If you enjoy gambling you will probably have tried casino games and sports betting.
Let’s start by saying there is no right or wrong answer to which is the best. Some gamblers love casino games, others prefer sports betting. Many people enjoy both!
Determining which is best is a personal decision, but how does each one stack up against the other? We look at where you can get better odds and fun – casino games or sports betting?
Casino games
Before we start comparing casino games and sports betting, it is important to establish the key elements of each genre.
In simple terms, betting on casino games is gambling based on an outcome that is unknown before you place a wager.
The most popular casino games include blackjack, roulette and slots. Many people also love playing poker, baccarat and craps.
There are various ways you can play including visiting a traditional land-based casino or signing up for an account with an online casino site.
Sports betting
As we have highlighted, casino games fall into just a few categories, but nothing could be further from the truth where sports betting is concerned.
A quick look at some of the leading online sportsbooks highlights that point to perfection, with punters generally able to wager on more than 40 different sports.
Football and horse racing are amongst the most popular sports for betting purposes, while golf, tennis and basketball also attract plenty of interest.
Daily sports betting opportunities can be listed in their thousands, with bookmakers offering a massive range of markets across the sporting spectrum.
Comparing the odds
Whether you are a newbie or experienced gambler, the odds are one of the most important elements to consider when placing bets.
In most popular casino games, the odds are pre-determined based on the likelihood of an event happening. For example, roulette pays Evens if you bet on red or black.
Higher odds are available if you are prepared to take bigger risks, with a single number bet paying out at 35/1 if you make a successful selection.
By contrast, sports betting odds can fluctuate based on several factors such as the amount of money wagered on an event, changes in playing conditions, injuries to players and more.
While there are plenty of examples of extremely restrictive odds being offered – big clubs to win at home in football matches is a good example – there is also plenty of value to be had.
When you factor in that punters can place multiple bets at massive odds, it can be argued that sports betting beats casino games for variety.
Value for money & enjoyment
As with any form of entertainment, anyone who plays casino games or bets on sport wants to get for value for money and enjoy themselves.
In terms of value for money, deciding which genre is best boils down to what each individual is looking to achieve from their gambling activities.
For example, let’s say that someone has a $1,000 gambling budget and follows a sensible betting strategy of betting just $20 on a single wager.
The average payout rates on casino games such as blackjack and roulette should ensure that the player stays in the game for at least a couple of hours.
By contrast, placing $20 single bets on sports could theoretically last much longer if you limit the amount of events you wager on per day.
On that basis, casino games and sports betting both have the power to be hugely entertaining pastimes – it’s down to the player to decide what they enjoy most.
Making a profit
Let’s be honest here. There is a reason why there are so many gambling operators in the industry. It is a tremendously lucrative sector.
However, while those companies are in business to make money, casino games and sports betting both offer the people the chance to win big.
For example, employing strategies in games such as roulette and blackjack has been proven to deliver winning returns if followed to the letter.
These include the Martingale System – a bet doubling strategy designed to secure a profit providing players do not deviate away from it.
Sports betting also offers plenty of opportunities for punters to make a profit, although the different variables involved make this a tough task.
Gaining an in-depth knowledge of your chosen sport is crucial for anyone who wants to be a successful bettor, but even then there are still no guarantees.
Casino games or sports betting – The final word
As we mentioned at the outset, deciding whether casino games or sports betting is best is governed by what you want to get out of your gambling.
From an odds perspective, many people find the fluctuating nature of sports betting markets more appealing than the fixed odds in casino games.
However, some players prefer to feel they are in control of their own destiny, which is arguably where casino games such as blackjack have an advantage over sports.
Casino games also have the power to provide more instantaneous thrills than sports betting – players know the outcome after the spin of a wheel or a card hand has been dealt.
There are undoubtedly pros and cons to casino games and sports betting. Providing one, the other or both give you enjoyment, it is probably best not to worry which one is best!