
| Avoid | Low-RTP versions of popular slots | Insurance, side bets and 6 to 5 tables |
| Bonus contribution | 100% | 0% to 20% |
An hour of each
| Game | Stake | Rounds | Staked | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slots | £0.2 | 600 | £120 | £4.8 |
| Blackjack | £1 | 60 | £60 | £0.3 |
Typical stakes and pace. A long-run average.
£100 staked
On slots, £100 of stakes costs £4 on average. On blackjack, £0.5.
In practice
Per pound staked, a 96% slot costs eight times as much as well-played blackjack. Per hour at typical stakes the gap is larger still. What slots offer in return is variety, a chance of a large multiple of the stake, and no need to learn anything.
How they feel
Spinning reels decided by a random number generator. The simplest casino game, the fastest, and the one whose price varies most.
You and the dealer each try to get closer to 21 without going over. It is the one common casino game where your decisions change the price.
Verdict
Choose slots if
you want variety, features and small stakes.
Choose blackjack if
you enjoy decisions and will follow a chart.
Full guides
Slots and Blackjack. Any pair: comparison tool.
More comparisons: Craps vs roulette, Video poker vs slots and Roulette vs baccarat.
Elsewhere on the site: Steadiest casino games, UK casino game rules, Craps bets and odds, Free casino games UK and Jacks or Better 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
Is slots or blackjack better?
Opposites: no decisions and about 4%, against constant decisions and about 0.5%..
Which has the lower house edge?
Blackjack.
Which is cheaper per hour?
Blackjack, at typical stakes.
Which needs skill?
Blackjack.