If you play long enough, the math always shows up.
Every casino game is built around a small statistical advantage for the house. That edge is not a trick. It is simply how casinos stay in business. Some games keep a very small margin. Others take a much larger cut. Understanding the difference changes how you play, how long your bankroll lasts, and what kind of experience you should expect.
This guide breaks down house edge by game type in plain terms. No hype. No scare tactics. Just the numbers and what they mean for real players.
Below is a quick-reference table that shows the typical house edge range for major casino game categories. Use it as a snapshot before diving deeper into each section.
| Game Type | Typical House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (Basic Strategy) | 0.3%-0.5% | Requires correct strategy and favorable rules (3:2 payout). |
| Baccarat (Banker Bet) | ~1.06% | One of the lowest fixed edges; avoid the Tie bet. |
| Baccarat (Player Bet) | ~1.24% | Slightly higher than Banker but still strong odds. |
| Craps (Pass Line / Come) | ~1.4% | Taking odds reduces effective edge further. |
| Video Poker (Full-Pay) | 0.4%-1% | Depends heavily on pay table and perfect play. |
| European Roulette (Single Zero) | 2.7% | Much better than American version. |
| American Roulette (Double Zero) | 5.26% | Extra zero nearly doubles the edge. |
| Online Slots (Average) | 3%-6% | RTP varies widely; check game details. |
| Live Dealer Variants | 0.5%-6% | Depends on rules (watch for 6:5 blackjack). |
| Scratch Cards | 5%-15% | Simple but higher long-term cost. |
| Keno | 20%-40% | One of the highest house edges in the casino. |
This table highlights a clear pattern: strategy-driven table games tend to offer the lowest house edge, while fast-play novelty games usually carry the highest cost over time.
House edge is the percentage of each wager the casino expects to keep over time.
If a game has a 1% house edge, the casino expects to keep about $1 for every $100 wagered in the long run. That does not mean you lose $1 every $100 you bet. You might win big in the short term. But across thousands of bets, the math trends toward that percentage.
House edge is the opposite of RTP (Return to Player). If a slot has a 96% RTP, it has a 4% house edge.
The lower the house edge, the longer your bankroll usually lasts.
Blackjack is often the lowest-edge game in the casino — but only if you use basic strategy.
In favorable rule sets:
The difference is massive. Blackjack rewards disciplined players who:
If you want the most time for your money, blackjack is usually the strongest choice, offering one of the best odds in the casino — but only for informed players.
Baccarat looks intimidating, but it is one of the simplest games in the casino.
If you stick to the two main wagers:
The tie bet, however, jumps to 14% or higher. That is a completely different game from a math perspective.
Baccarat does not require strategy decisions once you choose Banker or Player. That simplicity keeps mistakes to a minimum.
Bottom line: Bet Banker or Player only. Ignore Tie. Baccarat is one of the cleanest low-edge options available.
Roulette’s house edge depends entirely on the wheel version.
That extra zero nearly doubles the casino’s advantage.
The betting layout does not change the house edge. Inside bets and outside bets all carry the same mathematical disadvantage. The only difference is volatility.
If you see a single-zero wheel, your money goes further.
Craps has some excellent bets buried among terrible ones.
The smart bets:
The risky bets:
The layout looks chaotic, but disciplined craps players stick to a small cluster of bets with low edge.
Video poker sits in a unique category. The house edge depends on both the pay table and your decisions.
For example:
Unlike slots, your choices matter. Playing incorrectly increases the house edge. Playing optimally reduces it dramatically.
Video poker rewards players who:
Video poker can rival blackjack in odds — if you know what you are doing.
Slots vary more than any other category. Typical RTP range is 94% to 97% (3%-6% house edge), and high-volatility slots can feel harsher in short sessions. Unlike table games, there is no strategy to reduce the edge. Your only control is selecting higher RTP titles.
Many modern online slots publish RTP percentages. Look for games at 96% or higher if you want better value.
Progressive jackpot slots often have lower base RTP because part of the wager funds the jackpot pool.
Overall, slots are simple and entertaining, but they usually carry higher house edges than skill-based table games.
Live dealer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat generally mirror their standard counterparts.
However, some live blackjack tables pay 6:5 instead of 3:2 (which increases house edge significantly), side bets are often emphasized, and minimums are higher. The immersive experience comes at a small cost in many cases.
Just be sure to check the payout rules before you assume the edge matches standard versions.
Crash games, keno, scratch cards, and similar formats often carry higher edges.
Examples:
These games are built for speed and excitement, not optimal math.
That does not make them bad. It simply means you should treat them as short-session entertainment. Expect higher variance and often higher house edges.
Here is a simplified hierarchy from lowest to highest typical house edge:
Lowest (Under 1%)
Low (1%-2%)
Moderate (2%-5%)
Higher (5%-10%)
Very High (10%+)
This ranking alone can reshape how you approach your sessions.
Many players focus on bonuses, jackpots, or visuals. Very few look at house edge. But house edge determines:
Two games may feel equally entertaining. One may give you double the playing time for the same budget.
Understanding house edge does not remove the risk of gambling. It simply makes you a more informed participant.
Instead of asking, “What game pays the most?” ask these four questions:
There is no universal “best” game. There is only the best fit for your goals.
♠️ If you want maximum playtime, stick with low-edge games.
🎰 If you want volatility and jackpot potential, accept the higher edge.
⚖️ If you want balance, mix formats carefully.
The math never disappears. But understanding it gives you control over how you engage with it. And in a space built on probability, informed decisions are the closest thing to an advantage a player can get.