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. This is typically shown as a percentage figure. To illustrate, with a 2% house edge, the casino's expected long-term gain is $2 on every $100 wagered.

It's crucial to understand that this is a long-term average. In the short term, players can and do win significant amounts of money—that's the nature of gambling. Yet, the law of large numbers guarantees the casino will profit in the end.

Which Games Offer the Best Odds?
The house edge varies significantly from one game to another. Opting for low-edge games is a key strategy for any savvy player.

Game House Win % Key Points

Blackjack Under 1% This low edge is only achievable when using perfect basic strategy.

Baccarat Approximately 1.06% The Tie bet has a very high edge (~14%) and casino should be avoided.

Craps Around 1.4% Sticking to the fundamental bets is key.

Roulette (European) 2.70% The single zero on the wheel gives it a much lower edge than the American version.

Roulette (American) 5.26% This version offers much worse odds for the player.

Fruit Machines Highly variable Can have one of the highest house edges in the casino.

This knowledge allows you to manage your bankroll more effectively. It helps you choose the right games, manage your expectations, and ultimately, have more fun by making your money last longer.