We’ve all heard stories about people getting a huge return on their investment by playing casino games, but the question is, does it really work in real life? And how does it compare to investment returns?
Well, first of all, playing casino games cannot be classified as an investment. Yes, you deposit money and get money in return, but since the odds are stacked against you, this means that you are paying for your entertainment, not investing your money.
So, you’ve stumbled upon an ad for a slot game with a huge jackpot, and somewhere in your head, a tiny voice whispers: “This could be an investment, right?”
Let’s pump the brakes. There is a big difference between gambling in a casino and investing in the stock market. Let’s get that straight. But the line can be blurry, especially when people toss around terms like RTP (Return to Player) and compare it to investments like the S&P 500.
On paper, both involve putting money in and getting some amount out, but it all comes down to the profits.
With casino games becoming more popular, especially with so many options like bettingsitesnotongamestop.com, where players can get fewer restrictions, it is quite easy to see why some people might consider gambling as a form of investment.
Let’s compare investment returns to playing casino games just to see the bigger picture.
First Off, What Is RTP?
Many people and casinos talk about RTP (Return to Player), but what does it actually mean? Well, this is a percentage that tells you how much a casino game should pay back over time. What’s the time frame, and how is it calculated? Well, nobody really knows apart from the casino, so calculating the RTP is almost impossible thanks to its random nature.
So, if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, this doesn’t mean that for every $100 you bet, you’ll walk away with $96, but it is all calculated across millions of spins, so you never really know when the machine will return some money.
Basically, over the long term, the machine will keep $4 as a profit for the casino, and each of the casino games has a different RTP. Some are based on the players’ skills, while others are mathematical odds embedded in the algorithm of the game.
Here’s a quick peek at some typical RTPs:
- Slot machines: ~85% to 98%
- Blackjack (with perfect play): ~99.5%
- Roulette (European): ~97.3%
- Sports betting: ~90% to 95%, depending on the bookie’s edge
So, all of the casino games are designed to have an edge over players and will make you lose a little over time. That’s how casinos still operate, after all.
And What About Investment Returns?
Now let’s hop over to the world of investing—stocks, bonds, real estate, crypto (if you’re feeling spicy).
Historically, the S&P 500—which tracks 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.—has returned an average of about 7–10% annually after inflation. Of course, some years it skyrockets, and some years it tanks. But if you leave your money in for a decade or more, you’ll likely come out ahead. Not always, but statistically speaking, it’s in your favor.
Other examples:
- Bonds: 2–5% depending on the type
- Real estate: 8–12% (appreciation + rent)
- Savings accounts: 0.01% (okay, 4% if you find a unicorn bank lately)
The key thing here? Over time, these are generally positive returns. Not always fast, not always sexy—but consistent and usually in your favor if you play smart and stay patient.
So… What’s the Difference?
Let’s do some apples-to-apples comparison, but we’ll keep it simple.
| Activity | Average Return | Risk Level | Long-Term Outlook |
| Slot machine (RTP 90%) | -10% (on average) | High | You will lose money |
| Blackjack (RTP 99.5%) | -0.5% (with perfect play) | Medium | You will still lose, just slower |
| Sports betting (RTP ~92%) | -8% (roughly) | High | House edge always wins eventually |
| S&P 500 (stocks) | +7–10% (after inflation) | Medium | Long-term growth likely |
| Bonds | +2–5% | Low | Slow and steady gains |
| Real Estate | +8–12% | Medium/High | Solid returns + equity |
The core difference: Casino RTPs are negative. Investments (usually) have positive expected returns over time.
But What About That Big Win?
Ah, the good old “what if I hit the jackpot?” card. Totally fair.
Yes, someone wins. Someone always wins. That’s how the casino gets you emotionally hooked—because if they did it, why not me?
But the math doesn’t lie. That jackpot win is the outlier, not the rule. It’s the financial equivalent of jumping off your roof and landing a perfect triple backflip into a kiddie pool. It could happen… but it’s probably not how you should plan your financial future.
Investing, on the other hand, isn’t exciting in the moment. It’s kind of like watching grass grow. But a few years later? That grass is looking like a full-on forest.
Why This Comparison Even Matters
We’re not saying you shouldn’t gamble. Go for it! Have fun. Hit the poker tables or spin the roulette wheel if it brings you joy. But don’t confuse gambling with investing.
Here’s the reality:
- Gambling is designed for entertainment. The edge is in favor of the house.
- Investing is designed for wealth building. The edge, with time and discipline, can be in your favor.
When people say, “I’m investing in the casino,” it’s usually a joke. But some folks genuinely believe they’re “working the system.” Truth is, unless you’re counting cards (and even then, good luck), the odds are cold and calculated.