Today we will discuss the merits of blackjack and roulette, two of the most popular games you will play in any casino and cover the main differences between the two.
One of the common questions that new players ask is which game is better to play. That question is difficult to answer as we all have our tastes and style of playing. Rather than ask which is better, we will compare blackjack and roulette as they both have their own merits, which are very different.
One game might prove more exciting for some players, while others will want to know which games have the best odds. We will answer the most pertinent questions to leave you better informed about which will suit your needs.
The technical differences between blackjack and roulette mean the different versions available, how game variations affect your chance of a win, and the odds depending on several factors.
Table of Contents
The Game Mechanics
- Whether online or off, the roulette game is based around the roulette wheel, which has 37 – 38 pockets. The roulette table has the same amount of numbered and coloured squares. You make your bet by deciding which square or group of squares the ball will land on after the wheel is spun by the croupier or RNG* if playing video roulette.
*The RNG is the Random Number Generator that decides the outcome of many online casino games and should be independently audited as routine to ensure all games give everyone an equal chance of a win.
- On the other hand, blackjack is a card game where two cards are dealt to the players, and two are dealt to the dealer. To win at blackjack, you must score more points than the dealer without exceeding the maximum of 21. When playing blackjack, you can decide how you wish to proceed in the game, whereas, in roulette, you have no say over the outcome, which rests firmly on where the ball will land.
The Different Variations Between Blackjack and Roulette
Both blackjack and roulette are offered in various forms, which means there are different variations between the games.
Roulette
European and American roulette are the two most frequent forms played when discussing roulette. The difference between the two is an extra zero pocket, the double zero on the American version of roulette.
Even though this appears insignificant, the extra double zero pocket increases the house edge making it more difficult to win. European roulette lacks the extra double zero pocket, which reduces the house edge to half the American version of the game to 2.7% (5.26% house edge in American roulette).
Roulette also has some special bets which reduce the house edge further. For instance, the ‘en prison’ bet can be found on even money bets and works this way.
- If you bet on red and the ball lands on a black or green pocket, you will not lose your bet immediately. Instead of losing straight off, your bet is put ‘in prison’ until you bet again. If you lose the bet again, your money will be permanently gone. If you win the next round, you will get your money back; although you will not get any winnings, you won’t lose anything either. The ‘en prison’ bet cuts the house edge in half again to 1.35%.
Blackjack
When discussing blackjack, the game has one of the best odds of any table game on the casino floor or online. As the dealer relies mostly on luck in much the same way as you do, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%.
However, there is some skill to playing a good game of blackjack. The right choices can determine whether you will win a hand or bust, and of course, there are many strategies you can employ to help you further.
Rewards and Volatility
The size of the prizes you can win from playing either roulette or blackjack can be measured in terms of RTP (return to player percentage) and variance (or volatility).
Those games with high variance can be difficult to win, but the prizes can be big when you win. Low-variance games play out differently by offering frequent prizes but of a lower value.
When playing roulette, you deal with different types of bets with their variance levels.
- Outside bets offer almost a 50% chance of a win.
- The Straight-up bet on a single number has the highest volatility, with the payout being 35 to 1, but of course, this bet is more difficult to hit.
Blackjack is a game that lands between low to medium variance, meaning you are likely to win more often. Of course, you will also lose some games, but having smaller wins more frequently appeals to some players.
- If you beat the dealer, you will be paid out at 1 to 1. This means if you bet $40 then you will make $40.
- The best payout whilst playing blackjack is called blackjack, an Ace card and a Royal card (21). This hand pays out 3 to 2, so if you bet $30, you would get back $40.
In Conclusion
If you are playing for excitement and the social side of a game, then go down the roulette road. There are few decisions to be made when playing roulette, but the tension around a physical roulette table is palpable. With bigger prizes, it is the perfect game for players who like the thrill of casino action.
For players who like to use their skills when playing and making decisions, blackjack is the game for them. Blackjack has a higher RTP with a smaller house edge that may suit smaller budgets.
Both games have their merits and remain as popular today as ever. Hopefully, our look at blackjack and roulette gives you a clearer insight into how they work.
