Every casino game is designed so that, over enough bets, the casino comes out ahead. That built-in advantage is the house edge. Understanding it is the single best way to make smarter choices about which games to play and which bonuses are worth taking.
House edge in one sentence
The house edge is the average share of each bet that the casino keeps over the long run. It is the flip side of RTP: house edge = 100% − RTP.
Typical house edges
- Blackjack (basic strategy, good rules): about 0.5%. See blackjack basic strategy.
- Baccarat, banker bet: about 1.06%; player bet about 1.24%; tie bet over 14%.
- French roulette (La Partage, even bets): about 1.35%.
- European roulette: 2.70%. American roulette: 5.26%. See roulette odds.
- Online slots: usually 2–6%, depending on the game's RTP setting.
- Keno and scratch cards: often 10–30%.
What it means for your bankroll
Expected loss = total amount wagered × house edge. Betting €1 per spin for 500 spins on a 96% slot means €500 wagered and an expected loss of €20. The amount you wager, not the amount you deposit, drives the cost, which is why fast games and high stakes empty a balance quickly.
House edge and bonuses
Wagering requirements multiply the amount you must bet, and the house edge applies to every euro of it. That is why a big bonus with 40x wagering can be worth less than nothing, while a small no wagering bonus keeps its value. Use the wagering calculator to see the expected cost of any offer.
Can you beat the house edge?
Not with betting systems. Short-term luck can put you ahead, and skilled play reduces the edge in games like blackjack, but over time the maths favours the casino. Treat gambling as paid entertainment with a fixed budget.
18+. Gambling involves risk: only play with money you can afford to lose. If it stops being fun, read our responsible gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge?
The average percentage of each bet the casino keeps in the long run. A 3% house edge means that, on average, €3 of every €100 wagered is lost.
How is house edge related to RTP?
They are two sides of the same number: house edge = 100% − RTP. A slot with 96% RTP has a 4% house edge.
Which casino game has the lowest house edge?
Blackjack with basic strategy and good rules (around 0.5%), baccarat banker bets (about 1.06%) and some craps bets.
