Understanding House Edge Across Popular Casino Games
Cold Open: 20 Seconds at the Table
You stand between a roulette wheel and a busy craps table. Chips click. A dealer calls last bets. You feel the pull of bright lights and noise. Now freeze this moment. What are you really buying when you play? Not just fun. You buy a rule set. Inside those rules sits a small edge for the house. That edge is quiet. It works slow. But it is always on. Let’s make it less hidden.
What House Edge Is (And What It Isn’t)
House edge is the long-term average share that a casino keeps from each bet. If the house edge is 2%, the casino expects to hold $2 from every $100 bet—over a huge number of bets. It does not say what happens to your next hand or spin. Luck swings. Runs happen. The edge shows up over time.
House edge is not a trick or a fix. It is math inside the rules: payouts, number of winning spots, card shoe size, and so on. Change a rule, and the math changes. Your goal is not to “beat” the edge. Your goal is to pick games and rules where that edge is small. For a clear base term, see the entry on house advantage.
RTP vs House Edge, in Plain English
Return to Player (RTP) is the flip side of house edge. If a slot has 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. Over many plays, the game pays back 96% and keeps 4%. This number comes from the rules and paytable, not from recent wins or losses. You cannot “time” RTP. The game does not “owe” you a hit. To learn how regulators explain this, read the UKGC note on return to player (RTP).
Short-term, anything can happen. Long-term, house edge rules. That is why smart players look for better rules first, then pick bet size and session length that fit their budget and nerves.
A Two-Minute Math Primer You’ll Actually Use
Expected value tells you the average gain or loss per bet if you could play forever. House edge is that same idea, from the casino side. Variance and volatility show how wild the ride is on the way there. High volatility means long dry spells and rare big hits. Low volatility means many small swings.
Why this matters: a low-edge game with high volatility can still drain you fast if your bankroll is small. A high-edge game with low volatility may feel “safe,” but the slow leak is real. A quick refresher on the idea of volatility helps frame those swings.
Reality Check: Where Real-World Numbers Come From
There is a gap between a game’s built-in edge and what casinos report as “hold.” Hold is what they kept from all buy-ins in a period. Rule sets, table mix, player skill, and even big whales can skew that. If you want to see how this looks by game in the real world, scan the state data for Nevada hold percentages by game.
The long run is long. A single month tells a story; a decade tells the truth. For long-range trends, check the archives at the UNLV Center for Gaming Research. Use those views to set your expectations, not to chase outcomes.
The Table You Came For: House Edge Snapshot
These numbers are typical under common rules. Rules vary by casino and maker. Your local game may be better or worse. “Best-case” assumes optimal play where skill matters. “Worst-case” reflects common traps (bad rules, side bets, or poor strategy). Volatility is a plain guide, not a hard rank.
| Blackjack (S17, DAS, multi-deck) | ~0.5% with basic strategy | ~0.2–0.4% (S17, DAS, late surrender, fewer decks) | ~2%+ (H17, no DAS, no surrender, poor play) | ~99.5% | Low–Med | Rules move edge a lot; skill matters | [3] |
| European Roulette (single zero) | 2.70% | ~1.35% on even-money with la partage/en prison | — | 97.30% | Low–Med | Single zero; special rules cut edge on even-money bets | [1] |
| American Roulette (double zero) | 5.26% | — | 5.26% (same across most bets) | 94.74% | Low–Med | Two zeros raise edge across the wheel | [1] |
| Craps — Pass Line | ~1.41% | 0% on the odds bet (added behind the line) | — | ~98.59% | Low | Take max odds where bankroll allows | [3] |
| Craps — Don’t Pass | ~1.36% | 0% on odds (laid) | — | ~98.64% | Low | Best base bet on the table | [3] |
| Craps — Any 7 (proposition) | ~16.67% | — | — | ~83.33% | High | Big payout, huge edge | [3] |
| Baccarat — Banker | ~1.06% (with commission) | — | Varies with side bets | ~98.94% | Low | Banker slightly better than Player | [6] |
| Baccarat — Player | ~1.24% | — | — | ~98.76% | Low | Close to Banker; avoid Tie | [6] |
| Baccarat — Tie (8:1) | ~14.36% | — | — | ~85.64% | High | Looks fun, bad math | [6] |
| Video Poker — 9/6 Jacks or Better | ~0.46% (with perfect play) | Near 0% if promo/points boost | ~2–4%+ with weaker paytables | ~99.54% | Low–Med | Paytable is everything; skill required | [5] |
| Slots (range) | ~2–15% (varies by title/market) | ~1–4% on high-RTP titles | ~10–15%+ on low-RTP titles | ~85–99%+ | Low–High | RTP set by game and jurisdiction; high variance common | [4] |
| Keno | ~20–35% | — | — | ~65–80% | High | Large jackpots, steep edge | [9] |
Notes: Figures are rounded and depend on exact rules, number of decks, wheel type, table limits, paytables, and local laws. Always read the rule card or help screen. Best-case assumes optimal play where skill applies. Volatility labels are broad and for guidance only.
