Every casino game, from the flashing lights of the slot machines to the felt of the blackjack table, is built on a mathematical foundation. This foundation is the house edge (or house advantage), a term that every player should understand.
What is the House Edge?
The house edge is the long-term mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player in any given game. It is usually expressed as a percentage. To illustrate, casino with a 2% house edge, the casino's expected long-term gain is $2 on every $100 wagered.
This is not a guarantee of results in the short term, but a mathematical certainty over a massive sample size. In the short term, players can and do win significant amounts of money—that's the nature of gambling. However, over millions of bets, the casino's statistical advantage will always prevail.
House Edge in Popular Casino Games
The house edge varies significantly from one game to another. Choosing games with a lower house edge can give you a better chance of winning in the short term and will make your bankroll last longer.
Game Typical House Edge Key Points
Pontoon Under 1% This low edge is only achievable when using perfect basic strategy.
Baccarat ~1.06% The Banker bet is one of the best bets in the entire casino.
Craps (Pass/Don't Pass) Less than 1.5% The basic Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets have a low edge.
Roulette (European) 2.70% The single zero on the wheel gives it a much lower edge than the American version.
Double-Zero Roulette 5.26% The "00" pocket dramatically increases the casino's advantage.
Fruit Machines Highly variable Can have one of the highest house edges in the casino.
By understanding the house edge, you become a more informed player. This understanding is key to strategic bankroll management and maximizing the entertainment value of your casino visit.