Game Selection Helper
Not all casino games are created equal. Each game has different mathematical properties that affect your expected cost per hour, the volatility of your results, and how long your bankroll will last. This interactive tool helps you compare games across multiple factors to understand which games align with your priorities—whether you want to minimize losses, maximize entertainment time, or understand the true cost differences between games.
Understanding these differences is essential for making informed decisions. According to the UNLV International Gaming Institute, game selection is one of the few decisions players can make that actually affects their mathematical outcomes—choosing a game with 0.5% house edge over one with 15% house edge can result in 30 times less expected loss per hour.
Step 1: Set Your Priorities
Adjust the sliders to indicate how important each factor is to you. Higher values mean that factor matters more in the ranking.
Games Ranked by Your Priorities
Understanding the Comparison Factors
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino holds on each bet. A 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 wagered. This is the most important factor for long-term cost, but it's not the only factor affecting your actual hourly losses.
Game Pace
How many bets you make per hour dramatically affects your total losses. Slot machines can process 600+ spins per hour, while blackjack typically sees 60-80 hands. Slower games mean your bankroll lasts longer.
Variance
How much your results will swing from the expected average. High-variance games like slots can produce big wins or devastating losses quickly. Low-variance games like baccarat produce more consistent (consistently losing) results.
Skill Component
Some games allow decisions that affect outcomes. Blackjack basic strategy reduces house edge from ~2% to ~0.5%. However, no amount of skill eliminates the house advantage in standard casino games.
Complete Game Comparison Data
The following table shows the mathematical properties of common casino games. This data is based on standard rules at regulated casinos including Kangwon Land and foreigner-only casinos in South Korea. House edge figures assume optimal play where applicable.
| Game | House Edge | Bets/Hour | Variance | Skill Level | Social |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (Basic Strategy) | 0.5% | 60-80 | Low | High | High |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | 70-80 | Low | None | High |
| Craps (Pass Line) | 1.41% | 50-60 | Medium | Low | Very High |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | 35-45 | Medium | None | Medium |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | 35-45 | Medium | None | Medium |
| Slot Machines (Average) | 8% | 500-600 | Very High | None | None |
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better) | 0.46% | 400-500 | High | High | None |
| Keno | 25% | 10-15 | Very High | None | Low |
| Big Six Wheel | 11-24% | 40-50 | High | None | Medium |
| Pai Gow Poker | 2.5% | 25-30 | Very Low | Medium | High |
Understanding Hourly Cost
Your expected hourly loss is calculated as: House Edge × Bet Size × Bets Per Hour
For example, playing blackjack at $25 per hand with 70 hands per hour:
- Total wagered per hour: $25 × 70 = $1,750
- Expected hourly loss: $1,750 × 0.5% = $8.75
Compare this to slots at $1 per spin with 500 spins per hour and 8% house edge:
- Total wagered per hour: $1 × 500 = $500
- Expected hourly loss: $500 × 8% = $40.00
Even with a much smaller bet size, slots cost 4.5 times more per hour due to speed and house edge.
Why Game Selection Matters
The difference between the best and worst casino games is enormous. According to the American Gaming Association's research publications, slot machines generate the majority of casino revenue despite table games having far more total handle (amount wagered). This is because slots combine high house edges with extremely fast play.
Research published in the Journal of Gambling Studies has demonstrated that game speed is a significant factor in problematic gambling behavior. Faster games provide less time for reflection between bets, which can lead to larger-than-intended losses. The "zone" or dissociative state reported by many slot machine players is directly linked to the rapid, continuous nature of the gameplay.
The Hourly Cost Reality
When comparing games, most players focus solely on house edge. However, the total cost of gambling depends on three factors:
- House edge - The percentage of each bet the casino keeps
- Game speed - How many bets you make per hour
- Bet size - How much you wager per bet
A game with a lower house edge can still cost more per hour if it's played faster. Video poker, despite having a lower house edge than blackjack, typically costs more per hour because players make 5-8 times more bets per hour.
This is why responsible gambling education emphasizes understanding your expected hourly cost rather than just house edge. Our House Edge Calculator helps you calculate this figure for any game and bet combination.
Variance and Your Experience
Variance (volatility) affects how your actual results differ from expected results. High-variance games produce dramatic swings—big wins and big losses—while low-variance games produce more consistent results.
Neither is "better" mathematically—both converge to the expected loss over time. However, your psychological experience differs significantly:
- High variance: More exciting, possibility of big wins, but also faster bankroll depletion when losing. Can create false confidence during winning streaks.
- Low variance: More predictable, bankroll lasts longer, but fewer exciting moments. The grind of consistent small losses becomes apparent faster.
Understanding your personal preference helps select games that match your expectations. For more on this topic, see our Variance Calculator and Session Simulator.
Connection to South Korean Gambling Context
At Kangwon Land, South Korea's only casino where Korean citizens can legally gamble, slot machines generate approximately 60% of gaming revenue. This pattern mirrors casinos worldwide and reflects the mathematical reality that high-speed, high-house-edge games extract money from players most efficiently.
South Korea's restrictive gambling laws partly reflect government understanding of these mathematical realities. The combination of addictive game design and mathematical certainty of loss creates significant social harm, which is why most gambling remains illegal for Korean citizens as explained in our enforcement overview.
Foreigners visiting foreigner-only casinos in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju will find the same game mathematics operating at Paradise Casino, Seven Luck, and other licensed venues.
Important Reminder
This tool is for educational purposes only. No game selection strategy can make gambling profitable in the long run—the house edge ensures casinos win over time. Understanding game mathematics helps you make informed decisions about entertainment spending, not develop winning strategies.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help immediately. Visit our responsible gambling resources page or contact the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Related Educational Tools
Continue your gambling mathematics education with these related tools:
- House Edge Calculator - Calculate expected losses for any game
- Variance Calculator - Understand volatility and outcome ranges
- Bet Comparator - Compare specific bets side-by-side
- Time Calculator - Estimate how long your bankroll will last
- Budget Calculator - Plan responsible entertainment spending
- Session Simulator - Visualize how gambling sessions unfold
- Risk of Ruin Calculator - Calculate probability of losing your bankroll
- Bet Speed Calculator - See how pace affects hourly cost
For comprehensive information about gambling in South Korea, explore our complete article collection covering legal framework, history, enforcement, and responsible gambling resources.