The Most Overrated and Underrated Casino Games (And Why You Should Care)

Walk into any casino (online or in person) and you’re immediately greeted by a sensory overload of games. Lights flashing, wheels spinning, cards being dealt. Some games seem to attract crowds effortlessly, while others sit quietly, waiting to be noticed. But does popularity equal value? And are some low-key games quietly delivering better odds, more strategy, or a more rewarding experience?

In this blog, we break down which casino games are actually better than their reputation suggests, and which ones might be getting more credit than they deserve. If you’re going to spend your money and time at the tables or on the reels, it’s worth knowing what really offers the best mix of fun, fairness, and potential returns.

Overrated: Slot Machines (in many cases)

Slot machines are the heart of almost every casino, both online and offline. They’re accessible, colorful, and packed with features like bonus rounds, Free Spins, and progressive jackpots. They appeal to beginners and seasoned players alike because they don’t require any real strategy.

The downside is that many slot games have a relatively high house edge. While some modern slots offer generous Return to Player (RTP) rates, most are designed to entertain rather than consistently reward. Add in the fast pace of play and autoplay options, and it’s easy to lose more than you expected in a short period of time.

That said, not all slots are created equal. If you choose ones with solid features and reasonable volatility, you can still enjoy smart, engaging play that offers fair opportunities to win.

Underrated: Baccarat

Often seen as a high-roller’s game, baccarat is actually one of the simplest and fairest games you can play. The only decisions you make are whether to bet on the Player, Banker, or a Tie. The game handles the rest, dealing out the hands and declaring the winner.

The Banker bet carries a house edge of just over one percent, which makes it one of the best bets on the casino floor. Despite this, many players avoid baccarat because it seems exclusive or too complicated. In reality, it’s one of the easiest ways to play smart with your money.

If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-value game, baccarat deserves more attention than it gets.

Overrated: American Roulette

Roulette is a staple of casino gaming. The thrill of watching the ball spin and anticipating where it will land has universal appeal. However, not all versions of roulette are created equal.

American Roulette is often overhyped despite having worse odds than its European counterpart. The extra double zero on the wheel increases the house edge to over five percent. In comparison, European Roulette—with only one zero—has a house edge of around 2.7 percent.

This difference might seem small, but it adds up quickly over multiple bets. If you enjoy roulette, opt for the European or French versions whenever possible. You’ll be getting better value for the same level of excitement.

Underrated: Video Poker

Video poker doesn’t usually get the spotlight in casinos, but that’s part of what makes it a hidden gem. While it looks simple and plays like a slot machine, it offers much better odds and actually rewards skill and strategy.

Most video poker games, such as Jacks or Better, have an RTP of over 99 percent when played correctly. Unlike slots, you can influence the outcome by making strategic choices based on the cards you’re dealt.

It may not have the flashy appeal of modern slots or the social element of blackjack, but for players who want a slower, more thoughtful game with real potential, video poker is a smart pick.

Overrated: Keno

Keno is often marketed as a fun, lottery-style game with huge potential payoffs. You select numbers, wait for a draw, and see if any of your picks match. It’s low effort and seems like it offers big rewards.

Unfortunately, the odds are heavily stacked against you. Keno typically carries one of the highest house edges in the casino, sometimes exceeding 25 percent. That means your chances of turning a profit are minimal, even if the game is slow-paced and easy to play.

If you enjoy the thrill of picking numbers and hoping for a big score, you’re better off with a different game that at least gives you better odds for your money.

Underrated: Craps

Craps can be noisy, fast, and a little confusing at first glance. The table is covered in betting options, and players cheer loudly with each roll. But once you understand the basics, it turns out to be one of the best games in the casino.

The Pass Line and Come bets offer a house edge of just over one percent. Combine that with free odds bets—additional bets you can place after the come-out roll—and craps becomes incredibly player-friendly.

What makes it underrated is the steep learning curve. Most people feel overwhelmed and skip it altogether. But for those willing to learn a few simple bets, craps delivers low-risk fun and one of the most social atmospheres in any casino.

Honorable Mentions

There are a few other games worth mentioning in this conversation:

• Big Six Wheel is visually appealing and often placed at the front of the casino to attract attention. But with a house edge of up to 24 percent, it’s best seen as a novelty rather than a serious betting option.
  
• Pai Gow Poker is slow-paced and has a low house edge. It’s great for players who want to stretch their session and enjoy a game that’s part skill, part luck.

How to Choose What to Play

The game you choose should reflect your goals. Are you playing for entertainment, chasing a big jackpot, or trying to maximize your odds of walking away with more than you came in with?

If you want low house edges and more control, games like baccarat, video poker, and craps are your best bets. If you enjoy the excitement and visual appeal, choose slots wisely—look for high RTP and engaging features. And if you’re tempted by games like Keno or Big Six, understand that you’re paying a high price for low odds.

Why It Matters

Every time you play a casino game, you’re trading money for a chance at excitement, entertainment, and, ideally, a win. Understanding which games are overrated and which are quietly offering great value helps you make smarter choices.

You don’t have to be a professional to care about odds or make strategic decisions. Even casual players benefit from knowing where their money has the best chance of paying off.

So the next time you walk into a casino or log in to your Planet 7 account to play a few rounds of something, take a second look. The most popular game on the screen might not be the smartest choice. And the one you’ve always ignored just might be your new favorite.