Casino House Edge (The Basics) Explained

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Published: January 14, 2021
Updated: August 7, 2025

Taking part in betting and online casino gambling has become one of the most significant forms of entertainment.

For online casino players, the odds of winning are determined by fate and, of course, the house edge.

No matter which games you choose or what strategies you apply, there is always a house edge that comes into play, ensuring the casino doesn't lose.

Casino House Edge (The Basics) Explained — Read our guide to learn about house edge in details!

What is the house edge?

In essence, it's the advantage the casino has over the lifespan of every game and bet. While this is beneficial for the casino, it is also a good thing for players, as it enables them to use the knowledge to their advantage.

If you're just getting started with online gambling, then the term house edge might seem odd to you. This term refers to the mathematical advantage the casino has in every game. But you can use the house edge to check which games are more profitable in the long run.

House edge in different games

There are different types of casino games, and each of these games comes with an extra house edge. Some games have a house edge already set by the software providers, whereas others have a house edge formed by the individual casinos. While the house edge tends to vary, the games usually have a house edge ranging around the same percentage.

No matter what game you play or what casino you visit, you will stumble across a house edge.

Table Games

The games with the lowest house edge are Baccarat, Craps and Blackjack. The main reason is that these games have strategy-based gameplay that gives you a bit more of an advantage. With the correct strategy and skill, you can outsmart the casino and even turn around the house edge, especially with Blackjack.

Blackjack

For Blackjack, you can get a house edge as low as 0.5%; for Baccarat, the house edge can be anything between 1,01% and 15.75%, depending on the bets and game variants. For craps, you can get a house edge of between 0% and 16.67%.

Video Poker

Video poker is another popular game with a low house edge that has remained popular over the years. The game generally comes with a house edge of 0.46%, with the pay tables and side bets being the only thing that affects the house edge.

Online Slots

Online slots are trendy and can have a low or high house edge depending on the game or software provider. The house edge generally varies between 2% and 15%, with the house edge determined by the number of reels and paylines.

Some slots have varying house edge percentages that change based on additional bets or special buy features.

Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular games of chance that has been played for centuries. That being said, this game, in its many forms, has a relatively high house edge ranging from 5.26% to 7.89%.

The percentage is determined by the number of zeros on the table; in essence, the more zeros there are on the table, the higher the house edge.

Explore these games with low house edge:

Blackjack Games Learn more

Baccarat Games Learn more

Craps Games Learn more

Roulette Games Learn more

Is it possible to bring down the house edge?

Many believe you can outsmart the house, but the reality is that you can't.

Online casino games are there for fun and not created with winning as the primary goal. No matter how many strategies you learn or how good you are at the games, there's no way of guaranteeing a win.

Many gambling enthusiasts try to find ways to bring down the house edge to increase their winning chances.

Tips to reduce the house edge

The only way to really 'cheat the system' and bring down the house edge with games such as Blackjack is by knowing the game rules and having an essential strategy in place. Once you have this, you can start honing your skills and add better methods. The same applies to craps and roulette.
Always know the game rules, find a strategy and make peace with the house edge in place.
The most important thing is to have a proper bankroll management strategy in place. It's vital not to lose control or chase your losses. Many successful players can tell you it's one of the biggest and easiest mistakes to make. With the right bankroll and gaming strategy, you can make the best decisions and reduce the house edge in the long run.

Online casino games have become so popular because they are determined by luck. For humans, it's these lucky wins that become so alluring. If we're honest, it wouldn't be so thrilling to decide on the outcome.

What are the best low house edge casinos?

Online casinos don't determine the house edge, but some provide you with games with the lowest house edge. Such are Casumo Casino and Videoslots Casino.

On top of that, these casinos generally have bonuses and promotions or loyalty programs that even the odds and lessen the house edge.

Casumo Casino

Casumo Casino is one of the top online casinos that offer the best in games and rewards. If you're looking to bring down the edge, then Casumo is the space for you. This online casino has a wide variety of games and spectacular bonus promotions available.

It offers a fun way to level up and cash in on rewards throughout your gaming experience with gamification. The gamified loyalty program, welcome offer and other promotional tips ensure that players enjoy a lower house edge.

The casino runs smoothly across all desktop, tablet and mobile devices and has received various rewards for being a top online casino. It offers the best slots and table games from software providers such as:

NetEnt
Microgaming
Play'n GO
Evolution

Videoslots Casino

With over 4,000 games, Videoslots Casino is a top choice for many online casino players. Established in 2011, the casino operator gives a great choice of games, bonuses, and devices to play at.

It is considered a top online casino that offers players great promotions that knock the house's edge. The casino is fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC and the MGA.

The Return to Player Percentage (RTP)

You'll notice that most casino games tend to give the RTP rather than the house edge. The RTP is the return to player percentage. This is the overall percentage of wins the game has awarded over its entire life span. Think of it as the balancing scale of the house edge.

How can the RTP work in my favour?

Always look for games with the best RTP and low volatility, as these can award the most exciting wins. The game's volatility is the risk level you have of losing your bet and the odds of how much you stand to win in the long run.
Always choose games that will suit your bankroll and your needs. Don't push for high volatility games if your bankroll doesn't allow for it.

The Return to Play percentage affects the game volatility, especially with slot games. So, you will note that high volatility slot games have lower RTP percentages. These games award wins less frequently but at higher amounts.

Thus, with slot games, high volatility games will be riskier as they payout less frequently but award more significant wins. Where low volatility games payout often, but in smaller amounts. The intense volatility games will be lower risk and better for your bankroll in the long run.

Responsible gambling

You will note that more and more online casinos dedicate efforts to incorporating tools and resources for responsible gambling. This is to help you get the best online casino experience without losing touch with reality.

It's easy to chase your losses or hunt bigger wins once you strike a jackpot, but with these tools in place, you can remain in control at all times. Don't fall into the trap of 'just one more' instead of quitting while ahead to avoid any debt or possible gambling problems.

Always play responsibly and keep your gaming a source of entertainment instead of becoming an addiction or a problem.