The Worst Casino Bets You Should Never Make

When you walk into a casino, whether online or in person, the dazzling lights, ringing slot machines, and excitement of the tables can make it tempting to try every game in sight. But not all bets are created equal. Some wagers are designed with such a high house edge that they drain your bankroll faster than you can blink. If you want to enjoy your time at the casino and stretch your money further, it’s important to know which bets to avoid. Below, we’ll break down some of the worst casino bets you should never make.

1. The Big Six Wheel (Money Wheel)

The Big Six Wheel is one of the most enticing games in the casino because of its simplicity. You bet on a number or symbol, the dealer spins the wheel, and if it stops on your choice, you win. Sounds easy, right? The problem is that the odds are heavily stacked against the player. For example, a bet on the $1 space has a house edge of around 11%, and bets on higher payouts can have a house edge that climbs above 20%. That’s far worse than most table games.

2. Insurance in Blackjack

Blackjack is a skill-based game with one of the lowest house edges when played with good strategy. But the “insurance” bet is a trap. When the dealer shows an Ace, players are often offered insurance against a dealer blackjack. The payout is 2:1 if the dealer has a ten-value card underneath. While this sounds protective, the math doesn’t add up. In most cases, the dealer won’t have blackjack, making insurance a losing proposition. Over time, this side bet increases the casino’s edge significantly.

3. Keno

Keno looks fun with its lottery-style gameplay, and the chance to win big from a small bet seems appealing. However, the odds of hitting multiple numbers are astronomical. Depending on the casino, the house edge in keno ranges from 25% to 40%, which is one of the worst deals you can find on the casino floor. If you want to play for fun, keep bets small, but don’t expect to win consistently.

4. Tie Bet in Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the most straightforward and popular games, with two strong options: betting on the Player or the Banker. Both of these bets offer relatively low house edges. The Tie bet, however, is the trap. It pays 8:1 or sometimes 9:1, but the true odds of a tie happening are far lower, giving the casino a massive advantage. The house edge for this bet hovers around 14%, making it one of the worst choices you can make.

5. Betting on a Single Number in Roulette (American Version)

Roulette is a classic game, but the version you play makes a huge difference. In American roulette, there are 38 numbers, including the 0 and 00. Betting on a single number may pay 35:1, but your chances of winning are just 1 in 38. This results in a house edge of 5.26%, which is higher than in European roulette. For long-term play, avoid this risky wager and stick to even-money bets like red/black or odd/even.

6. Chasing High-Risk Slot Jackpots

Slot machines are the most popular casino games worldwide, offering flashy themes and massive progressive jackpots. While it’s tempting to dream of becoming an instant millionaire, the odds of hitting a life-changing jackpot are minuscule. Progressive slots, in particular, take a portion of each wager and build the jackpot, which means the average return for players is lower than on standard slots. Playing them occasionally for fun is fine, but relying on them as a winning strategy will almost always backfire.

Final Thoughts

Casinos thrive on bets that look exciting but carry poor odds for players. From the Big Six Wheel to keno and risky side bets, these wagers are structured to give the house an overwhelming advantage. If you want to maximize your chances of having fun without losing your money too quickly, stick to games with lower house edges like blackjack (without insurance), baccarat (Banker or Player only), or even European roulette. Always remember that gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Play smart, set limits, and never chase losses—whether you’re in a land-based casino or playing online platforms such as Bola 88