Casino House Edge Calculator
Pick a game, enter your average bet and how many rounds you plan to play, and see the exact house edge, your total wagered and your real expected loss. The number the casino would rather you never work out.
Most online slots list an RTP of 94–97%. House edge = 100% − RTP.
Expected loss is a long-run statistical average, not a prediction of any single session. Real results swing widely either way — you can win, but the maths always favours the house over time. Only ever play with money you can afford to lose. Responsible gambling →
House edge by casino game
A quick reference for the games you'll actually find at online casinos, ordered from most to least player-friendly. Lower is better for you.
| Game | House edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.5% | Depends on rules; assumes 3:2 blackjack and basic strategy. |
| Video Poker (9/6 Jacks or Better, optimal) | 0.46% | Only with perfect play on a full-pay machine. |
| Baccarat — Banker | 1.06% | The single best bet at the baccarat table. |
| Craps — Pass / Don't Pass | 1.4% | Line bets; taking odds lowers the effective edge further. |
| Baccarat — Player | 1.24% | Slightly worse than Banker but close. |
| French Roulette (even-money, la partage) | 1.35% | Half your stake returned on zero for even-money bets. |
| European Roulette (single zero) | 2.70% | One green zero. |
| American Roulette (double zero) | 5.26% | The extra 00 nearly doubles the edge — avoid where possible. |
| Online Slots (typical) | 2%–10% | Equal to 100% minus the game's RTP; most sit around 4%. |
| Baccarat — Tie | 14.4% | A sucker bet despite the tempting payout. |
| Keno | 20%–35% | One of the worst bets in the building. |
Figures assume optimal or basic-strategy play where relevant and standard rule sets. Individual tables and machines vary, so always check the specific rules and RTP before you play.
What the house edge actually means
Every casino game is built so that, over enough play, it returns a profit to the operator. The house edge is that built-in margin, expressed as a percentage of every bet. It isn't a fee taken up front — it's baked into the odds and payouts, so it applies quietly to every wager you make.
The key thing most players miss is that the edge applies to total amount wagered, not to your deposit. If you deposit $100 and bet it through twenty times, you've wagered $2,000 — and the edge is charged on that larger figure. That's why grinding a low bankroll through hundreds of spins can still cost more than the balance you started with.
Lower-edge games (blackjack, video poker, baccarat) give your money the longest life and the best shot at walking away ahead in the short term. Higher-edge games (double-zero roulette, keno, side bets) chew through a bankroll far faster. None of them are beatable in the long run without an advantage-play edge — but knowing the numbers lets you choose games that treat your bankroll with more respect.
House edge FAQ
What is the house edge?
The house edge is the average percentage of every bet the casino expects to keep over the long run. A 2.7% edge means that, on average, the casino keeps about $2.70 of every $100 wagered — though any single session can swing well above or below that.
Which casino game has the lowest house edge?
Blackjack with basic strategy (around 0.5%) and full-pay video poker played optimally (around 0.46%) have the lowest edges. Baccarat's Banker bet (1.06%) and craps line bets (about 1.4%) are also player-friendly.
How is expected loss calculated?
Expected loss = total amount wagered × house edge. Total amount wagered is your average bet multiplied by the number of rounds you play — not just your starting bankroll, because you re-bet winnings as you go.
Does a low house edge mean I'll win?
No. The house edge is a long-run statistical average, not a prediction of your session. Variance means you can win or lose far more than the expected figure in the short term. Over enough play, results trend toward the house edge — which is always in the casino's favour.
How do slots fit in?
A slot's house edge is simply 100% minus its RTP (return to player). A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge. Select 'Online Slots' in the calculator and enter the RTP to see your expected loss.