When it comes to casino games, everyone claims to have a “secret hack” — but most of those TikTok tricks and Reddit theories don’t actually hold up.

According to Carly Sawers, Head of Marketing at Smiles Casino, strategy and self-control matter far more than superstition.

Sawers shared her expert insight on how both newbies and seasoned players can sharpen their edge when playing the top five most searched-for casino games in the U.S.

1. Blackjack – 148,000 searches

Blackjack tops the list with 148,000 online searches this year.

Sawers says emotion-based decisions are what destroy most players’ chances. “Never take insurance bets — they give the house a serious advantage,” she explains. “And always assume the dealer’s face-down card is a 10, since there are more 10-value cards than any other in the deck.”

She also recommends looking for tables with a rare but valuable rule called ‘Five-Card Charlie,’ which gives players an automatic win if they draw five cards without busting. “When you find that rule, you’ve already cut the house edge by about 0.4%,” Sawers adds.

2. Poker – 137,000 searches

Poker comes in second with 137,000 searches — and it’s not just about the cards.

“Poker is a people game played with cards, not a card game played by people,” Sawers says. “Your success depends more on reading opponents than the hand you’re dealt.”

Her advice for beginners: start tight-aggressive. “Play fewer hands, but play them aggressively. It’s the fastest way to learn without bleeding chips.”

Position also matters. “When you’re in a late position, you get to see what everyone else does before you act — and that information is everything.”

3. Baccarat – 128,000 searches

Simple, fast-paced, and iconic — Baccarat ranks third with 128,000 searches.

“The beauty of baccarat is in its simplicity,” Sawers explains. “With only three possible outcomes, it’s great for players who want excitement without complex decisions.”

Her go-to rule? Always bet on the banker. “The house edge on the banker bet is just 1.06%, compared to 1.24% for the player. That small difference matters.”

As for those who track results and look for patterns — don’t. “That’s the gambler’s fallacy,” she warns. “Each hand is completely independent.”

4. Roulette – 68,000 searches

Roulette is all about pacing yourself.

“The best strategy here isn’t about numbers — it’s about bankroll management,” Sawers says. “Set a loss limit and stick to it.”

If you’re craving a little thrill, she suggests combination bets instead of single-number bets. “You’ll increase your odds while keeping the excitement alive.”

5. Slots – 38,000 searches

Slot machines might rank fifth in search volume, but they’re still the biggest revenue generators in casinos.

“Slots are designed to look and sound exciting, but smart players focus on the RTP (return-to-player) percentage,” Sawers says. “That tells you how much money the game pays back over time.”

She also recommends using player cards and loyalty programs. “Those comps and bonuses can add real value to your play — effectively reducing the house edge.”

America’s top 5 most-searched casino games

Rank	Game	Google searches (12 months)
1	Blackjack	148,000
2	Poker	137,000
3	Baccarat	128,000
4	Roulette	68,000
5	Slots	38,000

At the end of the day, Sawers says the golden rule for all casino games is the same: control your bankroll.

“Set both win and loss limits before you play,” she says. “If you hit your win target, walk away. If you hit your loss limit, stop chasing. The best players know gaming should be entertainment first — strategy second.”