Learn how casinos make money and how to minimize their advantage
House edge is the mathematical advantage that casinos have over players in every game. It's expressed as a percentage and represents the average amount the casino expects to win from each bet over time. For example, a 5% house edge means the casino expects to keep $5 from every $100 wagered in the long run.
The house edge is built into the rules and payouts of every casino game. It ensures that while players may win in the short term, the casino will always profit over thousands or millions of bets.
In American roulette, there are 38 numbers (1-36, plus 0 and 00). If you bet on a single number:
Different casino games have different house edges. Here's how popular games compare:
Understanding house edge helps you make informed decisions about which games to play and how to play them:
While you can't eliminate the house edge, you can minimize it through smart play:
Blackjack offers the lowest house edge when played with perfect basic strategy:
Each spin, hand, or roll is independent. Past results don't influence future outcomes. The house edge remains constant regardless of recent wins or losses.
This is the gambler's fallacy. If you've lost several bets in a row, you're not "due" for a win. Each bet still has the same house edge.
No betting system can overcome the house edge. Systems like Martingale may seem to work short-term but will fail over time and can lead to catastrophic losses.
Use your knowledge of house edge to make better gambling decisions:
House edge is a fundamental concept that every gambler should understand. While it means the casino will always have a mathematical advantage, you can minimize this advantage through smart game selection and optimal strategy. Remember that gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to make money.