Table Game Variants That Could Boost Your Winnings
If you’ve played your fair share of table games, you probably already have favorites. Maybe you like the pace of blackjack, the drama of craps, or the ritual of roulette. But beyond the classic versions you find in most casinos, there’s an entire world of variants designed to mix things up—and in some cases, give savvy players a better shot at walking away with more money.
Not every variant is worth your time. Some are just flash with no added value. Others tweak the rules just enough to shift the odds subtly in your favor—if you know how to use them. Here’s a rundown of table game variants that could actually work to your advantage, along with a few you might want to avoid.
1. Blackjack Switch – When Rule-Bending Pays Off
Blackjack Switch is one of the rare variants that actually tilts the edge back toward the player—if you know what you’re doing.
Here’s how it works: You’re dealt two hands and you’re allowed to “switch” the second cards between them. That might not sound like much, but in practice, it opens up a ton of strategic possibilities. You can turn two mediocre hands into a powerhouse and a dud—or two strong ones. That added flexibility makes this version far more strategic than standard blackjack.
Caveat: Casinos know this switch rule gives players more control, so they tweak the payout: blackjacks only pay even money instead of the standard 3:2. And dealers push on 22 instead of busting. Still, if you’re playing smart and switching well, the house edge can drop below 0.6%, which is still better than a lot of main-floor games.
Why it can boost your winnings: More decision-making power = more opportunities to improve your position.
2. Double Ball Roulette – Double Trouble, Double Potential
Double Ball Roulette isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you like high risk and high reward, this one might be your jam.
Instead of one ball, two balls are shot onto the wheel simultaneously. Most of the usual bets are still in play, but the payouts shift dramatically. For example, a straight-up number bet (on both balls landing on the same number) pays 1,200 to 1. Compare that to the standard 35 to 1 payout in classic roulette, and you can see the appeal.
The catch? That 1,200 to 1 payout sounds great until you realize the odds are astronomical. You’re not going to hit it often, if ever. But the game also allows for more frequent smaller wins because you’ve got two balls in play. If you bet on red and one ball hits red while the other hits black, you still get a payout.
Why it can boost your winnings: It offers more frequent (though smaller) wins with the outside bets, while giving adrenaline junkies the option to go for huge long shots.
3. Free Bet Blackjack – A Sneaky Player-Friendly Twist
Free Bet Blackjack offers a compelling gimmick: the casino lets you double down and split for free on certain hands. No risk. All upside.
You don’t have to put up extra chips when doubling down on 9, 10, or 11, or when splitting pairs—yet you still collect winnings on the full doubled or split amounts. On the surface, this is a dream for anyone who likes to play aggressively but hates the volatility.
The trade-off: Just like in Blackjack Switch, the dealer pushes on 22 instead of busting. That can eat into some of the value you gain from the free bets, but overall, the house edge is still lower than many other blackjack variants.
Why it can boost your winnings: You get to play like a high roller without risking extra money—if you make the right calls.
4. Pai Gow Poker – Slow, Steady, and Sneakily Profitable
Pai Gow Poker isn’t flashy. In fact, it’s one of the slowest table games around, with a high percentage of hands ending in pushes. But here’s the thing: that slow pace means your bankroll lasts longer. More time playing = more chances to take advantage of comp systems or promotional offers.
But there’s more. Pai Gow is all about how you set your two hands—a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. Play it poorly, and you’ll be stuck in push purgatory. Play it well, and you’ll start to find opportunities where the math quietly works in your favor.
Why it can boost your winnings: Not because of monster payouts, but because your losses stretch out slowly, and smart hand-setting gives you an edge over casual players.
5. Craps Variants – Crapless Craps and High Point Craps
Classic craps is already one of the lowest house edge games on the floor—if you’re placing the right bets. But a couple of variants are worth noting, especially if you like controlling your own fate.
Crapless Craps: In this version, 2, 3, and 12 are no longer automatic losers on the come-out roll. That sounds like a win until you realize those numbers become point numbers instead, which are much harder to roll again. So while it feels like you’re winning more often early, the long-term edge creeps back in favor of the house.
High Point Craps: A rare variant where the shooter must roll an 11 or 12 on the come-out roll to win automatically, and any other number becomes the “high point” to beat. It’s not a widely spread game, but it rewards sharp, situational betting.
Why it can boost your winnings: Only if you deeply understand the probability changes. Most players don’t, which gives you an advantage if you do.
6. Ultimate Texas Hold’em – Poker Skill Meets House Game
Ultimate Texas Hold’em borrows the basic structure of poker but speeds it up and turns it into a house-banked game. Instead of playing against other players, you’re trying to beat the dealer—and that changes everything.
The variant lets you make one big bet (up to 4x your ante) at a strategic point in the hand, giving you room to press your edge when you sense the dealer’s hand is weak. It’s less about bluffing and more about probability, and strong poker fundamentals go a long way.
Why it can boost your winnings: If you have a good read on poker hands and know when to push your bet, the house edge can drop to around 2%, better than many casino poker variants.
7. Spanish 21 – Blackjack With Extra Options
Spanish 21 is like blackjack on caffeine. The main difference? All the 10s are removed from the deck (not face cards—just the tens), which might sound terrible. But the game compensates with a bunch of player-friendly rules:
- Late surrender
- Re-splitting aces
- Player 21 always wins (even against a dealer blackjack)
- Bonuses for certain 21 combinations
The net result? Despite the missing 10s, a smart player can get the house edge under 0.5%—even better than traditional blackjack.
Why it can boost your winnings: If you use basic strategy tailored to Spanish 21, the extra rules and bonuses offset the missing 10s.
8. Multi-Wheel or Multi-Hand Variants – More Action, More Control
Some variants aren’t about new rules—they’re about volume. Multi-wheel roulette and multi-hand blackjack give you the chance to play multiple games at once. While this doesn’t change the odds of individual bets, it does let you spread your risk or test different strategies simultaneously.
Risk: You’ll burn through your bankroll faster if you’re not careful. But for players who understand variance and are playing a numbers game over time, it can help smooth out the ups and downs.
Why it can boost your winnings: Not because the odds are better, but because you can hedge or double down on what’s working in real time.
What to Watch Out For
Some table game variants market themselves as “new and improved” but actually offer worse odds for flashier presentation. A few examples:
- Six-Deck Blackjack with funky side bets: More decks = worse odds. And side bets almost always favor the house.
- Triple Zero Roulette: Just don’t. The house edge balloons from 5.26% (in double zero) to 7.69%.
- Caribbean Stud Poker: Big jackpots, but awful house edge—around 5% or higher.
If the game is all sizzle and very little substance, you’re better off steering clear.
Play Smarter, Not Just Flashier
At the end of the day, no table game variant is going to make you rich overnight. But the right ones can stretch your money, lower the house edge, or give you more control—three things that matter a lot more than just “luck.”
The catch? You have to understand the game you’re playing. Variants reward the curious and punish the complacent. They’re not just novelties—they’re opportunities for players who ask the right questions and make deliberate choices.
So if you’re the type of person who wants more than a basic spin or a hit/stay decision, take a closer look at the rules next time. The better variant for you might be sitting one table over.
And if you’re looking for more smart takes on the games we play—and how to actually get better at them—check out The Next Right. It’s not about chasing jackpots. It’s about making better decisions, one hand at a time.
