When it comes to casino table games, blackjack and roulette are two of the most widely played around the world. Both games rely heavily on luck, but blackjack also requires some skill and strategy. There are pros and cons to each game in terms of odds, house edge, pace of play, and more. We interviewed several Casino Slot Mafia gaming experts to get their takes on how blackjack and roulette stack up.
Key Differences Between Blackjack and Roulette
Before diving into the experts’ opinions, let’s overview some of the key differences between blackjack and roulette:
- Blackjack is played only against the dealer, while roulette is played against the house.
- Blackjack has an element of skill and strategy, while roulette outcomes are determined entirely randomly.
- Blackjack is played at a faster pace than the spin of the roulette wheel.
- Blackjack offers some of the best odds of winning for players in the casino.
Blackjack Offers Better Overall Odds for Players
Most experts agree that blackjack provides better overall odds for players than roulette. As gaming analyst Gary Green explains:
“The house edge in blackjack generally ranges from 0.5% to 1%, depending on the rules and number of decks used. Compare that to roulette, where the house edge is a fixed 5.26% on American double-zero wheels or 2.7% on European single-zero wheels. So your money will last longer playing blackjack over time.”
Veteran blackjack player Max Rubin concurs:
“In blackjack, the house edge can actually be overcome by players who learn the correct basic strategy. But in roulette, the house edge eventually prevails. So blackjack gives players the better shot at winning in the long run.”
The element of skill also gives blackjack an advantage, according to gaming author Linda Boyd:
“In free demo slot games are a click away, you can reduce the house edge by making correct playing decisions. However, with roulette, players have no ability to use skill or strategy to improve their odds. The random nature of every spin gives the house a built-in mathematical edge.”
So, while short-term results may vary, experts agree that blackjack has better odds for players over the long run.
Roulette Offers Simple and Exciting Gambling
That’s not to say roulette doesn’t have its own appeals though. Gaming columnist Nick Pate points out that roulette provides a simpler and more exciting gambling option:
“For casual gamblers just looking for an entertaining night out, roulette may be the better choice. There’s no need to memorize strategy charts and you can just sit back waiting to see where the ball lands. And for excitement, nothing beats the thrill of watching the ball bounce around the wheel before landing in a number.”
The social aspects of a roulette table are also more inviting for some players, as industry analyst Lucy Crow explains:
“Blackjack tends to be a quieter game where each player focuses on their own hand. But roulette draws more of a collective crowd experience, with everyone watching and reacting to the spinning wheel. For players looking for a fun, social environment, roulette has a lively vibe.”
So, while the odds favor blackjack, roulette offers easier play and potentially more short-term excitement on any given spin.
Blackjack Has a Faster Pace of Play
Another consideration is the pace of play. Most experts said blackjack generally has a faster pace than roulette. Gaming columnist Nick Pate says:
“Blackjack is played at a much quicker tempo, with hands dealt rapidly one after another. But for roulette, you have to wait through the dealer clearing losing bets, placing new bets and spinning the wheel before the next result. Impatient players may get frustrated with roulette’s slower gameplay.”
Faster play means more hands per hour for blackjack players, gaming author Linda Boyd explains:
“In blackjack, skilled players using proper strategy can play 70+ hands per hour. But even recreational players will play 30-40 hands per hour. In roulette, you may only see 30-35 spins per hour. So blackjack gives more playing opportunities and chances to win.”
For players focused on maximizing their gambling action, blackjack’s faster pace gives it another advantage over roulette.
Blackjack Strategy Takes Practice, Roulette is Instantly Accessible
One downside of blackjack is it takes time for players to learn basic strategy. Max Rubin explains:
“To get good at blackjack, you need to memorize basic strategy charts that specify the optimal playing decision for every hand combination. This takes practice. Roulette has no learning curve – a complete novice can sit down and start playing instantly.”
The complexity of blackjack can also lead to player mistakes, as Gary Green points out:
“Even experienced blackjack players make occasional mistakes on close strategy decisions. But in roulette, there are no playing mistakes since players have no decisions to make outside of where to place their chips.”
So while blackjack offers better overall odds, roulette provides instantly accessible gambling without any need for training or skill.
Blackjack Has the Overall Advantage
While both games have pros and cons, most gaming industry experts give blackjack the slight edge in its matchup with roulette. The ability to use skill and reduce the house edge makes blackjack the better choice for serious gamblers focused on maximizing their chances to win. But roulette offers an approachable game for casual players looking for easy, exciting gambling action.
Gary Green sums it up:
“For average players just looking to have a fun night gambling with friends, roulette is hard to beat. But players who take the time to learn the correct blackjack strategy will see their bankroll last longer over many hours of play. So for maximum odds, blackjack has the overall advantage.”
So while both games will continue to be staples of casinos worldwide, experts say blackjack provides players with a better opportunity for winning over time. Just be prepared to take the time to learn basic strategy properly first.