The house edge is a basic concept that’s key to how casino games work. It’s essentially the mathematical advantage the casino has over each player in the long run, shown as a percentage. Knowing this figure can help you make better choices about which games to play, whether you’re gaming online or at a live venue.
With online casino platforms growing and the latest innovations in gaming software constantly bringing new variations to your screen, you now have access to loads of different games — each with its own rules, formats, and house edge percentages. This article covers several well-known casino games to give you a clear picture of how they all work.
What is the house edge?
The house edge is the built-in mathematical advantage that ensures the casino makes money over time. For example, an edge of 1% means that, on average, the casino expects to earn one coin for every 100 coins wagered. It doesn’t mean you’ll lose a coin every time you play, it just shows what happens on average across many games over time.
This figure changes between different games and even sometimes between versions of the same game, depending on the rules.
House edge in Blackjack
Blackjack has one of the lowest edges in the casino — if you play using the Blackjack strategy cards provided. This doesn’t mean the game is not chance-based, only that the card provides you with the best option to choose from in the scenario you are randomly dealt. In most standard versions, the edge can be as low as 0.5%, but this also depends on the variation you’ve chosen.
For example, live and online Blackjack might have slight rule differences (like how many decks are used or whether the dealer hits on soft 17), which can push the edge up a bit. Games with side bets also typically have a much higher edge than the main game.
House edge in Roulette
Roulette is a simple game with clear odds. However, the edge depends on which version you’re playing:
- European Roulette (single zero): 2.70%
- American Roulette (double zero): 5.26%
Choosing European over American Roulette can make a difference over time, but different bets have different odds and chances of landing, so be sure to do your research and only wager based on your preferences, bankroll and risk tolerance. Some versions also include rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison”, which can further reduce the edge on even-money bets to around 1.35%.
House edge in Baccarat
Baccarat has a fairly low edge, but it depends on which bet you make:
- Banker Bet: 1.06%
- Player Bet: 1.24%
- Tie Bet: 14.36%
The tie bet might offer a bigger payout, but it carries a much higher edge and isn’t great statistically.
House edge in slot games
Slot machines’ house edge can vary widely, mainly because of differences in return to player (RTP) percentages. Online Slots generally offer return to player (RTP) rates between 92% and 97%, meaning the edge typically ranges from 3% to 8%.
Unlike land-based table games, digital variants and slot outcomes are decided by random number generators (RNGs), rather than a real-life dealer. This ensures all games are chance-based and the outcome is never guaranteed.
House edge in Craps
Craps includes loads of betting options, each with its edge. Some of the most common include:
- Pass Line Bet: 1.41%
- Don’t Pass Bet: 1.36%
- Single-roll Bets (e.g. any 7): up to 16.67%
The game can look complex initially because of all the different bets available, but sticking to the basic bets generally gives you a lower edge.
Video Poker and other games
Video Poker games like Jacks or Better can have edges under 1%. Like Blackjack, your decisions can impact the outcome, and pay tables can vary across different versions.
Other games like KENO and certain novelty games can have very high edges — sometimes 20% or more.
Knowing the house edge across popular casino games can help you make better choices and manage your bankroll effectively when you play. While the house always has a mathematical advantage, some games offer much lower edges than others.
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