Rafaela Bergeron

Rafaela Bergeron @ rafaelabergero Member Since: 23 Jul 2025

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Understanding House Edge and RTP in Casino Games

The Mathematical Advantage of the Casino


It's a well-known saying that "the house always wins". But what is this "edge" exactly? Grasping the house edge and RTP is crucial for anyone who wants to gamble intelligently.



What is the House Edge?


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



What is Return to Player (RTP)?


Return to Player (RTP) is essentially the flip side of the house edge. It's the theoretical percentage of wagers that a game will pay out. A 96% RTP means a 4% house edge (100% - 96% = 4%).


The RTP percentage is a key piece of information for casino slot players.



A Comparative Look


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


Game TypeAverage EdgeImportant Details
BlackjackLess than 1%This low edge is only achievable when playing with perfect basic strategy. Poor decisions increase the edge significantly.
Baccarat~1.06% (on Banker bet)Avoid the Tie bet at all costs.
European Roulette2.7%The single zero gives it a much lower house edge than its American counterpart.
American RouletteOver 5%The '0' and '00' pockets give the house a much larger advantage.
SlotsVaries widelyThe RTP can vary massively between different slot games. A good online slot typically has an RTP of 96% or casino higher.


The Takeaway


You can use these numbers to your advantage. You can't beat the math, but you can select the most favorable conditions. This gives you the best statistical chance of walking away a winner and ensures you get the most entertainment value for your money.

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