The Mathematical Advantage of the Casino
It's a well-known saying that "the house always wins". But what does this actually mean? These two concepts are the most important numbers in gambling.
The House Advantage
The house edge is the percentage of a player's original bet that the casino expects to win, on average, over the long term. If the house edge is 2%, the casino's theoretical average earning from $100 in bets is $2. Short-term results are random, but over time, the math favors the house.
Understanding 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. If a slot's RTP is 96%, it means for every $100 wagered, casino it will theoretically return $96 to the player pool over its lifetime.
The RTP percentage is a key piece of information for slot players.
How Games Stack Up
The house edge and RTP can vary significantly from one game to another. Smart players gravitate towards games with a low house edge.
Game Typical House Edge Important Details
Blackjack ~0.5% - 2% This low edge is only achievable when playing with perfect basic strategy. Poor decisions increase the edge significantly.
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 Exactly 2.7% The one green '0' pocket is the source of the edge.
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
Understanding house edge and casino RTP empowers you to make informed choices. While you can't eliminate the house edge, you can choose games and strategies that minimize it. This gives you the best statistical chance of walking away a winner and casino ensures you get the most entertainment value for your money.