Casino House Edge Comparison: Which Games Give Best Odds?

Blackjack with basic strategy, baccarat banker bets, craps pass line bets and full-pay video poker have some of the lowest house edges in the casino, often around 0.5 to 1.5 percent. American roulette, keno and many slots have much higher edges, which means your money typically disappears faster.

Every casino game is built so the house wins over the long run. The question is how much. Understanding the house edge helps you choose games that stretch your bankroll and avoid bets that look exciting but carry high costs. This guide compares popular games, explains what drives the edge and shows how to choose games at online and land-based casinos.

What Is the House Edge?

The house edge is the average percentage of each wager the casino expects to keep over time. If a game has a 2 percent edge, the casino expects to keep about $2 for every $100 wagered. It does not mean you will lose $2 on every $100. Short-term results vary widely, and you can easily win or lose more.

A related concept is return to player, or RTP, which is simply 100 percent minus the house edge. A slot with a 96 percent RTP has a 4 percent house edge. For a deeper look at how volatility changes your experience, see our casino strategy guide.

House Edge by Game

The numbers below are approximate and depend on specific rules and pay tables. Always check the rules at your casino.

Blackjack

With basic strategy and typical rules, the house edge in blackjack can be around 0.5 percent or lower. Rule changes alter that figure. For example, paying 6-to-5 instead of 3-to-2 on a natural blackjack raises the edge significantly, so avoid 6-to-5 tables. Other factors include the number of decks, whether the dealer hits soft 17 and whether you can double after splitting.

Baccarat

Baccarat has one of the lowest edges among table games if you bet correctly. The banker bet carries an edge of about 1.06 percent after the usual commission, and the player bet is about 1.24 percent. The tie bet, by contrast, has a very high edge, often exceeding 14 percent, and should generally be avoided.

Craps

Craps offers some of the best odds in the casino if you stick to the right bets. The pass line and don't pass line have edges of about 1.41 and 1.36 percent. Taking free odds behind those bets has no house edge, which lowers the overall cost. Many proposition bets in the center of the table have edges of 9 percent or more.

Roulette

European roulette, with a single zero, has a house edge of about 2.7 percent. American roulette, with a double zero, has an edge of about 5.26 percent on most bets. The five-number bet on American wheels is even worse. If you have a choice, always choose the single-zero wheel.

Video Poker

Video poker can be excellent if you find the right pay table and play optimal strategy. Full-pay Jacks or Better, often called 9/6, has a return near 99.5 percent, but many casinos offer lower-paying versions with worse returns. The difference between pay tables is large, so check the paytable before you sit down.

Slots

Slots vary widely. Return to player may range from the low 90s to the high 90s, depending on the game, casino and jurisdiction. Online slots frequently publish RTP figures, while land-based slots may not. High-volatility slots produce large swings, while low-volatility games pay smaller wins more often.

Keno and Other High-Edge Games

Keno, many side bets and some specialty games have house edges well above 10 percent. These games can be entertaining, but they are expensive.

Comparing Common Games

Here is a rough ranking of typical house edges, from lowest to highest:

• Craps pass line with odds: Below 1 percent overall when taking free odds
• Blackjack with basic strategy: Around 0.5 to 1 percent depending on rules
• Baccarat banker bet: About 1.06 percent
• Video poker, full-pay: Around 0.5 percent or lower with optimal play
• European roulette: About 2.7 percent
• American roulette: About 5.26 percent
• Slots: Often 2 to 10 percent, depending on the game
• Keno: Often 25 percent or more

These figures show why game choice matters more than superstition. Selecting a lower-edge game does not make you a winner, but it can lengthen your play and reduce your expected losses.

How Rules and Variants Change the Edge

Small rule changes can affect the edge dramatically. Check for:

• Blackjack payout. 3-to-2 is standard. 6-to-5 is much worse.
• Number of zeros on the roulette wheel. One zero is better than two.
• Video poker paytable. Compare the payouts for full houses and flushes.
• Side bets. Most side bets carry larger edges than the main game.
• Commission and tie rules in baccarat. Make sure you know what you are paying.

Online casinos often let you view rules and RTP in the game information screen. Take a minute to read it. You can compare licensed operators in our list of best online casinos.

Bonuses and the House Edge

Bonuses change the math, but not always in your favor. Wagering requirements and game weighting determine how much of your play counts toward clearing a bonus. Table games with low house edges often contribute little or nothing toward wagering requirements, while slots contribute fully. Always read the terms before you accept an offer. Our guide to the best casino bonuses explains how to evaluate them.

Using House Edge in Your Strategy

Knowing the house edge helps you plan, but it does not guarantee results. Use it with these practical steps:

• Choose the lowest-edge version of your favorite game.
• Learn basic strategy for blackjack and video poker.
• Avoid side bets unless you are playing for fun with a small budget.
• Set a loss limit and stop when you reach it.
• Remember variance. Short sessions can go either way.

If you prefer to play with a live host, compare options on our page for the best live dealer casinos.

Play Responsibly

Casino games are entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit limits, take breaks and never gamble with money you need for bills. Licensed operators provide tools to help you control your play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which casino game has the lowest house edge?

Blackjack with basic strategy, craps pass line bets with free odds and some video poker games have the lowest edges. Exact numbers depend on the rules and paytable.

Is American or European roulette better?

European roulette is better because it has one zero, which cuts the house edge roughly in half compared with the double-zero American wheel.

Does a lower house edge mean I will win?

No. A lower edge means smaller expected losses over time, but outcomes in the short term are random and you can still lose.

Are online casino games fair?

Licensed operators use certified random number generators and are audited by regulators. Always play at a licensed site in your state.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The house edge is the single most important number in casino gambling. Choosing games with a low edge, learning the rules and sticking to a budget will not guarantee winnings, but they can help you get more value from your entertainment dollars.

Ready to put this into practice? Browse our top online casinos and pick a game that fits your goals.