The Best Las Vegas Table Games for New Players

The party may start with dinner and drinks, but it usually ends up in the casino for a little gambling. Choosing table games that match the energy of a Las Vegas casino is a great way to keep the fun going.

Not all games are created equal, and that’s a good thing. Some are perfect for relaxing in the afternoon, while others are better when the energy is high at night.

Finding the right mix goes a long way toward maximizing your Vegas experience. Here are, in o particular order, the best casino games for new gamblers to learn before their trip to Las Vegas.

♠️ Blackjack

Blackjack is the quintessential casino game and one of the first games new gamblers should learn before visiting Las Vegas.

It is easy to understand and play, but it also involves some thinking and strategy, unlike many other casino games. Learning basic strategy isn’t too difficult, but it’s important for getting the best bang for your buck in the casino.

Even blackjack games with less player-friendly rules still have a relatively low house advantage. For comparison, the house edge for the worst blackjack game in Las Vegas is just under 3 percent with perfect play, while a 000 roulette game has a house edge close to 8 percent.

This small edge for the casino is why players should learn basic strategy. Ideally, players will seek out blackjack games that pay 3:2 instead of the more common 6:5 payout. That extra money helps keep the action going a little longer but these games aren’t available at certain pricepoints and locations.

Blackjack has been featured in movies, books, and TV shows for decades, and playing the game has been passed down through generations. The first blackjack session is almost like an initiation into the world of casino gambling.

Pro tip: Brush up on your skills with a blackjack training app. There are plenty of free options available in the app stores.

Also, be sure to check out our handy guide on how to play blackjack on a $100 budget.

🎲 Craps

Inevitably, you’ll hear sporadic roars echoing through a Las Vegas casino. More often than not, those loud cheers are coming from a craps table.

Thanks in part to the large layout that accommodates up to 20 players, craps is easily one of the most fun games in the casino. Players are often more alert because they’re usually standing, and the extra blood flow from being upright only adds to the excitement.

Craps offers the best of both gambling experiences. Players who want a low house edge can stick to the pass line. Thrill-seekers not concerned with the house edge for the casino can take a shot at the center table bets that pay up to 30 to 1.

On top of everything, craps bets are also fun to say and are kind of a secret language. Yelling “Gimme five on the YO!” or “PUT IT ON THE HORN!” gives new players a peek into the unique language only craps players seem to understand.

The game may look intimidating at first, with its strange lingo and wide range of bets. But new players can start with the basics and still get in on the action at the most electric communal game in the casino.

💵 Roulette

Roulette is another classic casino mainstay that has been a fixture on gaming floors for generations. It’s easy to understand and play, and there’s no real strategy involved.

Gamblers simply place a bet on a color or number (or several numbers), and the dealer spins the ball. Whichever slot the ball lands in determines the winner.

Unlike blackjack or even craps, anyone can walk up to a roulette table and understand how to play right away.

If there’s any strategy to roulette, it’s bankroll management. Truthfully, gamblers should practice this with every casino game. There’s nothing worse than going broke too quickly, whether you’re at the sportsbook or one of the tables.

In addition to being simple to play, roulette appeals to players chasing a big payout. When the ball lands on a number, the player who bet on it wins 35-to-1. That’s a $175 payout on a $5 bet.

Like craps, roulette tables often erupt in cheers when a player hits a number. The volume may be a bit lower since roulette tables usually seat only six or seven players, compared to a packed craps game that can have twice as many.

Las Vegas roulette is a little different from what you’ll find in most regional casinos. New players should be aware that many casinos offer three versions of the game.

Pro tip: Look for the version with the fewest “0” spaces or logos. All roulette games pay the same 35 to 1 on a winning number, but extra slots on the wheel raise the house edge for the casino and will shrink your bankroll faster.

♦️ Baccarat

Baccarat is another game that’s easy to learn and perfect for new gamblers. It doesn’t involve the kind of strategy required in games like blackjack or poker.

Along with being simple to pick up, baccarat is also a solid gamble. The low house edge is just over 1 percent. This means players can stretch their gambling budget more than with many other table games.

The smaller mini-baccarat tables on the main casino floor are similar to the larger versions found in high-limit rooms, but there are a few key differences.

Mini-baccarat tables are fast-paced. Instead of seating 10-to-12 players like a traditional table, these smaller versions usually have room for only 6 or 7. 

With fewer players, more hands are dealt each hour. A quick dealer can run through more than 200 hands in that time.

Baccarat moves fast, is easy to understand, requires little to no strategy, and offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino. On top of that, the game has long carried a reputation as a high-roller favorite, so players at any budget level can feel like they’re part of an exclusive club.

Managing your money is key for a Vegas novice. So, be sure to view our guide on how to play baccarat on a $100 budget.

♠️ Three Card Poker

You won’t find traditional poker on the main casino floor in Las Vegas. The poker rooms are where you’ll find the games that most people grew up playing at home or with friends.

However, the casino floor offers several poker alternatives for new poker players in Las Vegas. These games use ranked poker hands but include rules that give the casino a house edge, allowing it to generate more revenue.

They do just that. Traditional poker accounts for less than half of one percent of total casino revenue. Games like three-card poker and pai gow poker help boost earnings for the rest of the casino.

While many poker variants have come and gone, three-card poker has stood the test of time. You’ll often find multiple three-card poker tables in the larger Las Vegas casinos.

The game’s popularity comes down to a few things. It’s easy to learn, usually has a low minimum bet (as low as $5), and offers the chance to win big jackpots.

Players are dealt three cards to make their hand. Before seeing the dealer’s cards, they must decide whether to play or fold.

There’s a bit of strategy involved, but that’s the basic premise. A player wins if their hand beats the dealer’s, as long as the dealer qualifies with a Queen high or better.

Three-card poker also includes bonus payouts for strong hands. For example, a straight flush pays 40-to-1 for a Pair Plus bet.

With so much going on in Las Vegas, not every poker fan wants to commit to a long session. Three-card poker offers a quicker, more casual option for those who want a fast-paced variation of the game they love.