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Board games vs machines
American casinos offer dozens of formats - from noisy "pitіv" with tables to endless rows of slots. The choice between board games and machines depends on three things: mathematics (casino advantage and variance), experience (sociality/pace) and purpose (entertainment, training, "hunting" for progressives, VIP computers). Below is an honest comparison with reference to the realities of the United States (offline and legal online).
1) Math and expectation: where the chance is objectively higher
Blackjack: with the "correct" rules (payment 3:2 for blackjack, the dealer stands on soft 17, doubles/splits are allowed) and the basic house-edge strategy ~ 0.4-0.6%. Tables 6:5 are noticeably worse (add ~ 1-1.5 percentage points).
Craps: passes/dons ~ 1.36 %/1.36%, free odds without casino advantage (but require base rate). Side bets are often "expensive."
Baccarat: the rate on the banker ~ 1.06%, on the player ~ 1.24%, on a draw - very unprofitable.
Roulette: European (single-zero) ~ 2.70%, American (double-zero) ~ 5.26%; triple-zero - even higher.
Video poker (automatic): with the "correct" Jacks or Better 9/6 paytable and the optimal RTP strategy, it can reach ~ 99.54% (house edge ~ 0.46%). On "truncated" tables worse.
Slots (machines): typical RTP ~ 88-96% offline and ~ 94-97% online (depending on state/operator). Huge variation in volatility and payment structure.
Conclusion: the minimum house-edge is more common in blackjack, baccarat, craps and video poker (with a good table), while the slots have a higher advantage, but there are "jackpots/megapreezes."
2) Dispersion and speed: how it feels for bankroll
Board games (especially baccarat/craps/blackjack) are more often a smoother variance at reasonable rates. But the speed of the table and the size of the minimums affect the bankroll consumption per hour.
Slots - high dispersion: many "empty" spins and sharp peaks (bonuses, progressives). On fast machines, it is easy to make 500-800 + spins/hour → the bankroll "melts" faster at an equal rate.
Video poker is between worlds: automation, but strategy reduces variance compared to link slots.
3) Sociality, entry threshold and "comfort"
Board games: live dealer, communication, "rituals" (especially in craps). But there is social pressure (pace of decisions, etiquette). Beginners are more comfortable on morning/quiet shifts or at stadium/table games with electronic terminals.
Slots/video poker: individually, without pressure; easy to control pace. Suitable for a "calm" evening when you don't want to interact.
4) Computers and loyalty programs: who gets more "buns"
Casinos rate theo (expected loss) on a bet × speed × house edge × time.
On slots, the house-edge is higher → theoretically computers (food loans/numbers, offers) are charged more generously for every dollar of turnover.
On tabletops, computers depend on an accurate estimate of the average beta and time at the table; on "quiet" shifts, make sure that the pit boss correctly enters the bet/limits.
Video poker with a good paytable gives a low house-edge → computers can be less per dollar turnover.
5) Skill and player influence
There is influence: blackjack (basic strategy, doubles/splits, sometimes surrender), video poker (optimal strategy), poker against players.
Minimal impact: baccarat, roulette (except table/rule selection), most slots.
Online slots/live boards: the rules are the same, but online it is easier to see history, help, payment tables.
6) Online vs Offline (US)
Online (iGaming states): RTP slots are often higher, there are many live tables with transparent limits; quick access to betting rules and histories.
Offline: atmosphere, unusual offices, "link slots" with common jackpots, a large selection of craps/baccarat in tourist clusters (Vegas/Atlantic City/tribal resorts).
7) Fast "comparison cheat sheet"
8) Practical selection scenarios
I want to minimize house-edge and study: take blackjack 3:2 (S17, surrender) or baccarat (bet on a banker); online - video poker 9/6 Jacks.
I want a "drive" and a chance for a major skid: slots with progressions/links, but lay down a larger bankroll and time limits.
I want fun company and "general adrenaline": craps with base rates + odds; avoid "exotics" on the field.
You need a calm solo evening: slots or video poker with a comfortable face value.
Playing "on the road" online: in legal states - live blackjack/roulette and slots with transparent RTP in the help.
9) Bankroll and control
1. Define the budget and time limit in advance; use limits in applications (online) or at the checkout (offline).
2. For slots, schedule 100-200 bets per session; for the board - based on the minimum and pace.
3. Do not "catch up": progressions do not change expectation.
4. Remember about taxes (USA): large winnings on slots/poker can be accompanied by a form of W-2G and federal deduction.
10) Typical errors
Play blackjack with a payment of 6:5 for the sake of a low minimum wage.
Put exotics in high edge craps for the sake of "fun."
Ignore video poker paytable. With a difference of "one point" Jacks or Better, you can "give" the casino an extra 1-2 percentage points.
Overestimate hot/cold slots. RNG and variance do not "remember" your session.
Ignore the speed of the game. On slots and fast live tables, money goes at the expense of pace, not just house edge.
If the goal is minimum house edge and control, your choice is blackjack with good rules, baccarat, craps (base bets + odds) or video poker with the correct table. If you want speakers, jackpots and a "cabinet" show, the slots will give strong emotions - subject to discipline with bankroll. Determine the goal, choose the appropriate format and set the limits in advance: then both board games and machines will remain what they should be - entertainment with understandable risks and expectations.