The Mathematical Advantage of the Casino
We’ve all heard the phrase “the house has the edge”. But what is this “edge” exactly? These two concepts are the most important numbers in gambling.

What is the House Edge?
In simple terms, casino the house edge is the long-term average profit the casino makes from a player’s wager. A 2% edge means the casino will, casino on average, casino retain 2% of all money wagered. Short-term results are random, but over time, the math favors the house.

What is Return to Player (RTP)?
It’s the same concept but viewed from the player’s side. RTP tells you what portion of the total bets a game is programmed to return to its players in the long run. A 96% RTP means a 4% house edge (100% - 96% = 4%).

RTP is most commonly used for slot machines, and you can often find this information within the game’s help or information screen.

A Comparative Look
Different casino games have vastly different odds for the player. Smart players gravitate towards games with a low house edge.

Game Type Typical House Edge Notes

Blackjack Less than 1% Your skill directly impacts the house edge.

Baccarat Around 1.2% The Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino. The Tie bet has a very high edge (~14%).

European Roulette 2.7% The single zero gives it a much lower house edge than its American counterpart.

American Roulette Over 5% The ‘0’ and ‘00’ pockets give the house a much larger advantage.

Slots 2% - 10% (90-98% RTP) Look for games with an RTP above 96% for better value.

Playing Smarter
You can use these numbers to your advantage. Your goal should be to play games with the lowest possible house edge. This gives you the best statistical chance of walking away a winner and ensures you get the most entertainment value for casino your money.