Slots vs Blackjack at Casinos: Which Is Better to Play?
Considering playing at an online casino but unsure which game to play? Slots and blackjack are two of the most popular casino games, appealing to many players.
Slots are entirely based on chance, while blackjack combines chance with player decisions. Outcomes can vary, and winnings cannot be guaranteed.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how each game works, what influences your chances, and how they may fit your budget and preferences.
How Do Slots Work at Casinos?
Slots are a popular option in casinos, appealing to many players for their simplicity. Slots require you to select a stake before pressing a button to spin the reels on your screen. If matching symbols on the reels line up on defined paylines, you win a prize.
All online slots in the UK use Random Number Generators (RNG), a computer programme that ensures every spin is random, independent, and cannot be predicted. What happened on a previous spin does not affect any future spins.
RNGs are frequently audited and tested by third parties approved by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which enforces strict standards that all operators must adhere to, ensuring all outcomes remain random and fair.
Slots also display a Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which represents the theoretical average portion of all wagers that the game is designed to pay back over the long term. It does not guarantee any specific winnings in a single session.
A higher RTP does not guarantee more frequent payouts, as every outcome is down to chance due to the RNG.
How Does Blackjack Work Compared to Slots?
Blackjack is a classic card game played against a dealer, with the aim of finishing with a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. Cards carry values that are added together to form your hand.
Unlike slots, blackjack involves both randomness and decision-making. Players choose whether to hit, stand, split, or double based on the cards in their hand. Many players use a basic strategy chart to guide these choices; however, all cards dealt are purely down to chance, and basic strategy does not guarantee winning results.
Games use one or more standard decks, and shuffling makes the order of cards unpredictable. Live-dealer blackjack games may sometimes use a Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM) to shuffle cards, ensuring that cards dealt every round are completely random.
Slots vs Blackjack: Which Offers Better Odds?
Most online slots list an RTP that reflects theoretical long-term averages; however, this does not indicate how a slot machine may perform in a single session. All outcomes are purely down to chance due to the RNG that ensures outcomes remain random.
Blackjack often offers a higher potential expected return when standard rules apply and when players make informed decisions; however, outcomes remain random, and the casino still retains a built-in advantage known as the house edge.
The house edge is a built-in advantage that enables casinos to retain a long-term average profit from each game. Usually shown as a percentage, the house edge indicates how much the casino expects to retain from the amount wagered over a long period.
In slots, the RTP is the opposite of the house edge. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 95%, the house edge for that particular game will be 5%.
In blackjack, the house edge can be as low as around 0.5% if players consistently use basic strategy. Basic strategy involves making the mathematically optimal decision for each hand based on probability, but it requires applying the correct decision at every stage of the game. Even when using basic strategy, the game still involves chance, so losses can and do occur.
Does Skill Matter More in Blackjack Than Slots?
Skill has a bigger role in blackjack than slots, as your decisions, such as when to hit, stand, or split, can affect the outcome. Using basic strategy can potentially reduce the house edge, although the order of cards remains uncertain as every deal is random.
Slot outcomes are purely down to chance due to the RNG. Every outcome is completely random and independent, ensuring they cannot be predicted or influenced by previous results or external factors.
In both games, results are still determined by random events. Even when playing blackjack perfectly using basic strategy, the house retains a small edge, while slots are fully governed by the RNG for each session.
Which Game Is Easier for Beginners to Play?
Slots are often appealing for beginners, as there are no rules to learn when playing each game. All outcomes are random, meaning players only have to choose their stake and spin the reels. Players should always choose a stake that is within their means and never spend more than they can afford.
Blackjack requires players to understand the card values and decisions they could potentially make during the game, which may not appeal to some players. If you prefer a game that requires decision-making, then blackjack may be a good option.
Play Casino Games Online at Ivy Casino
Ivy Casino offers a wide range of casino games to explore at a time and place that suits you. From classic blackjack tables and live dealer rooms to the latest online slots with varied themes and features, there are many games to suit a variety of preferences.
Ivy Casino is licenced by the UKGC, ensuring a safe and secure experience for all players. Navigation is clear, with helpful game information and straightforward options for managing your account.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means, and making use of any safer gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.