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 casino house advantage), a term that every player should understand.
What is the House Edge?
In simple terms, the house edge is the casino's average profit from a player's bet. It is usually expressed as a percentage. A 2% house edge implies an average casino profit of $2 for every $100 bet.
This is not a guarantee of results in the short term, but a mathematical certainty over a massive sample size. Short-term variance allows for huge wins, which is the allure of the casino. However, over millions of bets, the casino's statistical advantage will always prevail.
Which Games Offer the Best Odds?
Not all casino games are created equal when it comes to the house advantage. 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.
Casino Game House Win % Important Information
Pontoon ~0.5% - 2% Player skill heavily influences the outcome.
Punto Banco Just over 1% The Tie bet has a very high edge (~14%) and should be avoided.
Craps (Pass/Don't Pass) ~1.4% Many of the proposition bets have a much higher house edge.
Roulette (European) 2.70% Always choose European over American roulette if possible.
Roulette (American) 5.26% This version offers much worse odds for the player.
Slot Machines 2% - 15% The edge is programmed into the game and is not always public knowledge.
This knowledge allows you to manage your bankroll more effectively. It guides you to better games, casino sets realistic expectations, and enhances your enjoyment by extending your playtime.