Blackjack vs. roulette : what game is better? This question doesn’t have a universal answer since both games provide a completely different experience. Some players enjoy the fast-paced roulette, while others prefer the more strategic blackjack.
If you’re still not sure which one is for you, I’m here to help with my roulette vs. blackjack comparison. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these classic casino games that are available in pretty much all live and online casinos.
Roulette Vs. Blackjack Odds Compared
Most of the debate about whether roulette or blackjack is better boils down to personal preference. However, there are some objective points to consider. For instance, you can look at the return to player (RTP) of blackjack and roulette.
What Is the RTP in Blackjack?
The RTP in online blackjack is higher than most other games you will encounter at casinos. The exact number varies depending on your strategy, the payout for a natural blackjack, and the variant of the game you’re playing. Typically speaking, experienced players using a winning strategy can expect an RTP of 99% to 99.6%.
To get the best RTP possible, you need to stick to the basic game and avoid costly side wagers. Ideally, you also want to stick to blackjacks with a 3:2 payout for a natural instead of a 6:5 payout. A 6:5 payout offers a lower return and increases the house edge.
Is Roulette’s RTP Higher or Lower Than Blackjacks?
Roulette, whether online or mobile roulette, typically has a lower RTP than blackjack. The specific RTP of the game you are playing will largely depend on the type of wheel in the game. The payout for specific bets and the betting options will also have an effect.
- French Roulette = 98.65% RTP (for even odds wagers).
- European Roulette = 97.30% RTP
- American Roulette = 94.74% RTP
- Triple Zero Roulette = 92.10%
The specific bets you make will also impact your specific RTP. Even-money bets like red or black, for example, have much better average returns than betting on specific numbers in French roulette because of certain extra rules.
Overall, the RTP in roulette is lower, unless you’re a terrible blackjack player.
Fixed Vs. Variable RTP
Blackjack has an average higher RTP than roulette, but that is not the only difference. Your decisions also affect the house edge.
The decisions of blackjack players have a significant impact on the RTP of the game. This is is a skill-based game so the better your blackjack strategy, the lower the house edge and the higher the RTP. Roulette is purely a game of chance, though, so your strategy will now have no effect on the outcome of the game or its RTP.
Blackjack Vs. Roulette Strategy And Skill
Speaking of strategy, the best betting systems of roulette and blackjack are vastly different. Blackjack strategies focus on making the right decision based on the information at hand. Roulette players, on the other hand, focus on picking specific markets and applying a specific staking plan.
Let’s take a closer look at both games.
Basic Blackjack Strategy And Advantage Play Techniques
The most proven blackjack strategy is known as basic blackjack strategy. This system lays out how players should handle every hand and every situation. Memorizing this strategy and using it in the game will help you maximize your RTP.
Some examples of this strategy include:
- Never splitting fives or 10s
- Always doubling down on hard 11s
- Standing on hard 12 if the dealer is showing a four, five, or six
You can also use advantage play blackjack techniques to increase your odds of winning. Some common examples of these methods include counting cards and shuffle tracking. When used correctly, these strategies tell you when to increase your wagers to cash in on when the chances of winning hands are more likely.
In fact, good card counters can flip the odds in their favor and beat the house! That’s why brick-and-mortar casinos try to keep them away, after losing to the infamous MIT blackjack team!
Which Roulette System is the Best?
Roulette strategies focus on how much you wager and when you do it. For instance, progressive systems tell you when to increase your bet based on the previous round. Some of the most popular roulette systems include:
- The Martingale System
- Fibonacci System
- D’Alembert System
Most betting systems in roulette rely on the player making even money wagers. They offer the best odds of winning and will help minimize your losses. The betting system itself will, in theory, help you make up for any losses you incur along the way.
However, there’s no way to beat the house in the long run when playing roulette. Card counting can give you that extra edge in blackjack, but there’s no similar technique for roulette.
Bankroll Management And Other Universal Gambling Strategies
Despite their differences, there are many similar strategies that you can use in roulette or blackjack. For instance, regardless of the game you are playing, you need to practice good bankroll management.
Bad money management skills will derail even the best casino strategies. You should set a budget and stick to it to ensure you have a chance of walking away with money in your pocket.
Checking the specific payout odds for the game you want to play is also a good habit to get into. As I mentioned above, blackjack games with 3:2 odds for a natural blackjack have better RTPs than tables that offer a 6:5 payout. Similarly, single-zero roulette games with French rules like Orphelins have better odds than other versions of the game.
Blackjack vs. Roulette Gameplay And Pace
Another major difference to consider in the blackjack vs. roulette debate is the pace of each game. Both games can be fast-paced, but roulette is generally seen as the faster of the two.
Also, you do not control the pace of roulette when you are playing at a land-based casino. The croupier will decide when the game starts after allowing bettors a chance to place their wagers. In blackjack, you can dictate the pace to an extent by deciding how long you need to make a decision.
The gameplay itself is also very different. You have significantly more betting options in roulette compared to blackjack. There are a few variations of blackjack, such as 21+3 from Dragon Gaming, that offer side bets. However, side wagers are generally not a part of blackjack.
Roulette offers a lot of betting options for you to learn. Your potential payout odds will depend on the bets that you decide to make. Also, some bets are in conflict with one another, such as odd or even, so betting on both is not the best idea.
The only case where it makes sense would be if you’re clearing a bonus, but most online casinos have strict rules against that, so be careful!
Roulette vs. Blackjack: What Is Better?
Now that we have discussed the differences between roulette vs. blackjack, one question remains: what game is better? Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal preferences.
If you want a fast-paced game with lots of betting options and limited strategy, then you should play roulette. If you prefer a more methodical game that prioritizes strategy and maximizing the RTP, you should pick blackjack.
Luckily, most online casinos offer both games. If you want to give them a try, I recommend visiting DuckyLuck Casino. You can enjoy different roulette and blackjack variants, including tables with live dealers.
