What is House Edge? Your Guide to Casino Game Odds

When playing at online casino, understanding the house edge is crucial for anyone looking to maximise their gaming experience. The house edge not only defines the mathematical advantage that casinos hold over players but also influences your casino strategy and choice of casino games. In this guide, we'll delve into what house edge means, explore its impact on popular casino games, and provide actionable tips on selecting games with the best odds.

What is House Edge?

The house edge represents the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. It's a built-in advantage that ensures the casino remains profitable, regardless of individual player wins or losses. For example, if a game has a house edge of 5%, the casino expects to earn £5 for every £100 wagered by players.

RTP

Closely related to house edge is the concept of Return to Player (RTP). RTP is the opposite of house edge and indicates the percentage of all wagered money that a casino game will return to players over time. If a game has an RTP of 95%, it means that, on average, players can expect to receive £95 back for every £100 wagered, while the casino retains £5 as profit.

Understanding the relationship between house edge and RTP is essential for developing effective casino strategies and choosing games that offer the best odds.

House Edge in Popular Casino Games

Different casino games come with varying house edges, influenced by game rules, player decisions, and payout structures. Here's a breakdown of the house edge across some of the most popular casino games:

Table Games

Online blackjack is renowned for having one of the lowest house edges in the casino, often as low as 0.5% when players use basic strategy. Variations like European Blackjack typically offer a slightly lower house edge compared to American Blackjack due to differences in rules such as the number of decks used and dealer behaviour. 

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Online roulette offers different house edges depending on the wheel type:

• American Roulette: Features both single and double zero pockets, resulting in a house edge of approximately 5.26%.
• European Roulette: Has only a single zero pocket, reducing the house edge to about 2.7%.

Choosing European Roulette over American Roulette can significantly improve your chances of winning due to the lower house edge. Whether you prefer European, American, or live dealer roulette, playing at a top-tier online casino can elevate your game. We've rounded up the best licensed UK casinos that offer thrilling roulette action with high payouts and immersive gameplay. Discover your lucky number with our top online roulette casinos and get in on the excitement today!

Craps offers a variety of bets, each with its own house edge:

• Pass Line Bet: Approximately 1.41% house edge.
• Don't Pass Bet: Around 1.36% house edge.
• Any Seven: Higher house edge of about 16.67%.

Focusing on bets with lower house edges, like Pass Line or Don't Pass, can enhance your gaming experience.

Baccarat is another table game with a relatively low house edge:

• Banker Bet: Approximately 1.06%.
• Player Bet: Around 1.24%.
• Tie Bet: Significantly higher house edge, often above 14%.

Opting for Banker or Player bets is advisable to minimise the house edge. 

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Slots

Slot machines vary widely in terms of RTP and house edge:

• RTP: Determines the percentage of wagers returned to players. Higher RTP means a lower house edge.
• Classic Slots: Typically offer lower RTP, around 85-90%.
• Video Slots: Often provide RTPs between 90-96%.
• Progressive Jackpot Slots: Feature jackpots that grow over time, usually with a lower RTP compared to non-progressive slots.

Understanding the RTP of a slot machine is crucial for selecting games that offer better payouts and lower house edges.

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Other Games

Keno is a lottery-like game with a high house edge, often ranging from 25% to 40%. While it offers the allure of large payouts, the odds of winning are relatively low.

Bingo typically has a moderate house edge, varying based on the number of players and the specific rules of the game. It's a social game that offers entertainment value alongside potential winnings. If you're looking to join the fun and excitement of online bingo, you’re after traditional 90-ball games or fast-paced variations, the right online casino can take your bingo experience to the next level. We've rounded up the best licensed UK casinos offering vibrant bingo rooms, big jackpots, and engaging communities. Get your tickets ready and explore our top online bingo casinos to start playing today!

Lottery games usually carry a very high house edge, often exceeding 50%. The low probability of winning makes it a less favourable option for those seeking the best odds.

How do casinos get their edge?

Casinos keep their house edge by designing each game with rules and structures that give them a steady advantage over players. For instance, let’s look at blackjack. The main edge comes from the fact that players have to make their moves—like hitting or standing—before the dealer takes any action. This simple order of play already tips the odds in the casino’s favour. 

On top of that, casinos add extra layers to increase their edge, such as using multiple decks of cards, requiring the dealer to stand on a soft 17, and limiting options like doubling down or splitting pairs. These tweaks make it harder for players to turn the tables, even if they’re using strategies like card counting. 

To figure out exactly how much of an advantage they have, casinos use computers to run millions of blackjack hands. These simulations take into account every possible decision and outcome based on the game’s specific rules, calculating the average percentage the casino expects to earn from each bet. This meticulous approach ensures that the house edge remains consistent and profitable over time.

Minimising the Impact of House Edge

While the house edge is a fundamental aspect of casino gaming, there are several strategies to mitigate its impact and improve your chances of winning:

Strategic Play

Developing and adhering to optimal strategies can significantly reduce the house edge in games like blackjack and video poker. For instance, using basic strategy in blackjack ensures that you make the mathematically best decisions, lowering the house edge to its minimum. Additionally, techniques such as card counting can further enhance your advantage in blackjack.

Game Selection

Choosing games with a lower house edge is one of the most effective ways to enhance your odds. Table games like blackjack, baccarat, and certain bets in craps offer some of the best odds in the casino. Additionally, selecting slot machines with higher RTPs will also yield better results.

Bonuses and Promotions

Casinos often offer various promotions like welcome bonuses, free spins and cashback, that can temporarily offset the house edge. Utilising these offers wisely can extend your playtime and provide additional opportunities to win without increasing your bankroll.

Managing Bankroll

Knowing how to manage your bankroll is essential for responsible gambling. Setting limits on your bets, avoiding chasing losses, and knowing when to walk away can help you maintain control and reduce the negative impact of the house edge.

Conclusion

Understanding the house edge is fundamental for anyone interested in casino games. It defines the mathematical advantage the casino holds and influences your overall casino strategy. By familiarising yourself with the house edge across various games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots, you can make informed decisions that will make your gaming experience safer and more rewarding..

Responsible Gaming Advisory: Always gamble responsibly. Set limits, play within your means, and seek help if you feel that gambling is becoming a problem. Visit GambleAware for support and resources.