I can hear the groans out there now, but look at it this way; do you not study and research before you make any financial decision?

Casino gambling should not be any different; and I am happy to  provide some assistance with those decisions.

My casino gambling education has increased over the years by listening to readers of my books, gambling professionals, and visiting many casinos (strictly for research, of course, ha, ha) to search out the newest games, taking time to chat up casino personnel, and gamblers.

During research, I invariably wanted to know the house advantage (or PC = percentage casino) of any new games and/or versions /take-offs of previous games.

Slots and video poker machines particularly, constantly release newer versions of old stand-bys; not always in the players' favor.

In keeping with tradition, I write about those best bets/games  that can provide a casino advantage of less than 3%, when played correctly with specific strategies.  My hope is that this will become your goal too.

With ten best bets in the hands of intelligent, educated gamblers they are afforded the envious advantage of diversification-moving confidently from one game to another, with the knowledge and tools to be prepared and profit from the casino experience.

Following is the list of the ten best bets in any casino in no particular order:

1) Video Poker. The 'ideal' machine bet and one of the most popular casino games.  The intelligent casino VP players learn how to read a pay schedule, as the beauty of this game is that you are told upfront on the face of VP's that which are 'full-pay' as opposed to 'short pay/partial pay' machines.

9/6 -- 9 coins for a full house, 6 for a flush on Jacks+ and 9/5 -- 9 coins for a straight flush, 5 for 4-kind on Deuces Wild are 'full-pay' examples.  10/7 are the best Bonus VP versions.

Optimum playing strategies for each version is another mandatory requirement for VP profits.

2) Certain Slot Machines. The reason I state certain slots is that some slots are better than others.  Basic slots -- single payline, two coin maximums with a double bonus feature; i.e., Double Diamond, Triple Diamond or Red, White & Blue 7's can improve your chances of profit and stretch your gambling bankroll.

Play in heavy traffic areas near the main cashier/change booths to find the Slots of Your Dreams.

Major gambling venues like Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi and now Detroit,  also offer the higher payouts or 'looser' slots.

There really is a what, where and how slot intelligence that should be practiced; matched with a wager management plan that dictates the denomination of your slot play.

Notice that the above two best casino bets are machines; the reason being that 75% of casino gamblers head for these games and they can be played in a profitable manner.  On to the table games....

3) Blackjack. Still the best bet in the casino and certainly the best table game, however it is getting tougher for the beleaguered blackjack player.

Six -- eight decks, burning 15-20 cards, mid-game re-shuffle and dealers hitting on all 17's takes away many of the player advantage rules.

I would suggest that any b/j player practice, not only correct hit/stand strategies but card-counting to overcome this house edge.

4) Craps. Three best craps bets are pass line, come bet with odds and placing the six or eight.  Keep your pass and come bets to the minimum, however up your odds bet to what your bankroll and the table will allow as that is where the real money is made at the craps table.  Search for the higher odds tables -- 5X, 10X, even 100X in Vegas; surely a nice find.

5) Baccarat/Mini-Baccarat. A low casino advantage game that is an excellent alternative to blackjack. Mini-baccarat tables can be found on the floor alongside b/j tables with the same, low betting minimums; a change of image that most gamblers have of the 'royal' game of baccarat. This game does not require the huge learning curve as with b/j; one decision for the player -- bet player or banker hand to win.  A nice change of pace.

6) Roulette. Single zero is the only way to play this game and stay below the suggested less than 3% plan. Single zero tables cut the edge in half from a 5.26% double zero game to 2.63% acceptable level.

7) Pai Gow Poker. Another great option to b/jack play. Game is played with seven cards that are divided and placed into two hands;  5 cards and 2 whereupon both must beat the banker.

8) Live Poker. Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold 'Em are the current card room favorites and excellent choices.  No surprise here for poker players who know that playing against other competitive players with a small 'rake' or payment to the house has always been a top bet.

9) Bingo. This game is a 'loss-leader' for many casinos, especially in Nevada because it brings in the players who often visit the casino floor after a bingo session. The reason that this game has a low casino edge is the fact that, unless it is progressive bingo game, there is always a winner.

10) SportsBook. A top ten bet that any studious sports handicapper knows. Analytical research is a pre-requisite for this sporting bet. Novices should begin with a simple line bet; predicting the winner or loser of the game.

The above games/bets will allow you a head-start on your casino gambling education.  Be back soon with the 10 Worst Bets List.

Let the games begin...onward to the casino floor.....

Gayle Mitchell is author of  Casino Gambling Made Easier   books, booklets and strategy cards.