Sources and further reading: [1] Encyclopaedia Britannica (house advantage). [2] UK Gambling Commission (RTP). [3] Wizard of Odds (game math and rules). [4] American Gaming Association (slot machine basics). [5] VPFree2 (video poker paytables). [6] Pagat (baccarat rules). [7] Nevada Gaming Control Board (hold by game). [8] UNLV Center for Gaming Research (long-run stats). [9] Massachusetts State Lottery (keno odds example). [10] New Jersey DGE (game win data).
Game-by-Game: What Actually Moves the Needle
Blackjack: Rules and Basic Strategy Matter More Than You Think
Blackjack can be very sharp if you pick the right table and use basic strategy. Rules like Stand on 17 (S17), Double After Split (DAS), and late surrender shave the edge. More decks raise the edge a bit. With a solid chart, you can push the house edge near 0.5% or lower. If you guess, it can jump above 2%. To learn the chart and the rule effects, see a trusted blackjack basic strategy resource.
Myth vs Math: “Always take insurance.” No. Insurance is a side bet with a built-in cost. Use it only with card counting (advanced play).
Roulette: Single Zero vs Double Zero
This choice sets your fate. European wheels (single 0) have a 2.70% edge. American wheels (0 and 00) have 5.26%. Even-money bets with la partage or en prison can cut the edge in half on those bets. If you love roulette, pick single zero when you can. If rules show both zeros, lower your bet size.
Field notes: Fancy layout, same math. Avoid the five-number bet on American tables (0, 00, 1, 2, 3). It is worse than most spots.
Craps: The Spread Between Smart and Silly Bets
Craps has two faces. Pass Line and Don’t Pass are good base bets. Add maximum odds when you can; the odds bet has 0% edge. Place bets on 6 and 8 are fine too. On the other side sit one-roll prop bets. They pay big and bleed fast.
Rule check: Odds limits (3x/4x/5x, 10x, 20x) change how much of your money can ride at 0% edge. A higher odds limit helps if your bankroll can handle swings.
Baccarat: Banker Isn’t a Myth
Baccarat is simple to play and low in edge if you stay basic. Banker carries about 1.06% edge with commission. Player is close at about 1.24%. Tie looks tempting. It is not. The edge is often above 14% at 8:1. If you want to see how the rules tie to payouts, Pagat’s guide to baccarat rules and payout is clear.
Myth vs Math: “Follow shoe streaks.” The cards do not remember. Past hands do not tilt the next one.
Slots: RTP Ranges and Volatility Trump Everything
Slots vary more than any other game. One title may sit at 92% RTP; another may be 97%+. Many new games push high volatility: long gaps, then bonus hits. If you like smoother play, look for titles with clear RTP info and medium variance. For a plain look at how games are built and tested, see how the AGA explains how slot machines work.
Field notes: Some regions let casinos pick from several RTP settings per title. The help screen, paytable, or game info may show the live RTP range.
Video Poker: Paytables Are the Whole Story
Video poker rewards readers. A 9/6 Jacks or Better (9 for full house, 6 for flush) has about 99.54% RTP with perfect play. The same game with 8/5 can drop below 98%. You do not need to guess. Sites that track live machines and paytables are gold. One to start with: the catalog of 9/6 Jacks or Better paytables.
