The house edge is the percentage of every bet that the casino mathematically expects to keep over time. It's not luck — it's arithmetic. Understanding it helps you choose better games and realistic expectations.
House Edge by Game
| Game | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.5% | Lowest possible with skill |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | Best single bet in the casino |
| French Roulette | 1.35% | La Partage rule |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | Single zero |
| Slots (average) | 4%–6% | Varies widely |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | Double zero |
| Keno | 20%–40% | Worst odds |
How House Edge Works in Practice
If you bet $100/hour on European Roulette (2.7% edge), your expected hourly loss is $2.70. Over 10 hours: $27 expected loss. This is statistical average — you may win or lose more in any session, but over thousands of sessions the math is relentless.
The Formula
Expected Loss = Total Bets × House Edge
$3,000 total bets at 4% house edge = $120 expected loss
House Edge vs RTP
They're two sides of the same coin: House Edge = 100% − RTP. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge.
How to Minimize House Edge
- Play Blackjack with basic strategy — 0.5% edge, the lowest achievable
- Bet Banker at Baccarat — 1.06% edge
- Choose European over American Roulette — saves 2.56%
- Pick slots with 96%+ RTP — check the game info panel
- Avoid side bets and insurance — always carry much higher house edges
- Skip Keno and scratch cards — house edges of 20%–40%
Does Strategy Change House Edge?
In Blackjack: yes. Basic strategy reduces edge from ~2% (average player) to 0.5%. In slots and roulette: no. The math is fixed regardless of how you bet.