When it comes to online games, particularly table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, one term every player should understand is house edge. It’s the built-in mathematical advantage that ensures the casino—whether physical or digital—makes a profit in the long run.
Understanding house edge is not about being discouraged from playing—it’s about becoming a smarter, more informed player. By knowing how house edge works in different games, you can choose your bets wisely, manage your bankroll better, and increase your chances of walking away a winner.
In this Spin 777 guide, we’ll break down what house edge means, how it’s calculated, the differences across table games, and strategies to minimize its impact when playing online games.
What Is House Edge?
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long term. For example, if a game has a 2% house edge, the casino expects to earn $2 for every $100 wagered—on average, over many plays.
It’s important to remember that the house edge is a long-term statistical measure. In the short run, luck can swing in your favor or against you. However, over thousands of bets, the math will favor the house.
How House Edge Is Calculated
House edge is based on:
Game Rules – Variations in rules (e.g., number of decks in blackjack) can change the house edge significantly.
Payout Ratios – How much the game pays for a win compared to the odds of that win happening.
Probability of Outcomes – The likelihood of each result based on game mechanics.
For example, in European roulette, there’s one zero, which gives a house edge of around 2.7%. In American roulette, with two zeros, the house edge jumps to about 5.26%.
House Edge in Popular Table Games
Blackjack
Average House Edge: 0.5% (with optimal strategy)
Why It’s Low: Skill and strategy matter; correct decisions can reduce the edge.
Tip: Learn basic strategy to minimize mistakes and lower the house’s advantage.
Roulette
European Roulette: ~2.7% house edge
American Roulette: ~5.26% house edge
Tip: Stick to European roulette if available in online games for better odds.
Baccarat
Banker Bet: ~1.06% house edge
Player Bet: ~1.24% house edge
Tie Bet: ~14.36% house edge (avoid this bet for better long-term results)
Craps
Pass Line Bet: ~1.41% house edge
Don’t Pass Bet: ~1.36% house edge
Proposition Bets: Can be as high as 16%—best avoided.
Poker Variants
In many online games, poker doesn’t have a house edge in the traditional sense, but rather a rake (a percentage taken from the pot).
Why House Edge Matters in Online Games
1. Long-Term Impact
Even a small difference in house edge can have a huge effect over time. A 1% difference might not sound like much, but over hundreds of bets, it can mean a significant amount of money saved or lost.
2. Game Selection
Choosing games with a lower house edge improves your chances of winning more often in the short term.
3. Bankroll Management
Understanding house edge helps set realistic expectations and prevents overbetting.
Common Myths About House Edge
Myth 1: House edge means you will always lose.
Reality: It’s a long-term average. Short-term winning streaks are always possible.
Myth 2: All bets in a game have the same house edge.
Reality: In games like craps or baccarat, different bets carry different house edges.
Myth 3: Skill doesn’t matter.
Reality: In games like blackjack and poker, skill can reduce the house’s advantage.
Reducing the House Edge
While you can’t eliminate the house edge entirely, you can minimize its impact in online games by:
Learning Game Strategy – Especially for blackjack and poker.
Avoiding High-Edge Bets – Like proposition bets in craps or tie bets in baccarat.
Playing European Roulette – Instead of American roulette.
Managing Your Bankroll – Set limits to avoid chasing losses.
House Edge vs. Return to Player (RTP)
Many online games list their RTP, which is the inverse of the house edge. For example:
House Edge: 2%
RTP: 98%
This means that over the long term, the game returns 98% of all wagers to players, keeping 2% for the house.
The Role of RNG and Fairness
In digital table games, Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure that each outcome is fair and random. House edge is built into the game’s rules, not into the RNG’s results. This distinction is important—RNG ensures unpredictability, while house edge ensures the casino’s statistical advantage.
Final Thoughts
House edge is not your enemy—it’s simply the mathematical reality that allows casinos to operate. By understanding it, you can make smarter choices in online games, play more strategically, and give yourself the best possible chance of winning.
The smartest players aren’t just lucky—they’re informed. If you choose games with a lower house edge, apply sound strategy, and manage your bankroll wisely, you can enjoy the thrill of table games while keeping the odds as favorable as possible.
Join the league of informed players who understand the numbers, choose their games wisely, and embrace the excitement of online games. The league is waiting—play smart, play fair, and play with confidence.