Myth vs Math: “Hold all face cards.” Wrong. The right hold depends on paytable and draws. Use a chart or app and practice.
Keno: Why the Edge Is So High
Keno sells a dream. It also has a steep edge, often 20–35% in casinos. The draw count is slow, and wins are rare. People play for the big prize and accept the cost. To see odds style sheets and prize ladders, browse a state example of keno odds and prizes (lottery variant, but the high edge point stands).
Field notes: If you enjoy number games, set tiny stakes and treat it like a raffle, not a strategy game.
Where Rules Live: Picking the Right Place to Play
Good rules are not hidden if you know where to look. On tables, ask for the rule card. On machines, open the help screen. Online, check the footer for the license, and the game page for RTP and paytables. Compare before you play.
Our team keeps a clean bookmark list so we can check rules fast, side by side. If you want a simple place to start, here are our independent guides. We track rule sets, common paytables, and test lab notes. We focus on licensed brands and mark game providers. Use it as a map, then still read the fine print at the table or in the game.
Myth vs. Math: Quick Fire Round
- Myth: “A machine is hot or cold.” Math: Results are random inside the set odds. Past spins do not tilt the next one.
- Myth: “Low edge means I will win tonight.” Math: Low edge cuts the cost to play; it does not fix short-term luck.
- Myth: “A system can beat roulette.” Math: No bet pattern changes the 0 or 00 on the wheel.
- Myth: “Dealers can change the odds.” Math: Rules and devices set odds. People at the table do not.
Bankroll, Variance and Session Reality
Edge tells you what you pay to play. Variance tells you how rough that ride can be. Even the best rules will not save a short stack from a bad run. Plan sessions, not dreams. Set a stop-loss, a win cap, and a time limit. Size bets so ten to twenty losses in a row will not wipe you out. If you want to see how swingy real revenue can look across a city, skim the Atlantic City game win data. The lines go up and down. Your night will too.
Safer Play and Resources
Play with money you can lose. Take breaks. Do not chase. If play feels less like fun and more like pressure, step back. For help and tools, visit safer gambling advice. Laws and support vary by country; follow your local rules.
Top 5 lower-edge plays beginners can look for
- Blackjack with S17, DAS, and late surrender (use a basic strategy card).
- European roulette (single zero), even-money bets with la partage/en prison.
- Craps Pass/Don’t Pass with maximum odds your bankroll allows.
- Baccarat Banker bet; avoid Tie and side bets.
- Video Poker 9/6 Jacks or Better with correct strategy.
FAQ That Actually Reduces Confusion
Is a low house edge always better?
Yes, in the long run. But variance still matters. A low-edge, high-volatility game can hit your bankroll hard on a bad run. Match game, edge, and variance to your budget.
Does RTP apply to my next spin?
No. RTP is a long-run average. Each spin is random inside that design. You can see 20 dry spins, then a big hit, and still be inside the same RTP.
What changes blackjack edge the most?
Rules (S17 vs H17, DAS, surrender), number of decks, and your strategy. Learn the basic chart. Avoid bad tables.
Are “systems” useful?
Systems can pace bets, but they do not change the edge. Use them to manage your mood, not to “beat” math.
Methodology & Editorial Notes
Data compiled from public rule sheets, regulator reports, and expert math sources. Numbers are rounded and for education, not advice. Check live rules before you play. Last reviewed: February 2026.
Author
Written by a gaming analyst with 10+ years of work in game math and rule audits. We disclose that we run independent guides and list only licensed operators where applicable.
Legal & Responsibility
This article is for education. Gambling carries risk. Follow local laws and play within your limits.
References (linked in text)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — house advantage
- UK Gambling Commission — RTP and luck
- Investopedia — volatility
- Nevada Gaming Control Board — hold percentages
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research — long-run stats
- Wizard of Odds — blackjack strategy and game math
- Pagat — baccarat rules and payouts
- American Gaming Association — how slot machines work
- VPFree2 — 9/6 Jacks or Better paytables
- Massachusetts State Lottery — keno odds example
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement — game win data