What is House Edge?
The mathematical advantage a casino has over players on any given game, expressed as a percentage of each bet. The complement of RTP. A game with 97% RTP has a 3% house edge.
In Depth: House Edge
The house edge is a long-run statistical average — it does not mean you lose 3% of every bet, but that across millions of bets, the casino retains approximately 3%.
House edge by game (approximate):
- Blackjack (basic strategy): 0.4–0.6%
- Video Poker (full-pay Jacks or Better): 0.5%
- Baccarat (banker bet): 1.06%
- European Roulette: 2.7%
- French Roulette (La Partage): 1.35%
- American Roulette: 5.26%
- Slots: 2–8% (varies widely)
- Keno: 20–40%
The house edge is how casinos maintain profitability without cheating. It is built into the mathematical structure of every game.
Related Terms
RNG (Random Number Generator)
The software algorithm that generates genuinely random outcomes for every spin, card draw, or dice roll at an online casino. All UKGC-licensed casinos must use independently certified RNGs to ensure games cannot be manipulated.
RTP (Return to Player)
The theoretical percentage of all wagered money a game pays back to players over an infinite number of rounds. A slot with 96% RTP returns £96 for every £100 wagered on average. The inverse of the house edge.
Basic Strategy (Blackjack)
A mathematically optimal set of decisions (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender) for every possible blackjack hand combination. Applied correctly, basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.4–0.6%.