Casino Player September 2022

THE BEST OF GAMING 2022

Games We Play

Our readers are smart gamblers, and to no surprise have voted blackjack as the No. 1 table game. Outside of baccarat, you won’t find a lower house edge in the pit. Of course, counting cards will give you an advantage over the casino in this game, but learning the ropes of basic strategy can reduce the house edge to under 2%, and that beats most of the table games and almost any slot machine you can play. Learning the strategy is critical, but thankfully casinos will let you bring small strategy cards to the table to use as “cheat sheets.” But it’s not cheating; it’s just smart play.

❶ Blackjack ❷ Poker ❸ Craps ❹ Three Card Poker ❺ Roulette FAVORITE CARNIVAL GAME Carnival Games are a growing variety of games outside the more traditional table games and include popular options like Three Card Poker, Let It Ride and other similar poker variations where the players take on the dealer. These games generally have a higher house edge than traditional games such as blackjack, Pai Gow Poker or baccarat. But gamblers love them and the tables are often packed. Our readers voted Let It Ride as

H eading to the local casino or booking that trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City is a wonderful way to get away from it all or spend some time with friends and family. Whether you enjoy rolling the bones, playing some 21, or just grabbing a seat at a slot machine, there’s something for every wagering whim. But what exactly are Americans’ favorite games? Along with featuring some of the best resorts, casinos and racinos in the country, our annual Best of Gaming issue also looks to determine which games players just love to play. Here’s a look at some of those favorites. FAVORITE TABLE GAMES For the past two decades that we’ve been doing our Best of Gaming survey, blackjack has swept this category and rules the casino again this year. Blackjack is a game of skill, perhaps the toughest in the casino. For those who want to have a real chance to win, the game requires detailed knowledge of how to play each and every hand. It’s also one of the best games in the casino.

the top carnival game of 2022. Let It Ride is based on poker, where the player wagers on a five-card poker hand formed by their own three cards and two community cards. The game is easy to play with minimal strategy and offers players a shot at some big wins—especially when bonus bets and progressive jackpots are part of the game. Overall, the game has waned a bit in popularity in recent years, but continues to draw enough players to top this year’s rankings for Carnival Games.

❶ Let It Ride ❷ Three Card Poker ❸ Caribbean Stud

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