The old adage ”the house always wins” is well-known for a reason. This refers to the ”house edge,” a fundamental concept that is the basis of the entire casino industry. It is the casino’s built-in mathematical advantage over the player in any given game. Understanding it is crucial for casino any smart gambler.
The house edge is derived from the difference between the true odds of winning a bet and the odds that the casino pays out for that win. Let’s use a simple example from Roulette:
On a European wheel, there are 37 possible outcomes.
There is one chance in 37 that you will win.
But, the payout for a winning single-number bet is 35:1.
The casino profits from this statistical difference.
This results in a 2.7% house edge, meaning the casino will, on average, retain $2.70 of every $100 wagered.
Not all games are created equal; the house advantage can be very different depending on what you play.
Game | Typical House Edge | Notes |
---|---|---|
Blackjack | Around 0.5% | Requires the use of optimal basic strategy. The edge is much higher for casino unskilled players. |
Baccarat (Banker Bet) | ~1.06% | The ’Banker’ bet is one of the best bets in the entire casino (Suggested Browsing) due to its very low house edge. |
Craps (Pass/Don’t Pass) | Around 1.4% | Stick to the fundamental bets for a low house edge. Avoid the proposition bets. |
European Roulette | Exactly 2.70% | This is a constant, unchangeable edge. |
American Roulette | 5.26% | The ’00’ significantly increases the casino’s advantage. Always choose European if possible. |
Slots | 3% – 10% (or more) | The edge on slots is generally higher than on table games. |
The house edge does not mean you can’t win. It’s an average calculated over millions of events. Luck is the determining factor in any one visit to the casino. However, knowing about the house edge allows you to make smarter choices. By choosing games with a lower house edge, you are mathematically giving yourself a better chance of having a winning session and making your bankroll last longer.
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